DISEC Topic Guide
Table of Contents
Disclaimers & Warnings
Topic Overview
General Overview
Technical Terminology
Relevant UN treaties
Relevant Sources
What happened where?
Working & Position Papers
Delegate Info & Awards
Bibliography
Disclaimers & Warnings
General Behavior
Both the Chairpersons and Session Staff have a zero-tolerance policy towards
negative generalisations, discrimination, inappropriate comments related to
race/ethnicity/nationality/marginalised groups, or presumptive behaviour.
Please be mindful of your language and intentions throughout the committee
and the conference. If any topics discussed may be triggering or sensitive for
you, please inform us so we can provide accommodations and ensure that
discussions remain as comfortable and respectful as possible.
AI Policy
The use of AI tools is permitted for research assistance and drafting purposes,
but all written text submitted for awards or evaluation must reflect the
delegate’s original work. AI-generated content should not replace critical
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thinking, personal analysis, or independent creativity. Submissions will be
assessed on their originality, depth of research, and the delegate’s engagement
with the material, and any detected over-reliance on AI may result in
disqualification from awards or other recognitions. Delegates are encouraged
to use AI responsibly, as a supportive tool rather than a substitute for personal
effort.
Topic Overview
Addressing the Proliferation of Autonomous Weapon Systems
Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWS), or less formally, "killer robots," is a
rapidly developing class of military technology capable of independently
selecting and engaging targets without human interaction after their activation.
AWS qualify as everything from drones to unmanned ground vehicles to robotic
soldiers. In contrast, these present potential opportunities to reduce risks to
soldiers and enhance efficiency in operations, development and possible
deployment of AWS raise significant ethical, legal, and security concerns.
Technical terminology
Please note that you have no reason to memorise any of this. This section may
just be helpful to build position papers or find speaking points for the
conference.
Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWS): Weapons that can select and
engage targets without human intervention once activated.
Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS): A subset of AWS
specifically designed to apply lethal force without human input.
Killer Robots: A colloquial term often used in discussions of lethal
autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) that can act without human input.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): The simulation of human intelligence processes
by machines, particularly for decision-making in AWS.
Machine Learning (ML): A branch of AI that allows systems to learn and
improve from experience without explicit programming, often used in AWS
to enhance targeting capabilities.
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Command and Control Systems (C2): Systems that provide military
personnel with real-time information and control over AWS and other
military assets.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Drones or aircraft that are operated
without a human pilot on board, often used as part of AWS.
Autonomy Spectrum: The range from fully human-controlled systems to
fully autonomous systems, indicating varying degrees of human
involvement in decision-making.
Swarming Technology: The use of multiple autonomous drones or systems
that can coordinate and act together without direct human control, often
used in military tactics.
Weaponised AI: Artificial intelligence specifically designed to be
incorporated into weapon systems to enhance their performance, such as
in target selection and operational decisions.
Combat Robotics: Robotic systems designed for use in combat operations,
which may be autonomous, semi-autonomous, or remotely controlled.
Algorithmic Bias: The potential for AI systems to make biased or erroneous
decisions based on flawed data or programming, which could impact the
fairness and accuracy of AWS.
Human-in-the-Loop: A model where human intervention is required for key
decisions in the use of autonomous systems.
Human-on-the-Loop: A model where a human oversees the actions of an
autonomous system and can intervene if necessary but is not required for
each decision.
Human-out-of-the-Loop: A fully autonomous model where no human
intervention is required during the operation of the system.
Target Acquisition: The process by which a weapon or system identifies
and tracks potential targets for engagement.
Dual-Use Technology: Technologies that have both civilian and military
applications, including AI and robotics that can be adapted for AWS.
Remote Control Warfare: A military strategy that involves the use of
remotely operated or autonomous systems to carry out military operations,
reducing direct human involvement in conflict.
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Proliferation: The rapid spread and development across different nations or
groups.
Arms Control: International efforts and treaties aimed at limiting or
regulating the development and use of specific weapons, including AWS.
Ethical Algorithms: Programming designed to ensure that autonomous
systems operate within certain moral or ethical guidelines, especially in life-
and-death scenarios.
Non-State Actors: Groups or organisations that are not affiliated with any
government. These actors may seek to acquire or use AWS, such as
terrorist or rebel groups.
Proportionality: A principle in international humanitarian law requiring that
the harm caused by military actions must be proportional to the military
advantage gained, especially important in the context of AWS decisions.
Accountability Gap: A legal and ethical challenge referring to the difficulty
in holding individuals, states, or manufacturers responsible for actions
taken by fully autonomous systems.
Relevant Sources (Freedom to add to the list)
All sources here are only to help you prepare for the conference, don’t feel the
need to go over everything!
UN Treaties
Arms Trade Treaty
SC resolution 2178
SC resolution 2341
SC resolution 2395
SC resolution 2396
GA resolution 73/266
UNODC resolution 75/282
UN GA Resolution A/RES/78/241 on Lethal Autonomous Weapons
Systems
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Recently passed in 2023, this resolution specifically targets lethal
autonomous weapons, addressing oversight mechanisms, ethical
issues, and calling for stricter controls on autonomous weapons
systems.
Other Important Treaties, Initiatives, Actions, and Laws
Cluster Munitions Convention
Budapest Convention on Cybercrime
Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on LAWS
AutoNorms Project on International Regulations
Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW)
Additional Protocols of International Humanitarian Law
Open-Ended Working Group on Responsible State Behavior in
Cyberspace
Working & Position Papers
Working Papers
A working paper in Model United Nations (MUN) forms the foundation for a
resolution. It is a collaborative document that outlines the issues and proposed
solutions. Please find the document titled “EMOMUN Working Paper 101”
either in your committee category on Discord, or on your MyMun Dashboard.
Position Papers
Delegates are strongly encouraged to submit a position paper to articulate
their country's stance on the agenda and outline their proposed solutions.
While position papers are optional, they serve as a valuable tool for
organising your research and preparing for the committee sessions.
Additionally, only delegates who submit their position papers by the deadline
of December 9th will be eligible to receive a Position Paper Award
certification.
A well-written position paper should include…
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Introduction
A brief overview of the issue and its significance to your assigned
country.
Country's Stance
A clear and detailed explanation of your country's perspective,
including relevant policies, actions, or statements.
Proposed Solutions
Practical and innovative strategies your country would support or
implement to address the issue.
When drafting your paper, ensure it is structured, concise, and evidence-
based. Use credible sources to back your arguments, and avoid personal
opinions or assumptions. We look forward to seeing the depth of research
and creativity in your submissions!
(Thank your chairs for the advice!)
Delegate Info & Awards
DISCORD NOTE
The entire conference will be held over Discord, If you have not already, join
the Portal Server and sign up to join the conference server via THIS LINK:
https://discord.gg/7HkhPXTsVK
Official Award Certificates
Every Official Award and Recognition mentioned below will come with an
official signed certificate and be displayed on MyMun to any future
conferences you apply to with the same account.
Best Position Paper
Recognises delegates whose position papers showcase exceptional clarity
and depth of research while consistently correlating with their stance
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throughout the conference.
Best Delegate Award
Recognises delegates who have shown outstanding performance within their
committee and have been honoured with the Best Delegate award.
Second Best Delegate Award
Recognises delegates who demonstrate impressive diplomatic skills, strong
participation, and a commendable understanding of the committee's issues,
effectively contributing to the overall result, scoring the second-highest in
their committee.
Honourable Mention
Recognises delegates who deserve recognition for showing exceptional
performance throughout the conference but have not been honoured with
other official awards.
Best Novice Delegate Award
Recognises First-Timer delegates who have shown superior performance
throughout the conference.
Best Speech Award
Awarded to the delegate whose speech was distinguished by its exceptional
clarity, persuasive delivery, and ability to engage and inspire other members.
Additional Recognitions
Additional Recognitions will be displayed on MyMun to any future
conferences you apply to with the same account.
Ambassador Recognition
Acknowledges the delegates chosen to represent their entire delegation as
EMOMUN's delegate ambassadors in the General Assembly, specifically
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recognising those actively engaged in the role.
Co-Organiser Recognition
Recognises participants who were a part of the organisation and execution of
the conference.
High Crisis Achievement Award
Recognises delegates whose exceptional performance and decisive
contributions were pivotal to the success of the crisis committee.
Unofficial Awards
Every Unofficial Award mentioned below will be displayed on our Conference
& Portal Server, with images/videos if applicable under the permission of the
receiver.
Best Background
First Voted internally within committees, then each winner will be voted on by
the GA for the member with the funniest/best camera background.
Best Hair
First Voted internally within committees, then each winner will be voted on by
the GA as the member with the best hairstyle(s) during the event.
Best Punishment
Voted by the GA for the best Punishment and enactment to the Chair(s) and
Delegate(s) responsible.
The real EMO
Voted by the GA as the representative delegate of EMOMUN.
Meme Master of EMOMUN
Voted by the GA as the best meme poster and funniest member in EMOMUN.
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EMOMUN’s Server Samaritan
Voted by the GA as the most helpful member of EMOMUN.
Best Staff Member
Voted by the GA as the best staff member of EMOMUN.
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