Debate Briefs

In the status quo, in order for any country to apply to be a part of the European Union, they must apply under Article 49 of the Treaty of the European Union. The United Kingdom is no exception despite its former member status. Even if fiat of the resolution guarantees UK membership in the European Union, it does not guarantee UK access to the rebates and opt-outs they’ve had before; in fact, as a new member state, the UK would have no such privileges, needing the approval of all 27 current member states in order to regain them.

There are few debate resolutions throughout the year that see as much confused Google searches, agitated gripes, and makeshift blockfiles thrown together the night before a tournament as the season opener. This year, to kick off the 2025-2026 season, the chosen LD topic was “Resolved: In the United States criminal justice system, plea bargaining is just.”

With many resolutional affirmatives either aiming to deter or cooperate with Russia, Russian military actions almost always provide (non)uniqueness or demonstrate harms of United States federal inaction. The Kingdom of Denmark, an Arctic state as recognized by the Arctic Council, has reported on October 3rd, 2025, that Russian warships and drones have entered Danish air and naval space. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has remarked that a European “hybrid war” has started, warning that the current situation is as dangerous as World War II. The Danish Defence Intelligence Service has defined “hybrid war” as political/economic/informational/military pressure to undermine other states without being deemed armed conflict.