Moderated vs Unmoderated Caucus — When to Use Which

The choice between a moderated and unmoderated caucus is the most underused strategic lever in MUN. Most delegates motion for whichever the chair last refused. The good ones use the choice to control tempo.

Moderated Caucus

Use when you want to lock in a topic. Speakers list controlled by the chair, fixed speaking time. Best for forcing the room to confront a specific sub-issue you want on record.

Unmoderated Caucus

Use when you need to negotiate, lobby, or build a bloc. Free movement, free conversation. The actual diplomacy happens here. Most working papers are written in unmod.

Strategic Sequencing

A common pattern: 15-minute unmod to draft, followed by a 10-minute mod on "the merits of the proposed framework," followed by another unmod to amend. Three motions, one strategic arc.