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DISEC Background Guide

The Vidyasagar School Model United Nations Assembly of Ambassadors 2025 focuses on the Disarmament and Security Council (DISEC), addressing critical global security issues in a multipolar world. The chairs encourage delegates to engage in thorough research and collaborative discussions to craft effective resolutions. The document outlines the historical context, key definitions, problem identification, past actions by DISEC, and various bloc positions regarding modern warfare and disarmament challenges.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
6 views19 pages

DISEC Background Guide

The Vidyasagar School Model United Nations Assembly of Ambassadors 2025 focuses on the Disarmament and Security Council (DISEC), addressing critical global security issues in a multipolar world. The chairs encourage delegates to engage in thorough research and collaborative discussions to craft effective resolutions. The document outlines the historical context, key definitions, problem identification, past actions by DISEC, and various bloc positions regarding modern warfare and disarmament challenges.

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rudrabagorayt
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© All Rights Reserved
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LETTER FROM THE CHAIRS

Dear Delegates,

Welcome to Vidyasagar School Model United Nations Assembly of Ambassadors 2025 and
the Disarmament and Security Council!

We are more than happy to be able to simulate one of the most important committees
existing today to be able to discuss one of the most important global issues occurring globally.

As your chairs, we promise to do our best to bring you a fruitful and efficient committee
simulation. We believe that you are resilient delegates that will be able to make the most out
of their own experience and, most importantly, have fun while doing just that!

Please keep in mind that we are discussing a very crucial issue in our world today and it
requires your utmost care and dedication. Remember that you are the leaders of tomorrow!

Research as much as you can to be able to write the best possible resolution you can
throughout the conference.

We believe in you, and we cannot wait to meet you soon.

All the best,

The DISEC, Board of Directors


INTRODUCTION TO THE CHAIRS

Introduction to the Chair (Siddhant Joshi)

Greetings delegates, I am Siddhant Joshi an alumnus of VSS and currently a working


professional. It is my pleasure to chair a committee so crucial at the UN and that too with
such a panel of energetic delegates. I am a National Level Debater and have had experience
of managing and participating in an array of events, so I will try my best to make this
experience worth remembering. Research well, debate smart and most importantly lobby
fast.

All the best for your preparations, see you on 29th.

Introduction to the Vice-Chair (Dhruv Jaiswal)

Hello delegates, I am Dhruv Jaiswal, a student of Vidyasagar School, and I am delighted to


serve as your Vice Chair. MUNs have always been a space where I have learned, grown, and
connected with amazing people, and I hope this committee becomes the same for you. I am
truly excited to hear your ideas, watch your debates unfold, and be part of this journey with
all of you. Wishing you the very best for your preparation — cannot wait to meet you
at the conference
INTRODUCTION TO THE COMMITTEE (1):

The Disarmament and Security Council (DISEC) is the First Committee of the
United Nations General Assembly, established as such with the creation of the
United Nations in 1945. DISEC contains two main bodies that report to it: the
Disarmament Commission (UNDC) and the Conference on Disarmament (CD).
Although the CD is not technically a part of the UN, it still reports to DISEC and its
budget is included in that of the UN.

DISEC mainly deals with the broad issues of nuclear weapons and other weapons
of mass destruction, outer space, conventional weapons, regional disarmament and
security, other disarmament measures and international security, and disarmament
and security. DISEC has had a few landmark resolutions, including the very first
General Assembly resolution “Establishment of a Commission to Deal with the
Problems Raised by the Discovery of Atomic Energy” in 1946.

In addition, DISEC has passed the very first General Assembly resolution that was
co- sponsored by all the Member States of the time. This resolution, adopted in
2001, reaffirmed all resolutions on the situation in Afghanistan and confirmed that
the United Nations would play an important role in the country. It also called for
the establishment of a transitional administration leading to the formation of a new
government.

Keep in mind that all resolutions passed by this committee are non-binding
resolutions and must be formatted as recommendations to the 193 nations in the
committee.

Furthermore, given its direct association with the United Nations General Assembly
(being a subsidiary organ as authorized under Article 22), it retains the powers and
responsibilities of the General Assembly as outlined in Chapter IV of the Charter of
the United Nations, including:

Article 10

“mak[ing] recommendations to the Members of the United Nations or to the


Security Council or to both on any such questions or matters.”
Article 11(2)

“discuss[ing] any questions relating to the maintenance of international peace and


security brought before it...”

Article 11(3)

“call[ing] the attention of the Security Council to situations which are likely to
endanger international peace and security.”

Article 14

“recommend[ing] measures for the peaceful adjustment of any situation...”

As delegates at VSSMUN 2025, you should keep in mind these values of


international cooperation and the promotion of world peace as you work to craft
solutions to this issue, which is extremely important to the promotion of
international security.
I. INTRODUCTION TO THE TOpIC:
The global security landscape is undergoing rapid transformation. The post-Cold
War unipolar era has shifted toward a complex multipolar system with power
shared among several states and regional players. This change offers the potential
for balanced international cooperation but also increases the risk of friction and
instability. In multipolarity, rivalries span many regions, with diverse actors
competing over territory, resources, and influence.

At the same time, the nature of conflict has fundamentally changed. Next-
generation warfare—featuring drones, artificial intelligence, cyber operations, and
advanced missile systems—blurs the lines between military and civilian targets and
between peace and war. These technologies enable precise, far-reaching actions
that challenge traditional security norms and regulations. Their spread is no longer
limited to major powers: non-state actors and private groups now possess tools
once reserved for national militaries, making conflicts more unpredictable and
difficult to contain.

This evolving environment presents urgent challenges for DISEC. Disarmament


frameworks must keep pace with technological change, civilian populations
require stronger protections, and multipolar rivalries must be managed to prevent
arms races. Addressing these issues calls for updated policies, renewed
international cooperation, and creative solutions that balance state interests with
global security needs. Through this agenda, DISEC can help lay the foundation for
modern arms control and conflict prevention in a volatile era.

II. HISTORICAL CONTExT:


Global security has continually evolved alongside shifts in power and military
technology. After World War II, the world was shaped by a bipolar order—the U.S.
and the Soviet Union dominated the Cold War era, marked by ideological
confrontation, nuclear competition, and proxy wars across Asia, Africa, and Latin
America. Arms control treaties like the NPT and SALT sought to reduce the risk of
nuclear conflict, while conventional warfare remained the main focus.
The collapse of the Soviet Union ushered in a period of U.S.-led unipolarity and
relative international stability. However, even then, advanced technologies such as
smart munitions and satellite intelligence began changing the nature of conflict.
Asymmetric warfare and the rise of non-state actors (e.g., al-Qaeda) redefined
security threats, especially after the 9/11 attacks expanded warfare to include
counterterrorism and global networks.

As the 21st century progressed, new powers—China, India, Brazil—and a


resurgent Russia shifted the world toward multipolarity. Competition now features
overlapping alliances and many influential actors. Technological innovation
accelerated: drones became central to military operations, cyber warfare emerged
as a potent tool for espionage and disruption, and non-state groups like ISIS used
digital platforms and commercial drones for both recruitment and attacks.

Regional flashpoints, such as Syria, Yemen, and the Sahel, have seen the
intersection of conventional fighting with cyberattacks, unmanned strikes, and
information warfare. These hybrid threats have exposed gaps in international law,
which is still primarily designed for traditional conflicts.

Today, the combination of multipolar rivalries and rapid weapon innovation has
created a more fragmented and volatile security environment. Strategic
competition between major powers is increasingly shaped by new technologies—
hypersonic missiles, AI-driven targeting, and even the militarization of outer
space—posing fresh challenges for arms control and global stability.

III. KEy DEFINITIONS:


❖ Multipolarity: A global power structure in which multiple states hold significant
influence in international affairs, unlike the bipolar Cold War system or the
unipolar post-Cold War period. In a multipolar system, alliances shift more easily,
competition is more fragmented, and power is distributed among several global
and regional actors such as the United States, China, Russia, the European Union,
and emerging economies.
❖ Next-Generation Warfare: A broad term describing modern military strategies
that integrate advanced technologies with unconventional tactics. This includes
the use of autonomous weapons systems, armed drones, cyberattacks, artificial
intelligence-driven targeting, electronic warfare, and hybrid methods that combine
traditional combat with non-military tools like disinformation campaigns.

❖ Non-State Actors: Entities that participate in international relations but are not
affiliated with any government. These include terrorist organizations (e.g., ISIS,
al-Qaeda), insurgent groups, private military companies, transnational criminal
networks, and certain NGOs that influence conflict dynamics. In next-generation
warfare, non-state actors can use relatively inexpensive but high-impact
technologies to challenge state militaries.

❖ Asymmetric Warfare: A form of conflict where weaker parties use


unconventional strategies to offset the advantages of a stronger opponent.
Examples include guerrilla warfare, suicide bombings, cyber sabotage, and the use
of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Asymmetric warfare often exploits the
political, social, and media dimensions of conflict.

❖ Arms Control Treaties: International agreements designed to limit the


development, stockpiling, or use of specific types of weapons. Relevant examples
for DISEC include the NPT, the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), and the Biological
Weapons Convention (BWC). These treaties aim to maintain stability and prevent
the spread of dangerous weaponry.

❖ Cyber Warfare: Digital attacks to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access


to the systems and infrastructure of an adversary. Cyber warfare can target
government institutions, financial systems, military networks, and even civilian
infrastructure like power grids and hospitals.

❖ Drone Warfare: The deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for


reconnaissance, surveillance, and direct strikes. While drones can minimize risks
to human soldiers, their growing use — including by non-state actors — raises
concerns over civilian casualties, legal accountability, and proliferation.
❖ Humanitarian Law: Also known as the law of armed conflict, it governs the
conduct of warfare to protect civilians, prisoners of war, and those no longer
participating in hostilities. The rapid development of next-generation warfare
technologies challenges the applicability and enforcement of these laws.

❖ Hybrid Warfare: A military strategy that blends conventional warfare, irregular


tactics, and cyber tools with political and economic measures. Hybrid warfare is
often used to achieve strategic objectives without triggering a full-scale traditional
war.

❖ Arms Proliferation: The spread of weapons and military technology — whether


conventional, nuclear, or next-generation — to states or non- state actors.
Unchecked proliferation can destabilize regions and fuel conflicts, particularly in
fragile states.

Iv. pRObLEM IDENTIFICATION


1. Rising Multipolar Tensions
• The end of unipolar dominance has led to regional rivalry, shifting alliances,
and frequently changing diplomatic landscapes. The U.S., China, Russia, the
EU, and influential regional players compete for global influence.
• Disputes over territory (South China Sea, Eastern Europe), spheres of
influence, and economic arrangements are driving up the risk of escalation
and proxy conflicts.
2. Proliferation of High-Tech Warfare
• Autonomous drones, cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure, AI-mediated
command systems, and potential bioweapons deployment add uncertainty
and risk.
• Technologies outpace regulatory frameworks. Their proliferation to smaller
states and non-state actors complicates arms control.
3. Fragmentation of International Cooperation
• Established institutions (UN, NATO, security pacts) struggle to manage
crises and enforce arms control as major powers pursue independent
strategies or refuse new agreements.
• States hedge their bets, sometimes participating in multiple competing
alliances at once, further undermining collective efforts to prevent conflict.
4. Humanitarian and Legal Concerns
• Rapid escalation and blurred lines between peace and war (e.g., cyber
operations during peacetime) complicate the application of international law
and protections for civilians.
• New technologies raise profound ethical questions about accountability,
especially where AI determines life-or-death decisions in conflict zones.

v. pAST ACTIONS by DISEC AND INTERNATIONAL bODIES


1. Adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) – 2013: First legally binding
treaty regulating the global arms trade. Sets criteria for arms exports and bans
transfers that would be used in genocide, crimes against humanity, or war-
crimes.

2. UN Register of Conventional Arms – 1991: Voluntary transparency


mechanism for states to report their arms imports and exports. Aimed at
building confidence and reducing the risk of misperceptions that could lead to
conflict.

3. Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) & Chemical Weapons Convention


(CWC) Support: Continual resolutions reinforcing commitment to eliminate
WMDs in these categories. Calls for updated verification systems in light of
modern biotechnology threats.

4. Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) Advocacy:


Regular debates and consensus-building ahead of NPT Review Conferences.
Promotion of nuclear-weapon-free zones in Latin America, Africa, Southeast
Asia, and Central Asia.

5. Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS): Series of resolutions


calling for negotiations to ban the weaponization of outer space. Focuses on
emerging military uses of satellites, space-based sensors, and anti-satellite
weapons.

6. Discussions on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS): Initiated


debate on AI-driven weapons and ethical concerns in warfare. Recommended
the development of international norms before deployment.

7. Regulation of Armed Drones in Warfare: Resolutions stressing the


importance of drone use compliance with International Humanitarian Law
(IHL). Encouraged transparency in drone strike protocols.

8. UN Programme of Action (PoA) on Small Arms and Light Weapons – 2001:


Framework for preventing, combating, and eradicating illicit trade in SALW.
Promotes marking, tracing, and destruction of illegal stockpiles.

9. Illicit Arms Trade in Conflict Zones: Resolutions targeting arms flows to


regions like the Sahel, Great Lakes region, and the Middle East. Emphasis on
border control, arms embargo monitoring, and capacity-building.
vI. bLOC pOSITIONS

Position on Stance on Next-Gen


Bloc Key Concerns
Multipolar Tensions Warfare Technology
Risks from rival
Advocates for Calls for regulation of
powers; ethical
cooperative security, AI, cyber, and
Western tech use;
rules-based order, autonomous weapons;
Bloc preventing
and collective supports transparency
destabilizing arms
defense. and accountability.
races.
Favors sovereignty,
Prioritizes military Unequal
strategic autonomy,
Eastern modernization and regulatory burden;
and multi-vector
Bloc national tech safeguarding
alliances; resists
development. strategic interests.
external intervention.

Pursues balanced Seeks fair access to new Tech inequality;


Rising relations with major technologies; supports dangers of
Regional blocs; emphasizes dialogue on regulation, escalation;
Powers regional stability and often acting as influence in new
local interests. mediators. frameworks.
Endorse Tech
Global multipolarity to Seek equitable tech marginalization;
South / dilute dominance of transfer, protection from cyber
Developing major powers; focus cyber threats, and vulnerabilities;
States on justice, peace, and international support. post-conflict
development. reconstruction.
Deeply affected by
Mixed: Some prioritize Security vs self-
Middle regional rivalries;
tech for defense, others defense;
Eastern wary of external
support moderate preventing tech-
Bloc influence and
regulation. driven escalation.
embargoes.
Supports multipolar Border security;
Favors international
African order for greater illicit arms flow;
support for tech security
Bloc agency; calls for impact on fragile
and capacity-building.
global solidarity. states.

Diverse: Some states


Active in tech adoption; Regional conflicts;
assert independence;
mixed views on dual-use tech;
Asian Bloc others build alliances
regulation and competition vs
regionally or
cooperation. collaboration.
globally.

Generally, supports Organized crime;


Latin Seeks non-militarization,
peace, dialogue, and arms trafficking;
American transparent tech use, and
cooperation over tech for
Bloc international dialogue.
power politics. development.

vII. FUTURE SCENARIOS & RECOMMENDATIONS


Given the rapid evolution of military technology and the shifting balance of power
in a multipolar world, the potential for security challenges is significant. The
coming decade could see an escalation of arms races—not only in conventional
weaponry but also in autonomous systems, cyberweapons, and biological agents.
There is a tangible risk of direct conflict between major powers, further
proliferation of advanced weapons to non-state actors, and the erosion of long-
standing norms that govern the conduct of war.

Unchecked development and deployment of these capabilities could destabilize


entire regions, undermine global trust, and create an environment where
miscalculation could trigger large- scale conflict. Furthermore, the increased
accessibility of emerging technologies risks empowering insurgent groups, terrorist
organizations, and private military contractors, making containment more difficult.
Strategies for Peacebuilding:

1. Comprehensive Arms Control and Demobilization: DISEC and member states


must work toward updated and binding arms control frameworks that address both
traditional and next-generation weapons. This includes limiting the spread of lethal
autonomous weapon systems (LAWS), regulating AI- based targeting, and ensuring
demobilization programs for areas emerging from conflict.

2. Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Resilience Building: Invest in rebuilding


infrastructure, restoring governance systems, and providing economic
opportunities in post-conflict areas to prevent a relapse into violence. Security
sector reform should be prioritized to ensure that national militaries operate under
civilian oversight and international law.

3. Strengthening Global Governance Mechanisms: Reinforce the role of the UN,


DISEC, and regional security organizations in monitoring arms transfers,
mediating disputes, and enforcing compliance with disarmament treaties. Special
committees on emerging warfare technologies should be established to review
compliance and adapt regulations in real

4. Technology Transparency and Verification: Create an international reporting and


verification mechanism for the development and deployment of new military
technologies. Such transparency can reduce suspicion among states and prevent
destabilizing arms build-ups.

5. Regional Confidence-Building Measures: Promote bilateral and multilateral


dialogues among rival blocs to reduce tensions, increase military-to-military
communication, and establish no-first-use pledges for certain categories of
advanced weapons.
Strategic Recommendations

❖ Enhanced Multilateral Cooperation on Arms Control: DISEC should


facilitate the creation of updated, binding agreements that specifically address
emerging threats such as lethal autonomous weapon systems, cyberwarfare
capabilities, and advanced missile technologies. This cooperation should
include both state and non-state actors, with stricter enforcement of compliance
mechanisms.

❖ Establishment of a Next-Generation Warfare Oversight Body: Create a


permanent subcommittee under DISEC tasked with monitoring developments in
AI, unmanned combat systems, directed-energy weapons, and bioengineering.
This body should publish annual reports, maintain a global threat database, and
recommend adaptive policy measures.

❖ Strengthening Verification and Transparency Protocols: Support the


development of robust verification regimes, including on-site inspections,
satellite monitoring, and AI-assisted data analysis, to ensure compliance with
arms limitation treaties.

❖ Regional Disarmament Frameworks: Encourage the establishment of


regional-level arms reduction agreements in high-tension zones such as the
Korean Peninsula, South Asia, Eastern Europe, and the South China Sea. These
frameworks should be supported by DISEC mediation and backed by clear
enforcement mechanisms.

❖ Capacity-Building in Conflict-Prone States: Assist states with limited


resources in improving arms tracking, border security, and customs enforcement
to prevent illicit trafficking of weapons—both conventional and next-
generation.

❖ Integration of Non-State Threat Mitigation: Expand DISEC’s mandate to


address non-state actors involved in advanced weapons development or
acquisition, working closely with INTERPOL, regional organizations, and
intelligence- sharing alliances.
vIII. CONCLUSION
The transition to a multipolar world and the rise of disruptive technologies are
reshaping the global order. DISEC and the broader UN community must act
decisively to bridge the gaps in arms control, adapt legal frameworks, and foster
new venues for cooperation. Effective management of these converging challenges
can pave the way for a more stable, secure, and just international system in the
decades ahead.

Delegates are strongly encouraged to thoroughly research their countries'


perspectives on both the balance-of-power dynamics and their position on military
technology regulation, and to propose concrete, forward-looking policies during
committee sessions.

© All rights reserved

17
➢ RESEARCH SECTION:
This section is exclusive of the background guide. This section is for you to
understand how to do research for preparing for the MUN Conference. This is
just an example or a standard way to do research, however you all are free to
do in the manner most suitable to all of you.

❑ Researching your Topic Background:


One must begin looking into the topic that you are going to be discussing. It is
important to have a good base of understanding about your topic before you
dive in and try to decipher how your country feels about that topic. There are
numerous resources on UN websites and across the internet about your
topic, you can use their sources at the bottom to find more information about
your topic. You should have a strong historical understanding of your topic, as
well as the causes and impacts of the issue you are discussing so that you can
come prepared to committee on the first day of the conference.

❑ Researching Past International Action and Country Policy:


To understand how to represent your country at the UN, you need to know
two things- what the international community has already done about the
topic, and what your country wants to do about it. To find Past International
Action, you can try looking through news sources, but you can also read past
UN reports and resolutions on the issue. The UN Official Documentation
Services can help you determine what the UN has done about the topic
already. A similar solution can be found for your country’s policy on the issue-
by looking at the websites of your country’s government, foreign ministry, or
UN mission, you can find statements and actions related to the topic you are
discussing.
❑ Researching your Country Profile:
❖ Physical Geography
➢ What is your country’s official name?

➢ What region of the world is your country located in? How big is your
country? (square miles)
➢ Who are your country’s neighbors?
➢ How would you describe your country’s physical features and
climate?

❖ Culture
➢ What is your country’s population?

➢ What is your country’s ethnic composition?

➢ What is your country’s official language? What other languages are


spoken?
➢ What is your country’s capital? What are some of the major cities?
➢ How would you describe the quality of life in your country?

❖ Politics & Government


➢ When was your country founded?

➢ What type of government does your country have?

➢ Who are some of your country’s leaders?


➢ How many people serve in your country’s military?
➢ Who are your country’s allies? Enemies?

❖ Economy
➢ What is your country’s total Gross Domestic Product?
➢ What are some of your country’s natural resources?
➢ What is your country’s currency?
➢ What are your country’s major imports and exports?
➢ What is your country’s biggest trading partners?

❑ Researching Solutions:
While researching UN and government websites can be helpful to learn about
what the UN has done about your topic in the past, they may not be as
helpful as you would like for finding new solutions to these issues you are
researching! However, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) can be great
resources to find solutions to the topic you are researching. Also, Think Tanks
and University Researchers may have published ideas on how the issue can be
fixed, and looking through their ideas can be great ways to brainstorm ideas
on how to take these issues. The most important thing for finding solutions to
these problems, however, is your creativity! Think of ways the UN and
Member States could work together to combat this issue in realistic ways, and
plan how these solutions would work in your words!

❑ Research Sources:
Although there are no such restrictions from where you research, but the
following are considered better for MUN Research Prep.
- UN Organisation published documents, press releases and Treaties
- Country’s National Media House
- Independent Media Houses which are acceptable on global forums, etc.
- Avoid use of Chat-GPT, AI for sources and data, if using kindly cross check
with official data and figures, same while using Wikipedia, Quora etc.
- The Internet is Vast and is now more accessible, use it for great use.

__________________

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