Committee Information Title: First Committee: Disarmament and International Security Chair: Angel Garcia Moderator: Elaine Song Topic A: Militant Factions in Africa Topic A Summary: The violent resolution of the Algeria hostage crisis in January and the Islamist occupation of Mali have brought the growing threat of militant factions and terrorist cells in Africa to the attention of African and Western leaders. In countering this emerging terrorist threat, Western nations are struggling with the multinational nature of these militias, who are able to travel with ease across Africa’s porous borders. The resource-rich region, with oil, gas, uranium and other international ventures in abundance, also provides these cells with clear Western interests that they can easily exploit and that are often poorly defended. In tackling this terrorist threat, effective cooperation will be required between Western and African nations. The former must tread carefully, wary of the economic and political costs of open deployment in Africa, as well as the risk of relying primarily on the capacities of local entities. Resolutions must keep the complexity of this issue in mind and pose comprehensive solutions to the problem at hand. Topic B: Preventing an Arms Race in Space Topic B Summary: In addition to the international security threats posed by weapons on land, on sea and in the air, the advent of technology and scientific advancement has produced yet another security concern: weapons in the “fourth” battlefield – space. Few countries possess the technological capability to explore outer space and even less the ability to deploy weapons there. However, the possibility of militarizing space is a real and alarming threat - one that would greatly harm the security balance that exists on Earth. The United States, the world’s strongest military power, has brushed aside previous UN efforts to draft treaties banning the development of arms in space. The US Space Command’s “Vision for 2020” includes the deployment of lasers, directed energy weapons and kinetic kill vehicles in outer space. Militarization by the U.S. will only invite China, Russia and other nations to do the same and thus will spur an arms race in space. Delegates need to come together and form resolutions that prevent the deployment of weapons in space and instead promote peaceful cooperation in its outreaches.

Background Guide Background guides are not yet available. We will notify delegates when they are posted.

Letter from the Chair

Dear Delegates,

It is my genuine pleasure to welcome you to UPMUNC XLVII! My name is Angel Garcia de la Garza and I will be your chair for the First Committee on Disarmament and International Security. I look forward to working with you on what will surely be the most competitive and fun committee at UPMUNC.

Before continuing, I'd like to give you a little background about myself. I am a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences majoring in Mathematics. I was born and raised in the always- sunny Mexico. In the past, I served as an ASG for UPMUNC XLV and I’m currently involved in PIRC, UPMUNC’s sister conference and the Academic Affairs Board of the IAA. Outside of the MUN circuit I enjoy eating sushi, watching Revenge, and always trying to find a new song to obsess over. I’m incredibly excited about DISEC this year and I’m sure we will have great discussions in the committee.

This year, our two topics are military factions in Africa and preventing an arms race in space. I highly encourage you to come prepared for an intense discussion-based committee and brainstorm innovative solutions before coming to conference.

In the time between now and UPMUNC, feel free to contact me with any questions, or comments you might have, or if you just want to quickly introduce yourself. Elaine and I look forward to meeting you in November. Get pumped!

Best,

Angel Garcia
disec@upmunc.org
Chair, First Committee: Disarmament and International Security

Letter from the Moderator

Dear Delegates,

Welcome to the First Committee on Disarmament and International Security! My name is Elaine Song and I will be your moderator throughout UPMUNC XLVII. I look forward to meeting you all and being a part of the amazing work you are sure to accomplish come November. Get ready for the most competitive and fun committee at UPMUNC!

Now, a little bit about myself. Hailing from the Bay (it’s in California for those of you who don’t know), I am currently a sophomore studying Political Science, East Asian Studies, and Economic Policy. I was an ASG and USG of ECOSOC and Specialized Committees for the last two UPMUNCS. When not laboring over the committee background guide, I spend my time working out with flavored Redbull, hashtagging like an obnoxious sorority girl (#oops, #sorryimnotsorry), and wondering why I ever left California (west coast, best coast!). I’m #superexcited for UPMUNC XLVII and can’t wait to finally meet everyone.

Our two topics this year are militant factions in Africa and preventing an arms race in space. I would suggest coming prepared with a working knowledge of the continent, including relevant historical background, and basic knowledge of the technical aspects of both topics. Angel and I will be looking for compromise and cogency in our best delegates.

Best of luck until November,

Elaine Song
disec@upmunc.org
Moderator, First Committee: Disarmament and International Security