The United

Nations
Disarmament and
International
Security
Committee
(DISEC)
Topic A: The Role of Emerging Tech in Modern Warfare
Topic B: Addressing the Threat of Space Militarization
History of the Committee

The Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) is one of the six main
committees of the United Nations General Assembly, established to address pressing
issues related to disarmament and international security. Since its founding, DISEC has
been a pivotal platform for discussions and resolutions aimed at promoting global
peace and stability.

DISEC was founded in 1959 as part of the broader reorganization of the United Nations
General Assembly's committees. Its creation was driven by the need to provide a
dedicated forum for addressing disarmament and international security issues,
reflecting the global community's commitment to reducing the threat of armed conflict
and promoting a secure international environment. The committee operates under the
framework of the United Nations Charter, specifically Articles 11 and 26. Article 11
outlines the General Assembly's powers to discuss and make recommendations on any
matters related to international peace and security, while Article 26 emphasizes the
importance of promoting disarmament and regulating armaments to maintain peace.

Charter and Mandate

DISEC’s mandate is to address a wide range of issues related to disarmament and

international security. This includes arms control, which involves promoting agreements
and treaties that regulate or reduce the number of weapons and military capabilities.
DISEC also aims at working towards the elimination of weapons of mass destruction
(nuclear, chemical, and biological) and conventional arms as well as enhancing
international security through cooperation and conflict prevention strategies.

Recent Activities and Notable Meetings

In recent years, DISEC has been actively involved in several key areas and notable
meetings. DISEC has been integral in the ongoing discussions and reviews of the NPT,
focusing on strengthening the treaty's provisions and addressing challenges related to
nuclear proliferation. The committee has facilitated debates and proposed resolutions
aimed at reinforcing the global non-proliferation regime. DISEC has also organized
various forums to address emerging threats in international security. Notable
discussions have included the militarization of space, with DISEC exploring the need for
international norms to prevent an arms race in outer space. Additionally, DISEC has
tackled issues related to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, developing
strategies for more effective control and disarmament. Furthermore, recognizing the
growing importance of cybersecurity, DISEC has convened sessions to discuss the risks
associated with cyber warfare and the protection of critical infrastructure. These
discussions have led to recommendations for international cooperation and enhanced
cybersecurity measures.
Rules of Procedure

DISEC follows the standard procedures of the United Nations General Assembly, with
some unique aspects that facilitate its work. The committee engages in both formal
and informal debates. Delegates participate in moderated caucuses to address specific
subtopics, allowing for detailed and focused discussions. This structure helps ensure
that all relevant aspects of disarmament and security issues are thoroughly explored.
DISEC also places a strong emphasis on drafting and negotiating resolutions. Delegates
work collaboratively to develop comprehensive proposals that address the committee’s
mandate. The resolution process involves extensive negotiation and compromise to
reach agreements that reflect a broad consensus. DISEC occasionally holds special or
emergency sessions to respond to urgent security threats or newly emerging issues.
These sessions are designed to address immediate concerns and provide timely
recommendations for action.

DISEC continues to play a crucial role in the international community’s efforts to

promote peace and security. Through its dedicated discussions and resolutions, the
committee contributes to the global endeavor of disarmament and the enhancement of
international security. As new challenges emerge, DISEC remains a vital forum for
addressing the complexities of modern security issues and advancing the goal of a
more secure and stable world.
Topic A: The Role of Emerging Technologies in Modern Warfare &
Addressing the Risks of Autonomous Weapons Systems and Cyber
Warfare

Introduction

The integration of emerging technologies into modern warfare represents a

transformative shift with profound implications for national security and global stability.
Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced cyber capabilities are
reshaping military strategies and defense mechanisms. This guide examines the impact
of these technologies, focusing on autonomous weapons systems and cyber warfare,
and the need for updated international regulations to address their risks and ethical
concerns.

Autonomous Weapons Systems

Autonomous weapons systems (AWS) are increasingly used in military operations to

identify and engage targets without direct human intervention. These systems leverage
AI to make decisions based on data inputs, aiming for precision and efficiency. However,
the deployment of AWS raises significant ethical and legal issues, particularly
concerning their use in offensive operations and the potential for unintended harm.
While some autonomous weapons are used in constrained scenarios with tight human
oversight, the rapid advancement in technology and interest in broader applications,
including direct targeting of humans, pose significant humanitarian risks. Furthermore, the use
of AI, particularly machine learning, in AWS introduces unpredictability as machine learning
systems may evolve during operation, making it challenging to ensure they operate within legal
and ethical bounds.

Lavender

Lavender, an AI system used by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), was designed to
identify and target Hamas operatives. However, its lack of nuanced judgment has led to
the tragic targeting of civilians, demonstrating the severe consequences of deploying
unregulated autonomous systems. The precision and mathematical nature of AWS can
result in significant collateral damage when the technology fails to account for complex
human contexts. The use of AWS raises critical ethical questions, particularly around
accountability and proportionality. The UN’s Convention on Certain Conventional
Weapons, last updated in 2001, does not adequately address the unique challenges
posed by AI-driven weapons. There is a growing consensus that international legal
frameworks need to be revised to include prohibitions on the automated killing of
civilians and to ensure that AWS are used in ways that adhere to humanitarian
principles.
Cyber Warfare

Cyber warfare involves the use of digital tools and techniques to attack an adversary’s
information systems, infrastructure, or communications. As nations become
increasingly reliant on digital technologies, the threat of cyberattacks has escalated,
impacting national security and critical [Link] increasing sophistication of
Cyberattacks underscores the necessity for robust cybersecurity measures. Cyber
warfare poses risks not only to military targets but also to critical civilian infrastructure,
including energy grids and financial systems. Effective cybersecurity strategies require
international cooperation and continuous adaptation to evolving threats. The balance
between leveraging AI for defense and protecting against cyber threats remains a
crucial area for development and policy-making.

WannaCry Ransom Attack

In 2017, North Korean government hackers designed a virus called WannaCry to exploit
the vulnerabilities of Microsoft operations systems, successfully affecting hundreds of
thousands of computers around the world. The virus allowed the attackers to take
control of a victim’s computer, encrypt their data files, and demand ransom payment as
a condition of removing the encryption and restoring their files. The attack was
successful if these two conditions were met: the operating system was produced by
Microsoft and susceptible to the software flaw that made the attack possible and the
victim’s operating system had not been updated with a “patch” issued by Microsoft a
month prior to the attack that closed the vulnerability. This attack exposed two facts:
first, those who updated their software protected themselves from the attack and second,
because those running pirated versions of Microsoft put themselves at greater
risk since they didn’t receive continuous support from Microsoft. The WannaCry incident
highlighted the offensive cyber capabilities of adversaries such as North Korea and their
capability to exploit vulnerabilities in large, sophisticated organizations like Microsoft
even though the vulnerability had been identified and patched prior to the attack.
WannaCry is also an example of the limitations of the scope of current deterrence
policies. Current cyber deterrence policies still include conventional methods such as
retaliation, punishment, and military force. However, due to the unique nature of
cyberspace, in which attribution is difficult unlike attacks in other domains, these
methods are not completely successful.

SolarWinds Incident

Differing from the WannaCry ransom attack, the SolarWinds was an act of espionage
that detailed how a singular breach at a software vendor led to widespread
ramifications to its customers that went undetected for months. While in the case of the
WannaCry attack, certain consumers of Microsoft were exempt by updating their
operating systems, SolarWinds was an example of a vulnerability in the software
development process. In 2020, a Russian hacking group under the Russian Intelligence
Services conducted a cyber infiltration of SolarWinds, a major software provider for
countless government agencies and Fortune 500 businesses. By leveraging a supply
chain vulnerability, the attackers were able to insert malware into SolarWinds’ software
updates which were subsequently downloaded and installed by consumers of SolarWinds. The
final impact of the SolarWinds incident is unknown and this breach still poses a major risk. Since
the consumers of SolarWinds included countless U.S. and E.U. government agencies, Russian
adversaries were able to obtain information that could still be used for detrimental foreign policy
initiatives that extend past the realm of cyberspace. The access that the attackers may still have
to government networks allows them to potentially conduct another cyberattack in the near
future. With the compromised government data that the SolarWinds attackers have, they have
the potential to create a range of crises, including threats to international security, cybersecurity,
and foreign policy. This would directly affect journalists and other organizations or agencies that
are investigating Russian government activity, making them susceptible to leaks.

Conclusion

Emerging technologies such as AI and cyber capabilities are revolutionizing modern

warfare, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Autonomous weapons systems
and cyber warfare require careful consideration of their ethical, legal, and operational
implications. As these technologies continue to advance, updating international
regulations and developing comprehensive strategies are essential to ensure that they
are used responsibly and to safeguard global security and civilian lives.
Topic B: Addressing the Threat of Space Militarization &
Creating International Norms and Agreements to Prevent
an Arms Race in Outer Space
Introduction

The increasing militarization of outer space represents a critical challenge to global

security and international law. As space becomes a more contested domain, the risk of
an arms race and the deployment of weapons in space grows. This summary examines
the recent discussions and developments concerning space security, highlighting the
need for effective international agreements to prevent the weaponization of outer space
and ensure its peaceful use.

Space Militarization and Arms Race Prevention

The militarization of outer space poses a significant threat to global stability. The
military use of space is not new but has significantly advanced today. During the Cold
War, the US and the Soviet Union competed intensely to explore and control space,
resulting in significant technological developments. For instance, the Strategic Defense
Initiative (SDI) proposed by Ronald Reagan in 1983 aimed to develop space-based missile
defense systems, highlighting the strategic importance of space. The use of space for national
security has a long history, dating back to the first satellites orbiting Earth. During the Cold War,
military communications and reconnaissance satellites were crucial for global surveillance and
intelligence. Today, space technology contributes significantly to intelligence, surveillance, and
data collection, all of which are crucial for national security. Satellites enable global operations,
exercises, and logistics, making them potential targets in times of war. The military, civil, and
commercial space systems provide critical information and connectivity, creating new realms of
vulnerability. Worldwide, governments have steadily increased their space budgets, with the
United States leading. New technologies enable new space applications, and the number of
national assets in space is increasing, making space a domain of war akin to sea, air,
and land.

Military satellites are generally not seen as weapons, even though they provide
intelligence and enable military operations. However, several space weapon capabilities
have been tested and deployed, varying in operation and potential targets, and can
cause both permanent and temporary damage. Kinetic weapons, such as anti-satellite
(ASAT) missiles, have the capability to destroy objects both in space and on Earth.
States with great power ambitions, such as the US, China, Russia, and India, possess
and have tested these capabilities. For example, in November 2021, Russia destroyed
its satellite Cosmos 1408 in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) using a direct-ascent ASAT weapon,
creating dangerous space debris. Non-kinetic weapons, such as lasers, jammers,
electromagnetic pulses, and high-powered microwaves, can physically damage or disrupt
objects in space without direct contact. Countries like the US, Russia, China, Iran,
and North Korea have tested and deployed these capabilities. An example is the cyber
attack on the American satellite company Viasat, which resulted in the immediate loss
of communications for the Ukrainian military just before the Russian invasion of
Ukraine.

International Legal Frameworks and Existing Agreements

International efforts to regulate outer space are guided by treaties and agreements
designed to ensure its peaceful use. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which forms the
cornerstone of space law, prohibits the placement of weapons of mass destruction in
space but does not address other types of weapons. The Treaty on the Prohibition of
the Use of Force in Outer Space and from Space Against the Earth, although aimed at
banning the use of force in space, is increasingly seen as outdated and inadequate for
current security challenges.

Recent discussions have emphasized the need for updated and expanded legal
frameworks to address the evolving threats in space. The lack of progress in achieving
a legally binding agreement to prevent the arms race in space reflects the difficulties in
negotiating comprehensive regulations that accommodate the diverse interests of
space-faring nations. Proposals for new working groups and treaties, such as those
suggested by China and Russia, indicate a growing recognition of the need for stronger
institutional foundations to ensure space remains a domain of peaceful cooperation. Countries
like Austria, Germany, and Costa Rica have advocated for increased transparency,
confidence-building measures, and the inclusion of diverse perspectives, including gender
representation, to enhance the effectiveness of space governance. The call for a legally binding
agreement that goes beyond the existing treaties and addresses contemporary security
concerns highlights the need for collective action and updated regulations.

A new draft resolution, introduced by the United States and Japan and supported by
over 60 countries, sought to prevent the placement of weapons of mass destruction in
orbit. However, it faced opposition from Russia, which argued that the resolution did not
address the broader goal of preventing all types of weapons in space and instead
introduced new restrictions not previously agreed upon. Russia’s veto highlighted the
ongoing disagreements and the complexity of achieving consensus on space security
measures. The Russian Federation’s counter proposal aimed to prohibit all types of
weapons in space, reflecting its concern over the militarization of space and the
potential implications for global security. This proposal was supported by some nations,
including China and Kazakhstan, which have called for a comprehensive treaty to
prevent the arms race and address the weaponization of space. The debate has
revealed deep divisions among states regarding the best approach to space governance
and the need for more robust international agreements.
Conclusion

The ongoing debates and challenges surrounding the militarization of outer space
underscore the critical need for effective international governance. As space becomes a
more contested and strategic domain, establishing comprehensive legal frameworks to
prevent an arms race and ensure the peaceful use of outer space is essential. The
recent discussions have revealed significant divisions and challenges in achieving
consensus, but they also highlight the importance of continued dialogue and
international cooperation.
This background guide provides an overview of the current state of space security, the
challenges of militarization, and the need for updated legal frameworks to address
these evolving threats. As nations continue to develop and deploy space technologies,
ensuring that outer space remains a domain of peace and cooperation will be crucial for
global stability and security.
 Questions to Consider
Topic A:
1.​ How can international legal frameworks be updated to address the ethical and
operational challenges posed by autonomous weapons systems, especially regarding
accountability and proportionality in armed conflicts?
2.​ What measures can be implemented to ensure that autonomous weapons systems
adhere to humanitarian principles and do not cause unintended harm to civilians?
3.​ What strategies can be adopted to enhance global cybersecurity and protect critical
infrastructure from sophisticated cyberattacks like the WannaCry ransomware and
SolarWinds incident?
4.​ How can nations improve international cooperation and develop effective deterrence
policies to address the challenges of cyber warfare, including the difficulty of attribution
and response?

Topic B:
1.​ What are the primary risks associated with the militarization of outer space, and how can
international agreements be strengthened to prevent an arms race and ensure space
remains a domain of peaceful use?
2.​ How can nations address the challenges posed by both kinetic and non-kinetic space
weapons to maintain space security and stability?
3.​ What updates or new agreements are necessary to make existing space treaties, like the
Outer Space Treaty, more effective in addressing contemporary security challenges and
preventing the weaponization of space?
4.​ How can international organizations, such as the UN, facilitate more comprehensive and
effective negotiations on space security, considering the diverse interests of space-faring
nations?
List of Countries:
●​ USA
●​ Russia
●​ France
●​ China
●​ UK
●​ Brazil
●​ Canada
●​ Mexico
●​ Australia
●​ India
●​ Argentina
●​ Pakistan
●​ Ethiopia
●​ Iran
●​ Peru
●​ Israel
●​ South Africa
●​ Egypt
●​ Japan
●​ South Korea
●​ Germany
●​ Spain
●​ Vietnam
●​ Zimbabwe
●​ Democratic Republic of the Congo
●​ Senegal

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