UTOPIA MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2024
CONTINOUS CRISIS COMMITTEE
United Nations Conference on Disarmament
Dear Delegates,
Presuming that you have thoroughly reviewed your background guide and
possess a fundamental understanding of the significance of treaties
like the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty and the
detrimental impact of arms races, please be advised that the primary
objective of this committee is to develop a preliminary proposal,
roadmap, or list of essentials for a future comprehensive global
treaty.
This treaty aims to prevent an arms race in the context of modern
warfare and the evolving global order. Importantly, do not limit your
considerations solely to Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles
(IRBMs).
Throughout the duration of this conference, you will receive “crisis
updates” focused on major global conflicts from the recent century.
The purpose of these updates is not for you to resolve the conflicts
or provide immediate solutions.
Instead, your task is to analyse and understand these detailed crisis
updates, utilizing them as dynamic examples in your speeches to
illustrate what should or should not be included in the proposed
treaty.
Your overarching goal is to uphold world peace while also ensuring
strategic advantage for your countries interests through the
formulation of this roadmap for a future global treaty.
Please avoid becoming overly fixated on the technical specifics of
weaponry and missiles. Our focus is on broader issues, such as
identifying the parties to be included in the treaty, determining the
types of weapons to be restricted, and exploring various other
creative perspectives from your end.
Godspeed, Delegates.
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United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs
UTOPIA MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2024
CRISIS UPDATE
### Crisis Update: South China Sea Conflict Escalation
Date: July 1, 2024
Subject: Escalation in the South China Sea Conflict Involving
Autonomous Weaponry
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Background:
Tensions in the South China Sea have reached unprecedented
levels as nations surrounding the region, including China, the
United States, and other ASEAN countries, have ramped up their
military presence. This strategic waterway, rich in resources
and crucial for global trade, has become a flashpoint for power
struggles. Recent developments have intensified the arms race,
with a particular focus on semi and fully autonomous weaponry.
Recent Developments:
1. Chinese Deployment of Autonomous Naval Drones:
- China has deployed a fleet of fully autonomous naval drones
equipped with advanced AI targeting systems. These drones are
capable of conducting surveillance, engaging enemy vessels, and
launching missile strikes independently. This move is seen as
an attempt to assert dominance over disputed waters and deter
foreign military presence.
2. US Countermeasures:
- In response, the United States has expedited the deployment
of its own semi-autonomous underwater vehicles (UUVs) and aerial
drones. These systems are designed to detect and neutralize
autonomous threats. Additionally, the US has strengthened its
alliances with regional powers, conducting joint military
exercises to showcase their collective strength and readiness.
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3. ASEAN Nations' Reactions:
- Countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia
have increased their military expenditures, procuring semi-
autonomous defence systems from global suppliers. These nations
are bolstering their coastal defences and participating in
multilateral naval exercises to enhance interoperability and
readiness against potential threats.
4. International Diplomatic Tensions:
- Diplomatic channels are strained as accusations fly. China
accuses the US and its allies of encroachment and
destabilization, while the US and ASEAN nations condemn China's
aggressive posture and expansionist tactics. The United Nations
has called for restraint and dialogue, but the situation remains
volatile.
Implications for the Committee:
1. Legal and Ethical Framework:
- The committee must consider the legal and ethical
implications of deploying autonomous weaponry. This includes
establishing guidelines for their use, ensuring accountability,
and addressing concerns about unintended escalations due to
autonomous decisions.
2. Inclusion of Autonomous Systems in the Treaty:
- A critical discussion point will be whether and how to
incorporate semi and fully autonomous weaponry into the new
global arms control treaty. This involves defining the scope of
such systems and agreeing on limitations or bans.
3. Cybersecurity Measures:
- The committee should address the need for robust
cybersecurity measures to protect autonomous systems from
hacking and unauthorized control, potentially proposing
international standards and cooperative defence mechanisms.
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4. Multilateral Cooperation:
- Strengthening multilateral cooperation and trust-building
measures is essential to prevent misunderstandings and
miscalculations in a high-stakes environment. Confidence-
building measures (CBMs) and transparency initiatives could be
pivotal.
5. Impact on Smaller Nations:
- Consider the impact of this arms race on smaller nations
and their security. The treaty should aim to prevent
disproportionate advantages and ensure a balanced approach to
regional security.
Next Steps:
- Deliberate on the inclusion of autonomous weaponry in the
treaty draft.
- Propose mechanisms for monitoring and verifying compliance
with any new regulations on autonomous systems.
- Discuss potential CBMs and transparency initiatives to reduce
tensions and build trust among conflicting parties.
- Think of other layers and pointers of arguments from the above
update.
- Anticipate what other conflicts could you get as your next
update.
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Action Required:
Delegates are urged to use this crisis update as a basis for
their discussions, focusing on the strategic, legal, and ethical
dimensions of autonomous weaponry in the context of the South
China Sea conflict. The goal is to develop comprehensive and
forward-thinking proposals that address the complexities of
modern warfare and contribute to lasting global peace and
security.
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United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs
