Current affairs topics for OASC?

[supergirl]

Hi, I'm just trying to pick my world affairs topics for my OASC interview this month.

I thought I would mention:
1. Afghan
2. Iraq
3. Sudan
4. Russia/Georgia

There the ones I'm fairly confident on. I was also thinking about mentioning nuclear proliferation and Iran/N.Korea and America's anti-missile technology they want to put in poland/CR etc?

But I don't know what else to mention? I was thinking about choosing a second African country such as Zimbabwe's economy and powersharing deal.

I would like to pic a topic in each continent and would like to talk about something in the Americas. I don't want to talk about the presidential elections as I haven't been following it and I have no opinion on the matter. I don't think natural diasters (hurricane Gustav) counts according to the rules, so I was wondering if there is anything big that has happened in Latin America in the last 12 months?

A few people mentioned Venezuela in their previous posts? Is this in relation to Chavez wanting a socialist state with nationalisation? or was there a big crisis that I missed? I read that there was a bit of tension with colombia?

Any advice would be welcomed

 

[Martin Blank]

A few years ago when I went for Aircrew they weren't interested in the usual headline information, anyone know's about in news items.
They want to know what you know about behind the news items that aren't getting as much publicity.
There's a site on the internet which lists current global conflicts pick something off there not major headlining but which may effect wider world events. Sorry can't remember what it's called havent used it in 9 years.

If your going to do something about the Russian states try doing more about the background leading up to the events not headline grabbers.

Try to think outside the obvious box as everyone will be doing the same topics.

 

[penfold93]

Totally agree with MB try looking outside the 'mainstream news'

China human rights (Tibet) also relationship with Venezuela
India/Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Bolivia's and nigerias relationship with Iran.

Yes you should know about Afghan/Iraq/Zimbabwe etc but these are reported on on 'Newsround'. Pick something a little different this shows you read the news not just the headlines

 

[supergirl]

As an example then, could you would talk about Russia being unhappy with the former Soviet States becoming Westernised and enteirng NATO etc, and Russia wanting to oust the Georgian president?

 

[supergirl]

Totally agree with MB try looking outside the 'mainstream news'

China human rights (Tibet) also relationship with Venezuela
India/Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Bolivia's and nigerias relationship with Iran.

Yes you should know about Afghan/Iraq/Zimbabwe etc but these are reported on on 'Newsround'. Pick something a little different this shows you read the news not just the headlines

Ok, thanks - I will do a search on the BBC and have a look at these. Plus I have a Sri Lankan friend so hoepfully I can pick her brains.

 

[True Blue Jack]

SG, I'm going through the same process at the moment. As part of my preparation I subjected myself to a current affairs/service knowledge interrogation by the Stn Int O last week, after which I am feeling much more confident.

My chosen (worldwide) topics are:

1. Lisbon Treaty/Irish Referendum
2. Zimbabwe Elections
3. Iran's Nuclear Programme
4. Russia v Georgia
5. Colombia and the decapitation of FARC

So not really very different from yours and I know one of the things they look for is geographical diversity, i.e, don't focus on one continent. The advice I've been given is to look for links between stories, so compare the recent Russia/Georgia conflict over South Ossetia to the declaration of independence by Kosovo, for example.

Be able to explain why a topic has interested you, they may ask.

And remember, current affairs and service knowledge make up no more than 15 minutes of the 4-day selection process.

When do you go to OASC?

 

[supergirl]

SG, I'm going through the same process at the moment. As part of my preparation I subjected myself to a current affairs/service knowledge interrogation by the Stn Int O last week, after which I am feeling much more confident.

My chosen (worldwide) topics are:

1. Lisbon Treaty/Irish Referendum
2. Zimbabwe Elections
3. Iran's Nuclear Programme
4. Russia v Georgia
5. Colombia and the decapitation of FARC

So not really very different from yours and I know one of the things they look for is geographical diversity, i.e, don't focus on one continent. The advice I've been given is to look for links between stories, so compare the recent Russia/Georgia conflict over South Ossetia to the declaration of independence by Kosovo, for example.

Be able to explain why a topic has interested you, they may ask.

And remember, current affairs and service knowledge make up no more than 15 minutes of the 4-day selection process.

When do you go to OASC?

Thanks for the info. I've read about Russia not agreeing to Kosovo independence and I guess in their eyes it's no different from S.Ossettia and Abkhazia becoming independent.

I wasn't sure if I could link them and drift from one to the other but obvioulsy you can - so thanks for the info.

 

[True Blue Jack]

Thanks for the info. I've read about Russia not agreeing to Kosovo independence and I guess in their eyes it's no different from S.Obsettia and Abkhazia becoming independent.

I wasn't sure if I could link them and drift from one to the other but obvioulsy you can - so thanks for the info.

I think what they are looking for is not so much someone who can absorb a lot of facts and figures but someone who can process information and understand its relevance. For example, what difference does it make to us if Robert Mugabe stays in power?

Bear in mind that I am in the same boat as you. I can tell you how I am preparing and some of the advice I have received but until I get through OASC I can't guarantee that what I am saying is any use!

 

[fergo]

Here is some advice from I recieved a few years ago with regards to that section of the interview:

Be careful when you mention Iraq and 'Stan- The people interviewing you may know way more than you and could possibly have first hand knowledge-potential hole digging! battle was raging to retake Fallujah when i wa at OASC.

As has been said have a look around find stuff that interests you. The boarding officers will be impressed if you have done your research and can talk about someting they are not so up to date on.

It doesn have to purely be military affairs.

And the BBC website and the 1 year time line is a god send!!!

 

[Isis]

Thanks for the info. I've read about Russia not agreeing to Kosovo independence and I guess in their eyes it's no different from S.Ossettia and Abkhazia becoming independent.

I wasn't sure if I could link them and drift from one to the other but obvioulsy you can - so thanks for the info.

You won't drift - you may choose to compare, the interviewers may choose to test your knowledge of a subject you introduce as a comparision but you definately won't drift.

And they will cut you off mid flow if they want/need to