E
GUID
D
OUN
KGR
BAC
Disarmament and International
Security Committee
Preventing a Global Arms Race in Artificial
Intelligence and Autonomous Weaponry
Table of Contents
1.Letter to the Delegates
2.Introduction to the Committee
3.Introduction to the Agenda
4.Key Terms & Definitions
5.Background Information
Cross-Cutting Issues and Challenges
Major Stakeholders
Past International Actions
Statistics
6.Solutions Proposed by the Chair
7.Questions Resolutions Must Answer
8.Possible Moderated Caucus Topics
9.Citations
10.Committee Evaluation Rubric
Letter to Delegates
Dear Delegates,
Welcome to DISEC at MUN4Schools 2025. This year’s agenda "Preventing a
Global Arms Race in Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Weaponry" is a
pressing challenge at the intersection of technology, ethics, and
international peace.
Artificial intelligence has begun to redefine the nature of warfare. From
drone swarms to fully autonomous lethal systems, we now face a world
where machines may soon make life-and-death decisions without human
intervention. The risks are unprecedented — accidental escalation, lack of
accountability, proliferation to non-state actors, and violations of
international humanitarian law.
In this committee, we urge you to think critically about how diplomacy,
arms control, and global ethics can converge. We must find a path forward
that preserves security, protects civilians, and places humanity — not code
— at the heart of conflict resolution.
We look forward to powerful debates and bold resolutions, and we hope for
you to gain a sense of responsibility in this ever-changing world.
Yours sincerely,
Pranavaa Giri Mahesh – Chair, DISEC
Atiksh Jain – Vice Chair, DISEC
DISARMAMENT AND INTERNATIONAL
SECURITY COMMITTEE
The Disarmament and International Security Committee
(DISEC) is the First Committee of the United Nations General
Assembly.
It deals with global challenges related to disarmament,
security threats, and arms regulation. Though its resolutions
are non-binding, they influence international norms and
frameworks significantly.
DISEC works on issues such as:
Conventional weapons control
Nuclear non-proliferation
Arms trade and regional disarmament
Emerging threats such as cyber warfare and autonomous
weapons
Introduction to the Agenda
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in military systems is
evolving rapidly. Nations are investing heavily in
autonomous drones, missile guidance systems, surveillance
AI, and robotic soldiers.
This technological arms race lacks sufficient regulation, and
the consequences of inaction could be catastrophic.
Unlike traditional weapons, autonomous systems can act
faster than human response, potentially triggering
accidental conflict. Worse still, these technologies may be
adopted by terrorist groups or authoritarian regimes to
suppress dissent and violate human rights.
Delegates must consider: How do we define and regulate
lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS)? Can existing
arms treaties be adapted for AI? And how can global
consensus be achieved before these technologies spiral
beyond control?
Key Terms of DISEC
Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems
(LAWS): Weapons that can identify, engage,
and eliminate targets without human input.
Meaningful Human Control: A principle
requiring humans to retain oversight over life-
and-death decisions in warfare.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Machines capable
of performing tasks that typically require
human intelligence, such as decision-making.
Dual-Use Technology: Tech that has both
civilian and military applications (e.g., drones,
surveillance AI).
Proliferation: The rapid and uncontrolled
spread of weapons and related technology.
Background Information
Historical Evolution
Military technologies have always raced ahead of
regulation — from chemical weapons to cyber warfare. AI
represents the next leap, enabling systems that operate
faster and more unpredictably than human-controlled
systems.
Current Trends
Nations including the US, China, Russia, and Israel are
already deploying semi-autonomous and AI-enhanced
weapons. Swarm drones, predictive surveillance, and
automated targeting systems are being tested for
combat.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
There is no global treaty that regulates LAWS. Many
experts argue these weapons violate the Geneva
Conventions, which mandate the principles of distinction,
proportionality, and accountability in war.
Background Information
CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES AND CHALLENGES
Lack of Consensus on Definitions: Nations disagree on what
constitutes an autonomous weapon.
Arms Race Dynamics: States fear falling behind militarily if others
develop LAWS.
Accountability Gaps: Who is responsible when an autonomous
system causes unintended harm?
Civilian Impacts: Risk of malfunction, discrimination, or targeting
errors in urban warfare.
Non-State Actors: Terrorist or paramilitary groups may acquire
off-the-shelf AI tech.
MAJOR STAKEHOLDERS
Nation States: Primary developers and users of military AI
systems. The strength of AI in various nations is ranked worldwide.
China is typically ranked first by those that use measures like
patents and research publications, followed by the US, with
European and Asian nations like South Korea, Japan, and India
vying for third position.
UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA): Advocates for
regulation and transparency.
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): Focuses on
humanitarian law.
Private Tech Companies: Design dual-use AI technologies.
Background Information
PAST INTERNATIONAL ACTIONS
Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons
(CCW): Forum where discussions on LAWS have
begun, but no agreement yet.
UN GGE on LAWS (2016–present): Expert group
discussing regulation frameworks.
Stop Killer Robots Campaign: A civil society initiative
calling for a global ban.
ICRC Guidance on Autonomous Weapons (2021):
Legal recommendations.
Background Information
STATISTICS
Over 30 countries have called for a ban or restrictions on LAWS
(UNODA, 2023)
Global military spending on AI expected to reach $18 billion by
2025
70% of tech experts support regulation on AI weapon
development (Oxford AI Survey)
90% of drone-related civilian casualties are unintentional
(Bureau of Investigative Journalism)
Only 10% of countries have national laws on autonomous
weapon testing
SOLUTIONS PROPOSED BY THE CHAIR
1.Global Treaty on LAWS: Negotiate a new binding protocol
under the CCW to define and restrict autonomous weapons.
2.AI Transparency Mechanism: Require nations to publicly
disclose military AI projects.
3.Meaningful Human Oversight Clause: Mandate human
intervention in all targeting decisions.
4.Tech Company Accountability Charter: Pressure private firms
to adopt ethical guidelines.
5.AI Arms Control Dialogue: Launch a standing international
body for continuous AI arms monitoring.
Background Information
QUESTIONS RESOLUTIONS MUST ANSWER
Should LAWS be banned entirely or regulated with strict
guidelines?
How can we verify compliance and transparency in military
AI programs?
What protections must be ensured for civilians in AI-
powered conflict zones?
How do we address private sector involvement in
autonomous weapon R&D?
How do we balance military innovation with ethical
responsibility?
POSSIBLE MODERATED CAUCUS TOPICS
Defining “Meaningful Human Control” in AI Warfare
Regulating Private Sector Involvement in Military AI
The Future of the CCW in Arms Regulation
AI in Non-State Actor Conflicts: Emerging Threats
Defining Ethical Frameworks vs. Strategic Necessity
The Role of Regional Alliances in Preventing AI Weapon
Proliferation
AI Policy and Data Sovereignty
Citations
UNODA: Lethal Autonomous Weapons Briefs
(2023)
Oxford Internet Institute AI & Ethics Reports
Convention on Certain Conventional
Weapons (UNCCW)
ICRC Guidance on International
Humanitarian Law and AI
Stop Killer Robots Campaign Reports
Evaluation Rubric
Needs
Criteria Excellent Good Avg. Improvement
Demonstrates deep
understanding of
Research &
topic, country
Preparation
stance, and
solutions.
Works
collaboratively,
Diplomatic
remains respectful,
Conduct
encourages
inclusivity.
Speaks confidently
Public with clarity and
Speaking relevance to
agenda.
Proposes impactful,
Resolution well-structured
Drafting clauses reflecting
research.
Actively
Moderated/ participates with
Unmoderated focus on
Caucus constructive debate
and negotiation.
Refers to real data
Use of Evidence
and cases to
& Statistics
support points.
Total: _____/30 END OF BACKGROUND GUIDE
