JCC: Border of Blood: The Medellín-Cali Cartel Conflict, 1980 - 1994

About the Committee:

Welcome to the early 1980s, where a dangerous power struggle is unfolding in the United States and Colombia. The Medellín and Cali cartels, former allies in the flourishing cocaine trade, have turned bitter rivals as tensions rise and both cartels fight for control of the lucrative drug territories in the United States. However, the stakes are higher than just the drug trade, as government forces and the DEA are closing in, threatening to dismantle the empires that they’ve spent years building. As cartel leaders, law enforcement officers, and government officials, delegates in this committee will navigate a turbulent landscape of shifting alliances and deadly confrontations. Territory, wealth, and survival are on the line. Who will control the flow of drugs into the United States? Who will thrive in this dangerous game of power? And when the DEA moves in for the kill, will the cartels choose to fight or forge new alliances? Delegates must be prepared for anything. No decision is too small, and no alliances are guaranteed to last. The war for power is ruthless—will your cartel emerge victorious, or will you be buried in the wake of defeat?

A LETTER FROM THE DaiS:

Delegates, 

My name is Caitlin McMillan, and I am so excited to be one of your co-directors for JCC: Border of Blood: The Medellín-Cali Cartel Conflict, 1980 - 1994 this year! I am a sophomore here at the University of Michigan in the college of Literature, Science, and Arts studying international studies and environmental science. Aside from MUNUM, I am on the University’s competitive Model UN team, Michigan Institute for Progressive Policy, Program in the Environment, and a member of the Delta Gamma sorority! Outside of school, I like to travel, read, play guitar, hike, paint and spend all of my money on clothes. MUNUM XXXIX is going to be a blast and I hope you're all excited! Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns!

My name is Reese Bower, and I am pumped to be one of your co-directors this year! I am a Sophomore studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) and Spanish here at Michigan. Outside of MUNUM, I am involved in the University’s competitive Model UN team BlueMUN, student-led consulting club MEG, and the Michigan backpacking club. Outside of school, I love to thrift, read, listen to music, do anything outdoors, and buy coffee—if you need Ann Arbor coffee shop recommendations, let me know! Model UN has given an appreciation for not only politics but also the creativity that problem solving requires. I’m excited to see how you guys tackle these problems and bring the committee to life!

Hi delegates! My name is Madeleine Brugman, and I am also so excited to be one of your co-directors. I am a sophomore at Michigan (I transferred here last year - if you have questions about that process, feel free to reach out!), majoring in Data Science and Public Policy. I also study German through the Residential College! Like Caitlin, Reese, and Aryan, I’m a member of BlueMUN. In my free time, I love anything to do with music, but mainly I love record collecting, playing the piano, and going to concerts. I can’t wait to see how you all navigate through the trials and tribulations of this committee, and I’m confident you’ll do great things. We’re delighted to have you here!

Hello delegates, my name is Aaryan Prabhu and I will be one of your co directors for this committee. I am a Sophomore studying Aerospace Engineering and Materials Science at the College of Engineering here at Michigan. Along with MUNUM, I am also involved in the school’s competitive MUN team BlueMUN if you are sensing a trend, MFly, an aerospace project team, Sigma Gamma Tau, an aerospace honors org, and AIAA, a professional development club for aerospace engineering. Alongside that I am involved in campus band playing the clarinet and Michigan’s fencing club. With my free time I enjoy taking a walk, playing video games, listening to music, and watching a ton of shows (currently on Suits). I’m so excited for you all to experience the committee we created, and hope you are too. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. Good luck!

Hey there, I’m Carter Orlando, your Assistant Director for JCC: Border of Blood! I’m a Junior studying at the Ross School of Business and minoring in Asian Language and Culture, specifically Chinese. This is my third year with MUNUM (all in JCC), directing my own committee last year. Outside of MUNUM I am part of the Michigan Marching Band and our competitive color guard team, the Michigan Winter Ensemble, which takes up most of my free time. When I’m not practicing I love to spend my time cooking, diving into a book, or playing video games. I’m excited to see you all and hope you are pumped and ready for MUNUM. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me, I am always here to help you. Excited for some JCC fun!

If you have questions about the committee or otherwise, we are available at aaryanpr@umich.edu mcaitl@umich.edu, brugmanm@umich.edu, reesebow@umich.edu, and cartero@umich.edu

Best,

Caitlin, Reese, Madeleine, Aaryan, and Carter, Co-Directors and Assistant Director of the Medellín-Cali Cartel Conflict