DOTMUN’25
DIPLOMATS OF TOMORROW
LETTER FROM THE EB
Dear Delegates,
It gives us immense pleasure to welcome you all to the first edition of the Rotaract
Club of Mithibai College's Model United Nations, 2025. The United Nations
Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six main organs of the United Nations. The
Security Council is the United Nation’s principal crisis-management body, it is
empowered to impose binding obligations on the 193 member states and that is
why the work done in UNSC is highly important for ensuring international peace
and security. The Security Council’s resolution is binding for the member states,
unlike the other UN organs where the UN can only advise the members. It is also
enforced by the UN peacekeeping forces and can deploy them to carry out their
resolution. This guide has been prepared to brief you on the agenda and give you a
starting point for your research. However, no delegate should solely depend on the
information provided here as we encourage you to study beyond its scope. The
Executive Board expects the delegates to be well researched about the intricacies
of this topic. Documentation and lobbying would play a major role in the
committee. Delegates are not just expected to present information but also indulge
in analysis and focus on argumentation. A solution-oriented approach is always
appreciated and delegates must think critically to solve real-time issues. At the
same time, we do not want first-time MUNers to get intimidated and will try our
best to make this a riveting experience for each one of you. We now leave you with
our best wishes and we hope that we all learn something amidst the fierce
competition during this two-day conference. Please feel free to contact the
executive board regarding any query.
Warm Regards
The Executive Board
The United Nations Security Council
Co-Chair: Adheesh Singh
Co-Chair: Shanay Shukla
COMMITTEE OVERVIEW
The Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN). After
holding its first session on 17 January 1946 in London, its meetings now take place at the UN
Headquarters in New York City. The Security Council is the only UN institution that can adopt
resolutions which are legally binding for all 193 UN Member States (Art. 25 UN Charter). It
deals with matters on the protection of international peace and security (Art. 24 I UN Charter)
MEMBERSHIP
The Security Council has 15 members of which five are permanent members (P5). The so-
called P5 are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ire-
land and the United States of America. Each year, five of the other ten Member States are
elected by the UN General Assembly for a two-year term in the Security Council.
VOTING PROCEDURE
Every member state represented in the Security Council has one vote. The adoption of a
resolution requires a qualified majority of nine Member States, which can either vote in favour
or against a resolution, or abstain (Art. 27 II UN-Charter). The P5 have a “veto power” and can
block the adoption of a resolution by voting against it. During the Cold War, the lack of
agreement between the P5 caused a frequent use of the veto power. Normally, the Security
Council adopts resolutions unanimously.
BACKGROUND
OF THE AGENDA
1. Introduction
The Middle East has long been a focal point for regional instability, marked by a myriad of security
challenges that include ethnic and sectarian strife, ideological extremism, and geopolitical rivalries. In
recent decades, the region has witnessed a surge in cross-border terrorism—a phenomenon that
transcends national boundaries and destabilizes neighboring states. This background guide provides a
detailed overview of the evolution and current dynamics of cross-border terrorism, with particular
emphasis on how unilateral foreign interventions have further complicated regional security.
Unilateral interventions by states operating outside multilateral frameworks have been a double-edged
sword. While such actions are often justified as necessary for counterterrorism or humanitarian
protection, they have frequently led to unintended consequences, including protracted conflicts, power
vacuums, and the empowerment of extremist groups. This guide seeks to inform UNSC deliberations by
offering historical context, analyzing key actors and events, and discussing policy implications that affect
both regional stability and international law.
2. Historical Context of Cross-Border Terrorism in the Middle East
2.1. The Roots of Regional Instability
The modern Middle East’s security challenges can be traced back to the arbitrary borders drawn by
colonial powers after World War I, combined with the rise of nationalist movements and subsequent
ideological shifts during the Cold War. In this context, state boundaries often failed to encapsulate the
ethnic, religious, and tribal complexities of the region, sowing seeds of discord that would later be
exploited by extremist ideologies.
2.2. The Evolution of Terrorism
During the latter half of the 20th century, terrorism evolved from state-sponsored covert operations to
a more diffuse, non-state phenomenon. Early examples include the Palestinian liberation movements,
which employed guerrilla tactics across national borders, and the support given by some regional actors
to various insurgent groups. The ideological battles of the Cold War also played a role, as radical groups
sought to use terrorism as a means of resisting Western influence.
2.3. Post-9/11 Shifts and the Rise of Global Terror Networks
The attacks on September 11, 2001, marked a significant turning point. The subsequent U.S.-led global
"War on Terror" not only redefined international security priorities but also inadvertently contributed to
the decentralization of terrorist networks. Groups like al-Qaeda and later the Islamic State (ISIS)
capitalized on regional grievances, employing sophisticated cross-border strategies to recruit, plan, and
execute attacks. The porous nature of many Middle Eastern borders, combined with weak state control
in conflict zones, provided a fertile ground for these networks to thrive.
3. Defining Cross-Border Terrorism: Actors, Motivations, and Strategies
3.1. What is Cross-Border Terrorism?
Cross-border terrorism involves the planning and execution of terrorist acts in one country by individuals
or groups based in another. This phenomenon is characterized by the use of national boundaries as
conduits for the movement of operatives, arms, and funds. Its transnational nature complicates efforts
at containment and necessitates coordinated international responses.
3.2. Key Actors in the Region
Several groups have been central to the evolution of cross-border terrorism in the Middle East:
Islamic State (ISIS): Once a proto-state controlling significant territory in Iraq and Syria, ISIS has adapted
its operational model to carry out cross-border attacks despite losing its territorial base.
Al-Qaeda and Its Affiliates: With a decentralized network spanning several countries, al-Qaeda has
influenced various regional insurgencies.
Hezbollah: Although primarily based in Lebanon, Hezbollah’s involvement in regional conflicts—most
notably in Syria—illustrates the group’s capability to operate beyond its home state.
Hamas: Originating in the context of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Hamas has developed transnational
linkages that influence broader regional security dynamics.
Other Insurgent and Militant Groups: Smaller, ideologically driven factions continue to emerge, often
supported by shifting alliances and external patronage.
3.3. Motivations and Ideological Drivers The motivations driving cross-border terrorism in the region are
complex and multifaceted: Religious and Ideological Extremism: Radical interpretations of religious
doctrine often provide the
ideological justification for transnational terrorist acts.
Political Grievances and Nationalism: Many groups claim to represent oppressed populations or to resist
foreign domination, framing their actions as part of a broader struggle for self-determination.
Economic and Social Marginalization: Poverty, lack of education, and social disenfranchisement can
render communities more susceptible to radicalization.
Strategic Considerations: The control of territory, natural resources, or strategic corridors has also
driven many groups to engage in cross-border operations.
3.4. Operational Strategies
Cross-border terrorist organizations employ a variety of operational tactics, including:
Mobile and Decentralized Command Structures: Facilitating rapid adaptation to counterterrorism
measures.
Exploitation of Porous Borders: Utilizing poorly controlled boundaries to transport fighters, weapons,
and funds.
Cyber and Propaganda Campaigns: Leveraging modern communications technologies to recruit and
spread extremist ideologies across national lines.
Local Alliances and Proxies: Forming alliances with local insurgent groups to embed themselves within
communities and create safe havens.
4. Unilateral Foreign Intervention: Concepts and Case
Studies
4.1. Defining Unilateral Intervention
Unilateral foreign intervention occurs when a state decides to engage militarily or politically in another
nation without the backing of a broad international coalition or explicit approval by international bodies
such as the United Nations. This approach is often justified by the intervening nation on grounds of
national security, humanitarian obligation, or the need to combat terrorism.
4.2. Historical Examples in the Middle East
Several high-profile interventions have shaped the modern security landscape of the Middle East:
U.S. Invasion of Afghanistan (2001): Launched as a direct response to the 9/11 attacks, this
intervention
set a precedent for the use of unilateral military force in combating terrorism.
U.S.-Led Invasion of Iraq (2003): Justified by allegations of weapons of mass destruction and ties
to
terrorism, this intervention had far-reaching implications, including the destabilization of Iraq
and the
eventual emergence of ISIS.
Russian Intervention in Syria (2015): Russia’s military involvement to support the Assad regime
underscores how unilateral actions can reshape local power dynamics and impact cross-border
terrorism.
Turkish Military Operations in Northern Syria: Aimed at curbing Kurdish militant activities, these
operations have influenced regional security and contributed to complex refugee and insurgency
dynamics.
Iranian Support for Proxy Groups: Iran’s backing of militias and non-state actors in Lebanon,
Syria, and
Yemen illustrates how unilateral support—though not a direct military intervention—can have
similar
destabilizing effects.
4.3. Motivations Behind Unilateral Interventions
While each intervention carries its own rationale, several common themes emerge:
Counterterrorism: Many interventions are justified as necessary to dismantle terrorist networks
before
they can threaten national or regional security.
Humanitarian Concerns: The prevention of large-scale atrocities and human rights abuses is
often cited
as a justification.
National Security and Strategic Interests: The protection of vital interests, such as access to oil
or
regional influence, frequently underpins decisions to intervene.
Political and Ideological Drivers: Domestic political pressures and ideological commitments to
certain
values or regimes can motivate unilateral action.
4.4. Consequences and Criticisms
Unilateral interventions often lead to a host of unintended consequences:
Sovereignty and Legitimacy Issues: Interventions without broad international support can be
seen as violations of national sovereignty and international law.
Long-Term Instability: History has shown that unilateral actions can lead to prolonged
conflicts, leaving
behind power vacuums that extremist groups readily exploit.
Regional Destabilization: Such interventions may trigger retaliatory actions or spark new
conflicts,
contributing to a cycle of violence that extends beyond initial target areas.
Undermining Multilateral Institutions: When states act unilaterally, it can weaken the role
and credibility
of international bodies like the UNSC, which are designed to mediate and resolve conflicts
collectively.
5. The Intersection of Terrorism and Unilateral Intervention
5.1. Synergistic Dynamics
The relationship between cross-border terrorism and unilateral foreign intervention is complex and
interdependent. While unilateral interventions are often aimed at combating terrorism, they can
simultaneously provide a rallying point for extremist groups. For example, military operations in Iraq and
Afghanistan have been used by insurgents as evidence of foreign aggression, fueling recruitment and
radicalization.
5.2. Feedback Loops and Escalation
Interventions can create feedback loops in which the destabilization caused by military action leads to
increased terrorist activity. A destabilized state, grappling with the collapse of institutional authority,
becomes an ideal incubator for radical ideologies and a transit hub for cross-border terrorist operations.
This escalation can be self-reinforcing: as terrorist incidents increase, further unilateral interventions
may be deemed necessary, perpetuating a cycle of violence.
5.3. Case Study: The Syrian Conflict
The Syrian civil war provides a stark example of these dynamics. Multiple unilateral interventions—by
the United States, Russia, Turkey, and regional actors—have contributed to a fragmented battlefield.
This fragmentation has enabled extremist groups such as ISIS and al-Qaeda affiliates to exploit the
chaos, crossing borders to recruit fighters, smuggle arms, and orchestrate attacks in neighboring
countries. The Syrian case underscores the difficulty of separating counterterrorism efforts from broader
geopolitical contests.
5.4. Regional Spillover Effects Unilateral interventions in one state can have unintended
ramifications for neighboring countries. For
example, the U.S. invasion of Iraq not only led to internal instability but also fueled sectarianp
tensions
that spilled over into Syria, Lebanon, and beyond. Similarly, interventions in Syria have had a
direct
impact on the security policies of Turkey, Jordan, and Israel. This interconnectedness
highlights the need
for coordinated, multilateral approaches rather than isolated unilateral actions.
6. Regional and Global Security Implications
6.1. Impact on Regional Stability
The proliferation of cross-border terrorism and the effects of unilateral intervention have directly
contributed to a broader climate of insecurity in the Middle East. Key implications include:
Proliferation of Non-State Actors: The weakening of central governments has enabled militant
groups to
establish footholds, challenging state authority.
Humanitarian Crises: Ongoing conflicts have generated massive refugee flows, strained local
resources,
and destabilized neighboring regions.
Economic Disruption: Prolonged conflict undermines economic stability, affecting both local
populations
and global markets—especially in energy-dependent economies.
6.2. Global Counterterrorism Efforts
On the international stage, the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism necessitate a coordinated
global response. However, unilateral interventions by powerful states can undermine such efforts by
fracturing international consensus and fostering rivalries that detract from cooperative security
measures.
6.3. Geopolitical Realignments
Unilateral interventions have also contributed to significant shifts in regional alliances and power
structures. For instance, the realignment of regional powers following the Iraq invasion and the
Syrian
conflict has led to new rivalries and cooperation frameworks that continue to shape global security
debates. As new actors emerge and old alliances fracture, the international community must grapple
with a more complex and multipolar security environment.
7. Legal, Political, and Ethical Considerations
7.1. International Law and Sovereignty
One of the core challenges in addressing unilateral foreign intervention is the tension between state
sovereignty and international humanitarian imperatives. The United Nations Charter enshrines the
principles of non-interference and respect for national borders, yet it also obligates the international
community to protect human rights and prevent mass atrocities. This duality creates legal ambiguities,
particularly when interventions are justified on counterterrorism or humanitarian grounds.
7.2. Political Legitimacy and the UNSC
The legitimacy of any intervention is often measured by its adherence to international norms and the
extent of multilateral support. Unilateral interventions tend to raise questions regarding their political
legitimacy, as they may be perceived as serving the national interests of the intervening state rather
than the collective security of the international community. This has significant implications for the
credibility of institutions like the UNSC, whose role is to mediate such conflicts and provide a forum for
collective decision-making.
7.3. Ethical Dilemmas
The ethical dimensions of unilateral intervention are equally complex. Decisions to intervene militarily
carry profound moral responsibilities, as they directly impact civilian populations. The collateral
damage
of military operations, the potential for prolonged conflict, and the risk of exacerbating sectarian
divides
pose significant ethical dilemmas. Policymakers must therefore weigh the immediate benefits of
intervention against the long-term human costs, a calculus that remains one of the most challenging
aspects of modern international relations.
8. The Role of the United Nations Security Council
8.1. Mandate and Functions
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is the principal organ charged with maintaining
international
peace and security. Its mandate includes the responsibility to authorize collective measures,
including
sanctions and peacekeeping operations, to address threats to peace. In the context of cross-border
terrorism and unilateral intervention, the UNSC faces the dual challenge of preventing terrorism
while
ensuring that interventions respect the principles of international law.
8.2. Resolutions and Their Impact Over the years, the UNSC has adopted several resolutions aimed
at addressing terrorism and foreign
intervention:
Resolution 1373 (2001): Established a counterterrorism framework in the aftermath of 9/11.
Resolution 2178 (2014): Targeted the issue of foreign terrorist fighters and their cross-border
movements.
Resolution 2254 (2015): Called for a Syrian-led political process, implicitly critiquing the role of
external
actors in prolonging conflict.
These resolutions, while instrumental in framing international responses, have also highlighted the
challenges of securing consensus among permanent members, many of whom have divergent
national
interests in the Middle East.
8.3. Challenges and the Need for Reform
The UNSC’s effectiveness is often hampered by the veto power held by its permanent members,
which
can stymie decisive action. The debate over UNSC reform remains a contentious issue, with
many
arguing that a more representative and flexible structure is needed to address the complex
security
challenges of the 21st century—particularly those emerging from the interplay between
terrorism and
unilateral intervention.
9. Recommendations for Policy and International Cooperation
9.1. Strengthening Multilateral Frameworks
Enhance the Role of Regional Organizations: Bodies such as the Arab League and the Organization of
Islamic Cooperation (OIC) should be empowered to coordinate regional counterterrorism strategies.
Promote Collaborative Intelligence Sharing: Improved cooperation between states can help preempt
and dismantle transnational terrorist networks.
Support Capacity-Building Initiatives: International support for state institutions in conflict-prone
regions
can help mitigate the conditions that give rise to terrorism.
9.2. Balancing Sovereignty and Security Develop Clear Guidelines for Intervention: The
international community should work to clarify the legal
and ethical parameters under which military interventions may be deemed
acceptable, thereby reducing
ambiguity. Prioritize Diplomacy Over Force: While military intervention may be
necessary in some cases, diplomatic
efforts must remain the primary tool for resolving conflicts and preventing the
escalation of terrorism.
9.3. Addressing the Root Causes
Invest in Socioeconomic Development: Long-term strategies to reduce poverty, improve
education, and
address social inequality are critical in undermining the appeal of extremist ideologies.
Engage in Inclusive Political Processes: Promoting political inclusion and ensuring that all groups
have a
stake in governance can help defuse tensions that lead to violence.
9.4. Reforming the UNSC
Advocate for Structural Changes: Proposals for UNSC reform, including modifications to the veto
system,
should be actively pursued to ensure that the council is better equipped to handle modern security
challenges.
Encourage Transparency and Accountability: Greater transparency in decision-making processes can
enhance the UNSC’s legitimacy and effectiveness in addressing cross-border terrorism and unilateral
intervention.
Chronology of Major Interventions
2001: U.S. Invasion of Afghanistan
2003: U.S.-led Invasion of Iraq
2015: Russian Intervention in Syria
Ongoing: Turkish and Iranian activities in various
conflict zones
Important Note:
This study guide will not be considered as any proof or
evidence during the committee session. The sole purpose of
this study guide is to give you a base for your research. Only
information from the given sources will be considered as
official:
UN DOCUMENTS
OFFICIAL COUNTRY DOCUMENTS
REUTERS
AL- JAZEERA
WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM
WORLD BANK
