Christ Academy Model UN

UNGA-DISEC:
Examining the
implications of
nuclear proliferation

Aarush De , Nimisha Maria Nishant, Leo Steve Saiju

(Executive Board Members)
Message from The Executive Board

Greetings Delegates!

We are extremely delighted to have you participate in the 26th Edition of

Christ Academy Model United Nations in the committee UNGA- DISEC.
Whether you are a first-time participant or a seasoned delegate, we hope
this experience will be both memorable and enlightening. Our executive
board, comprised of highly experienced members with numerous Model UN
placements, is dedicated to fostering fruitful and productive debates on the
important global issue of nuclear proliferation.

We encourage every delegate to speak up and present their viewpoints,

promoting collaboration and understanding among nations. The agenda at
hand is one that we all look forward to discussing deeply, and we are
excited to see the innovative solutions and diverse perspectives that each of
you will bring to the table.

Our team is thrilled to facilitate engaging and meaningful discussions, and

we are confident that this conference will be a significant learning
experience for everyone involved. Good luck, delegates, and make sure to
put forth your best arguments and ideas!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at

leosteve.saiju@gmail.com or nimishamaria16@gmail.com. We look forward to
seeing you at the conference!

Sincerely,

The Executive Board

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Introduction

Overview of DISEC

DISEC, one of the six main committees of the United Nations

General Assembly, was established on October 24, 1945, in
the aftermath of World War II. Initially focused on disarming the
Axis powers and preventing future conflicts, its mandate
expanded during the Cold War to include nuclear disarmament
and arms control. Today, DISEC addresses issues such as
WMD proliferation, cybersecurity, and illicit arms trade,
contributing to global peace and security.

Purpose, Vision, and Mission

The primary purpose of DISEC is to address global

disarmament, arms control, and international security. It
promotes diplomacy, responsible arms trade, and
cybersecurity. DISEC envisions a world free of armed conflict
and threats, working through diplomatic dialogue and
negotiations to resolve issues and promote international
peace and stability.

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Agenda : Examining the implications of nuclear
proliferation

Definition and Importance Nuclear proliferation refers to the spread of nuclear weapons and
technology to countries or non-state actors not previously possessing them. It is a critical issue
due to its potential catastrophic consequences, disrupting global stability and increasing the risk
of armed conflicts.

Historical Context and Key Events

● The Nuclear Era: Initiated in the mid-20th century, marked by the development and use of
nuclear technology for both energy and weapons.
● Manhattan Project: A pivotal project during World War II, leading to the development of
atomic bombs and significantly impacting nuclear proliferation.
● Hiroshima and Nagasaki: The bombings of these cities demonstrated the devastating
power of nuclear weapons and marked the beginning of the nuclear age.
● Cold War Developments: An arms race between the US and the Soviet Union, leading to
significant advancements in nuclear weapons technology and delivery systems.

Current Status of Nuclear Proliferation As of now, several countries possess nuclear weapons,
including the United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, Israel,
and North Korea. Efforts to prevent further proliferation continue through international
agreements and diplomatic efforts.

3. Key Terms and Concepts

● Fissile Material: Materials capable of sustaining a nuclear fission chain reaction (e.g.,
uranium-235, plutonium-239).
● Nuclear Enrichment: The process of increasing the proportion of fissile material in
uranium.
● Nuclear Safeguards: Measures to prevent the diversion of nuclear materials from
peaceful to military uses.
● Nuclear Arms Control: Agreements to limit the number and capabilities of nuclear
weapons.
● Nuclear Disarmament: The process of reducing or eliminating nuclear weapons.

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 ● Nuclear Threshold States: Countries capable of developing nuclear weapons but have
not yet done so.
● Sanction Relief: The removal or easing of sanctions imposed on countries or individuals.
● Centrifuges: Devices used to enrich uranium by separating isotopes through rapid
spinning.

Key Treaties and Agreements

1. Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)

○ Objective: To prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote peaceful uses
of nuclear energy.
○ Key Provisions:
■ Non-proliferation: Nuclear-weapon states (NWS) agree not to transfer
nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices, and
non-nuclear-weapon states (NNWS) agree not to acquire them.
■ Disarmament: All parties commit to pursue negotiations in good faith on
effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race and
nuclear disarmament.
■ Peaceful Uses: Parties are encouraged to cooperate in the field of
peaceful nuclear technology and equal access to this technology under
appropriate safeguards.
○ Significance: Entered into force in 1970, the NPT is the cornerstone of global
nuclear non-proliferation efforts​​.
2. Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)
○ Objective: To ban all nuclear explosions for both civilian and military purposes.
○ Key Provisions: Prohibits all nuclear explosions, establishes a global verification
regime, including an International Monitoring System (IMS) to detect nuclear tests.
○ Status: Opened for signature in 1996, but has not yet entered into force as key
states have not ratified it.
○ Significance: Aims to constrain the development of new nuclear weapons and
reduce the role of nuclear weapons in security doctrines​​.
3. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)
○ Objective: To establish a comprehensive set of prohibitions on participating in any
nuclear weapon activities.
○ Key Provisions: Prohibits development, testing, production, acquisition,
possession, stockpiling, use or threat of use of nuclear weapons.

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 ○ Significance: Represents a significant normative shift towards the stigmatization
and elimination of nuclear weapons, entered into force in January 2021​​.
4. Treaty of Tlatelolco (Latin American Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone)
○ Objective: To prohibit nuclear weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean.
○ Key Provisions: Establishes a nuclear-weapon-free zone, requiring signatories to
abstain from manufacturing, acquiring, testing, or deploying nuclear weapons.
○ Significance: First such treaty in a populated area, set a precedent for other
regional nuclear-weapon-free zones​​.
5. Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) and New START
○ Objective: To reduce the number of strategic nuclear missile launchers.
○ Key Provisions:
■ START I: Signed in 1991, led to the largest arms reduction in history,
reducing the deployed strategic nuclear arsenals of the U.S. and Russia.
■ New START: Signed in 2010, limits deployed strategic nuclear warheads to
1,550 and includes comprehensive verification measures.
○ Significance: Vital for U.S.-Russia strategic stability, ensuring transparency and
predictability in their nuclear arsenals​​.
6. Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF)
○ Objective: To eliminate the parties' ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles
with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometers.
○ Key Provisions: Prohibited the development, testing, and deployment of
intermediate-range missiles, including extensive on-site inspections.
○ Significance: Contributed significantly to the end of the Cold War; however, the
treaty was suspended by the U.S. in 2019 due to alleged violations by Russia​​.

Role of International Organizations

1. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

○ Function: Promotes peaceful use of nuclear energy, provides international
safeguards against the misuse of nuclear technology, and facilitates the
implementation of nuclear safety and security standards.
○ Key Actions:
■ Safeguards and Verification: Ensures that nuclear materials are not
diverted from peaceful uses to nuclear weapons through comprehensive
safeguards agreements with member states.
■ Technical Cooperation: Supports member states in using nuclear
technology for sustainable development goals.
■ Safety Standards: Develops and promotes safety standards for protecting
health and minimizing the risk of nuclear accidents.

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 ○ Significance: Central to implementing the NPT and ensuring compliance with
non-proliferation obligations​​.
2. United Nations (UN)
○ General Assembly: The First Committee on Disarmament and International
Security addresses disarmament, global challenges, and threats to peace that
affect the international community.
○ Security Council: Responsible for maintaining international peace and security,
including the enforcement of sanctions and measures against states violating
nuclear non-proliferation norms.
○ Significance: Provides a platform for international dialogue and the development
of international norms and treaties​​.

Past Actions

1. Atoms for Peace Initiative:

○ Launched by U.S. President Eisenhower in 1953, this initiative aimed to promote
the peaceful use of nuclear energy and led to the establishment of the IAEA​​.
2. International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation (IFNEC):
○ A forum for cooperation among states on the peaceful use of nuclear energy,
addressing nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation issues​​.
3. Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA):
○ An agreement between Iran and the P5+1 (China, France, Russia, United Kingdom,
United States, plus Germany) to ensure the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear
program in exchange for lifting economic sanctions.
○ Key Provisions: Limits on Iran's uranium enrichment levels, reduction in the
number of centrifuges, and enhanced monitoring by the IAEA.
○ Significance: Aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, although its
future remains uncertain following the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement in
2018​​.
4. Regional Cooperative Agreements:
○ Example: The IAEA's Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA) for Asia and the
Pacific facilitates collaboration in nuclear science and technology among member
states.
○ Significance: Enhances regional capacities for the peaceful use of nuclear
technology, promoting sustainable development​​.

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Types of nuclear proliferation:
Horizontal proliferation is the spread of nuclear weapons to new states or entities that previously
did not have them, involving the acquisition or capability to produce nuclear weapons. This
expansion raises global security concerns due to the increased number of actors with access to
nuclear weapons, which heightens risks such as nuclear conflict, accidents, or unauthorized
acquisition of weapons. International efforts to prevent horizontal proliferation are a core focus of
non-proliferation treaties like the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

Vertical proliferation, on the other hand, refers to the growth in both quantity and quality of
nuclear weapons within a country's existing arsenal. This process typically includes modernizing
existing capabilities, developing new delivery systems, enhancing weapon accuracy, or
expanding stockpiles of nuclear warheads. Vertical proliferation among nuclear-armed states can
contribute to arms races, escalating tensions and security threats on a global scale.

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Nuclear Terrorism
In an era marked by technological advancement and geopolitical tensions, the specter of nuclear
terrorism casts a dark shadow over global security. The prospect of non-state actors obtaining
and utilizing nuclear weapons presents a formidable challenge to governments, international
organizations, and security experts alike. As we navigate this perilous landscape, it is imperative
to understand the nature of this threat, its potential consequences, and the measures necessary
to mitigate it.

Nuclear terrorism refers to the deliberate use of nuclear materials or weapons by non-state actors
to achieve political, ideological, or religious objectives. Unlike traditional state-sponsored nuclear
warfare, where deterrents and diplomatic channels often serve as buffers, nuclear terrorism
operates outside conventional frameworks of conflict resolution. The motivations behind such
acts can vary widely, ranging from extremist ideologies to sheer opportunism.

The consequences of nuclear terrorism are catastrophic and far-reaching. Beyond the immediate
loss of life and destruction of infrastructure, the psychological impact and long-term
environmental repercussions would be staggering. The mere possibility of a nuclear attack can
sow fear and instability, undermining social cohesion and economic stability on a global scale.
Moreover, the proliferation of nuclear materials and technology increases the likelihood of
accidents, theft, or unauthorized use, amplifying the risks associated with nuclear terrorism.

Addressing the threat of nuclear terrorism requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses
prevention, detection, and response. At the heart of these efforts lies the imperative to secure
nuclear materials and facilities, both domestically and internationally. Strengthening regulatory
frameworks, enhancing border security, and promoting information sharing among intelligence
agencies are crucial steps in bolstering our defenses against nuclear proliferation.

Moreover, investing in advanced detection technologies and intelligence gathering capabilities is

essential for early warning and preemptive action. By monitoring illicit trafficking networks and
identifying suspicious activities, authorities can disrupt terrorist plots before they come to fruition.
Additionally, fostering international cooperation through platforms like the International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nuclear Security Summit process is vital for coordinating efforts
and sharing best practices in nuclear security.

Furthermore, diplomatic engagement and conflict resolution play a pivotal role in addressing the
root causes of nuclear terrorism. By addressing political grievances, promoting disarmament
initiatives, and fostering dialogue between conflicting parties, we can reduce the incentives for
resorting to violent extremism. Robust non-proliferation agreements, such as the Treaty on the

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Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), serve as vital instruments in curbing the spread of
nuclear weapons and fostering a culture of responsible stewardship.

However, despite these efforts, the threat of nuclear terrorism remains a persistent and evolving
challenge. As technology advances and geopolitical dynamics shift, new vulnerabilities emerge,
necessitating ongoing adaptation and innovation in our security measures. Moreover, the rise of
cyber warfare introduces new avenues for malicious actors to exploit, further complicating our
defense strategies.

In confronting the threat of nuclear terrorism, there are no easy solutions or quick fixes. It requires
sustained commitment, collaboration, and vigilance from the international community. By
remaining steadfast in our resolve and investing in comprehensive security measures, we can
strive to safeguard our world against the specter of nuclear terrorism and build a safer, more
resilient future for generations to come.

Nuclear weapons:
Nuclear weapons, devices engineered to unleash energy explosively through nuclear fusion,
nuclear fission, or a combination of both, stand as the most perilous armaments on the planet.
With the capacity for mass destruction, they pose a grave threat, capable of obliterating entire
cities and claiming millions of lives. Their use also poses significant risks to future generations
and the environment, with enduring and devastating consequences. While nuclear weapons have
been utilized in warfare only twice in history, over 2,000 nuclear tests have been conducted.

Prominent examples of nuclear weapons include atomic bombs and missiles. Presently, nine
nations possess nuclear capabilities worldwide. Many of these nations have committed to treaties
aimed at constraining their arsenals. Despite efforts to quantify their potential for destruction, the
true extent of the devastation they can cause remains incalculable. Consequently, there have
been instances where nations have abandoned their nuclear programs, often due to perceived
threats from more powerful countries in contested regions.

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Suggestions for further research
1. What is your country's position on nuclear proliferation, and what actions has your country
historically taken on this issue?
2. Does your country possess any nuclear weapons, and if so, what categories do they fall
into?
3. Is your region designated as a nuclear-free zone, and if not, what measures are being
taken to address nuclear issues?
4. Has your country ratified any treaties related to nuclear weapons, and how have these
treaties influenced your country's nuclear policy?

QARMAS

1. How can states possessing nuclear weapons pursue disarmament and reduce their nuclear
arsenals?

2. What measures can be introduced to foster arms control and mitigate the risk of a nuclear
arms race?

3. What actions can be taken to prevent non-state entities from acquiring or using nuclear
weapons, and how can the global community address the threat of nuclear terrorism?

4. How can the international community minimize the long-term consequences of nuclear
weapons?

5. What roles can international organizations play in enforcing disarmament and enhancing
nuclear security?

6. Should there be repercussions for countries that violate non-proliferation agreements, and if
so, what form should these consequences take?

7. What amendments could be proposed to existing nuclear treaties to strengthen international

security?

8. What diplomatic strategies can be employed to de-escalate tensions among nuclear-armed

states and promote peaceful resolution of conflicts?

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Contact: Only through Whatsapp or email

● Leo Steve - 9611292055/ leosteve.saiju@gmail.com

● Nimisha Maria- 9388607826/ nimishamaria16@gmail.com
● Aarush De- 8861061544/ aarushde2000@gmail.com

All delegates are requested to send in their Position Papers if they wish to
be considered for placements to aarushde2000@gmail.com by 11:59 p.m.
20th June, 2024.

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