DISARMAMENT AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
Chair: Bryant Pranboonpluk
Committee Type: General Assembly
The Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) was the first committee formed by the United Nations when it was initially founded in 1945. DISEC was formed immediately following World War 2 as a direct response to the war in order to act as a governing body for international security and maintain world peace. The first resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly from DISEC focused on increased regulation of nuclear weapons. DISEC acts as one of the six main bodies within the general UN. Every member state has the ability to voice their concerns and share their perspective on a wide array of issues. Currently, DISEC discusses issues relating to arms control, the proliferation of nuclear weapons, combating terrorism, and threats to international security. DISEC’s main purpose is to act as an area for diplomacy and cooperation among member states in an effort to de-escalate global tension and prevent international conflicts.
Topic 1
Preventing the Weaponization of Outer Space
Outer Space remains one of the most uncharted areas of exploration within the world . The lack of clear regulation presents a threat to international peace, heightening the need for regulation. In order to maintain outer space as a neutral location focused on scientific exploration and the advancement of the entire human race, there needs to be a clear consensus as to how to proceed with matters in regards to outer space. The increased focus on spaced based technologies such as satellites, advanced propulsion, and land rovers combined with the world’s greater interest in space exploration has led to a growing tension within the international community. Discussions over space resources, military bases, and the presence of weapons in outer space prompted the United Nations to take action via The Outer Space Treaty (OST). Passed in 1967, the OST has prevented the weaponization of outer space but must be voted on annually. Given the technological advancements that have been made within recent years, the plausibility of a country having the ability to deploy weapons systems in space has only become more likely. The international landscape has changed massively since the passing of the Outer Space Treaty which forces the international body to reconsider a new framework for the OST. Delegates in this committee will have to work together to establish regulations focusing on the deployment of weapons in outer space, space resources, and protect space from turning into an area of international conflict.
Topic 2
Mitigating War Induced Crises
Increased military conflicts in the world have left devastation among the world’s most vulnerable groups. Crises such as mass displacement, infrastructure displacement, and food insecurity are present issues immediately following military conflicts. Traditionally the UN’s response to mitigating war induced crises is to issue a series of ceasefire directives and deploy UN peacekeeping operations in order to protect the most vulnerable groups from harm in heavy military conflict zones. DISEC’s role in maintaining peace and international security is crucial to ensuring a rapid response, fostering long term stability in war affected regions, and creating a plan that prevents countries from being able to cause large scale destruction via military conflicts. The committee works to support these efforts through tight regulations of armaments, establishing safe zones in conflict areas, and creating resolutions that assist the most vulnerable groups within military conflicts. This topic would provide delegates the opportunity to produce a rapid response strategy that addresses destruction caused by military conflicts as well as establishing preemptive measures that could help prevent military conflicts from reaching a point of mass destruction. Delegates will have to dive deep into the various international perspectives in regards to military conflicts and find common ground solutions that address the prevention and mitigation of war induced crises.