Topics
Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Global Security and Cyber Warfare, Militarization of Satellites and Space Stations, and The Role of Private Military Companies (PMCs) in Global Conflict
Committee Type
Topic-based
Committee Size
Small
Committee Description
Security Council is an enduring committee within the United Nations that proactively tackles challenges threatening international peace. The committee is distinguished among other UN bodies due to its unique composition and authority — it is the only committee where five select members hold the power to veto any resolution, making the interplay between nations quite fascinating. Security Council is a world of intense deliberation and critical decision-making. Delegates representing nations around the globe gather, unearthing current and pressing global concerns. The discourse that ensues is marked by a high degree of scrutiny and robust arguments, as each representative not only seeks to secure their nation's interests but also uphold the collective international security. The crux of their task lies in drafting comprehensive resolutions, elaborating upon the means and strategies to address the issue at hand. This involves an intricate balancing act between national interests and global peace, making the Security Council's work both engaging and paramount to global stability.
Topic Intros
Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Global Security and Cyber Warfare
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been one of the most influential technological developments in recent years, with applications in healthcare, education, finance, military, and communications. However, AI’s capabilities have the potential to both improve and disrupt these sectors, creating a growing urgency for international regulation. AI is already used in the automation of everything from drone navigation to social media moderation.
AI capabilities can also be used to undermine global security. AI is able to generate deepfake videos or voices to impersonate anyone, mislead civilian populations, or incite different types of violence. It can also be used in order to guess passwords or break through encryptions through brute-force. Whether it is used to attack an economy, military, society, or any sector backed by technology, AI is a potential point of vulnerability for any country
AI also plays a growing role in military systems. It can be used to automate surveillance drones, guide missiles, or to optimize electronic systems and advise commanders during combat situations. These capabilities lead to ethical and security concerns. As the technology continues to develop, nations must look at how it should be regulated in war, peacekeeping, and intelligence. While the positives of AI are vast, so are the potential consequences that could arise due to misuse, especially when there are no global norms to be followed.
Of additional concern, AI increases the power and influence of non-state actors. Individuals, organizations, and corporations with access to the technology now have increased capabilities to disrupt international order.
Militarization of Satellites and Space Stations
Militarization of satellites and space stations refers to the use of space-based infrastructure for the purpose of defense and intelligence without the direct placement of weapons in space. Unlike weaponization, which implies offensive systems such as space-based lasers or kinetic weapons, militarization focuses on the use of extraterrestrial assets to enhance military operations on Earth, including early warning systems, target tracking, and battlefield communications.
Satellites have been incredibly important to military strategy since the Cold War, when they were used to monitor nuclear tests and track troop movement. Since then, advancements in technology have made satellite surveillance integral to modern day defense systems and intelligence-gathering.
The 1967 Outer Space Treaty, signed by the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union, does not allow placing nuclear weapons or any weapons of mass destruction in orbit or onto any celestial bodies. The treaty does not prevent the military use of space through other technologies that are not as destructive. This allows states to expand military operations and capabilities in space without violating international law, which leads to concerns over intent, transparency, and trust amongst nations.
The Role of Private Military Companies (PMCs) in Global Conflict
Private Military Companies (PMCs) are businesses that offer military-related services to governments and other organizations, including combat operations, logistical support, training, intelligence, and protection of assets or personnel. PMCs have become increasingly present in modern warfare and conflict zones across the world, with usage increasing at an estimated annual rate of around 4%.
Specifically, the use of PMCs became more common following the Cold War, as they became more involved during invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan. in the early 2000s. Major firms such as Constellis, Wagner Group, and DynCorp are some of the most prominent PMCs today. However, the expanding roles of these companies, sometimes called “modern mercenaries”, raise critical questions about sovereignty, legal accountability, and the privatization of force in international affairs.
