A good knowledge of the subject matter (topic) that is being debated upon is crucial for you to know which arguments will be most convincing to other parties during negotiations and above all, they will help you defend your position with concrete information when rival countries will attempt to challenge your arguments.

We advise you to study carefully your topic and recommend you to focus your research on the following points:

1. What is the historical background of the subject matter: when, where and how did the topic evolve?
   
2. Who are the crucial actors that have a specific interest in the subject matter and what are their interests? (NGOs, businesses, countries, int. organizations, media etc.)


3. What are the key documents that guide and shape the development of the subject matter? When, where and by whom were they adopted?


4. Which statistical data exists on the subject matter? Independent studies, research, comparisons etc. (Bear in mind that objective statistical data is a powerful tool of persuasion, especially when they are put into a context and are comparable)


5. We also recommend you to read regularly newspaper and related magazines (and research articles) to be up to date with the development of the subject matter.