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Crisis Committees

Khanflict - The Great Kurultai of the Mongol Empire, 1290

Collapse of the Pax Mongolica and the struggle to control Eurasian trade.

For most of the 13th century, the empire founded by Genghis Khan controlled a majority of Eurasia, a period often referred to as the Pax Mongolica. During this time, trade flourished along the Silk Roads, allowing merchants to travel relatively safely from China to the Mediterranean. Taxes were often standardized across routes, and cultural exchange expanded across regions and civilizations. However, by the late 13th century (1270–1290), the empire had begun to fragment into rival states. Stability was weakening as competing khans fought for legitimacy. As a result, the question arises: which of the main Mongol successor states will dominate the future of Eurasia? Will it be the Yuan Dynasty in China, the Ilkhanate in Iran and the Middle East, the Chagatai Khanate in Central Asia, or the Golden Horde in the western steppe? Delegates will step into the roles of leaders, merchants, and power brokers across Eurasia, competing to restore stability and reestablish control over the Silk Roads.

If you have questions, please contact Will Greer at crisis@ssuns.org.

Committee room with placards and dais

Track

Crisis Committees

Level

Regular

Difficulty

Regular

Resources

Committee resources will be added here as they are released.

Background Guide

Background guides will be released closer to the conference.