First Committee Topic A

First Committee Topic A: Discussion of the Military Uses of Outer Space

"War and space exploration are alternative uses of the assertive, exploratory energies that are so characteristic of human beings. They may also be mutually exclusive because if one occurs on a massive scale, the other probably will not."

-Frank White, The Overview Effect, 1981

Background

Throughout history a common tactic in military campaigns has been to gain the high ground; in modern times the high ground has become outer space. As far back as World War II weapons that utilized outer space were being developed. During the Cold War there was a massive surge in the development of satellites and other technologies involving outer space, which has continued through today. Cold War space technology was focused largely on offensive capabilities, but post-Cold War space technology has been concentrated in less aggressive areas, such as spy satellites, GPS, and communications. Despite a lower focus on offensive space technology there has been the development of Anti-Satellite or ASAT weapons designed to destroy or disable enemy satellites. The development of these weapons has served to further escalate the space arms race by creating the need for more advanced military satellites and ASAT defense systems.

Current Situation

In 1958 the General Assembly established the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) to explore the legal and logistical matters associated with maintaining peace in outer space. Today the Committee consists of 67 member states as well as a number of NGOs who meet annually to discuss questions that arise from the General Assembly and from member states. In 1966 the General Assembly adopted the Outer Space Treaty which claimed that Outer Space was open to all states and is not subject to any particular state’s sovereignty. Also, the treaty banned states from placing nuclear weapons and other WMDs in orbit or on any celestial bodies. Since the Outer Space Treaty was adopted, no major binding international treaties regarding weapons in space have been made despite the large advances in both civilian and military technology.

Future Outlook

With more countries becoming technologically advanced and looking to develop their own space programs the need for regulation is at an all time high. While the Outer Space Treaty has helped to keep nuclear weapons out of space it has not stopped the proliferation of more conventional weapons in space. In past agreements the term “peaceful uses of outer space” was used, and was often interpreted to mean non-aggressive uses. It is imperative that in future agreements we strive for non-military uses of outer space, rather than just peaceful.

Discussion Questions

1. What interest does your country have in outer space and in keeping outer space for peaceful purposes?

2. What international agreements on outer space has your country signed/ratified?

3. What effects does the arms race in outer space have on your country?

4. What measures can be taken to reduce current military uses of outer space?

5. What new agreements can be made to further the development of peaceful/non-military uses of outer space?

6. What can be done to ensure compliance with current and future agreements on outer space?

Resources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Militarisation_of_space

http://www.acronym.org.uk/dd/dd63/63op1.htm

http://www.inesap.org/bulletin17/bul17art22.htm

http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/COPUOS/copuos.html

Topic B: Natural Resources and Conflict

First Committee Topic Guide B – Natural Resources and Conflict

Background

Unfortunately, the history of natural resources is a history of conflict. Throughout the history of mankind battles have constantly been waged in an effort to obtain more resources. The earliest civilizations fought for control of water and arable land; during the Middle Ages conflicts also encompassed resources such as gold, silver and diamonds. In modern times water, farmland and precious metals and stones are still sources of conflict, but another set of conflicts has broken out over oil. Modern conflicts over resources are often tied to militaristic regimes and even terrorism. The number of resource based conflicts has increased and those conflicts have been more intense than those of the past. Reasons for this include a massive growth in global population, unsustainable consumption, economic globalization, and economic warfare in undeveloped countries.

Current Situation

In the face of these conflicts the UN has formed special groups to investigate the problem most notably the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). Also, there have been resolutions passed on this and related issues. Including two recent Security Council resolutions: Resolution 1625 (September 14, 2005) and Resolution 1653 (January 27, 2006). Resolution 1625 is a resolution on conflict prevention which acknowledges the link between natural resources and armed conflict as well as discuses the need to take action against illegal exploitation of natural resources (particularly in Africa). 1653 focuses on the situation in the Great Lakes region of Africa. While conflicts over resources in Africa have been getting a lot of attention around the globe recently, by no means are these the only conflicts to be concerned about. Every region of the globe has conflicts over natural resources that deserve the attention of the international community.

Future Outlook

As the global population continues to increase resources, especially clean water and arable land, will continue to become scarcer. Some small steps have been taken to address this issue, but we are still far from a solution. The international community needs to come together to address not only the conflicts themselves, but also the root causes of those conflicts. Unless we can come to an agreement on how best to utilize natural resources and unless we are able to reach a sustainable level of consumption the cycle of violence will continue.

Discussion Questions

1. What conflicts over natural resources is/was your country/region involved in?

2. What actions, if any, has you country taken in the past to address conflicts over natural resources?

3. Does your country have a legal framework for dealing with these conflicts, and if so can it be adapted for a wider international use?

4. What actions can your country take to help reduce current conflicts and prevent future conflicts?

5. Are certain natural resources more prone to conflict than others?

6. What international frameworks to prevent conflict over natural resources is your country already a part of?

7. Which natural resources which may be in conflict are also key to sustainable development? Which are key to certain economies? Which are more likely to run out first?

Resources

Global Policy Forum: The Dark Side of Natural Resources - (http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/docs/minindx.htm)

United Nations Department on Economic and Social Affairs: Expert Group meeting on Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding and Development, 15 November 2004 (http://www.un.org/esa/peacebuilding/Action/DesaTaskForce/papers_egm20041115/egm_sessionIb_issues_paper.pdf)

“Resource Conflict” by Michael Klare of PAWSS: Peace and World Security Studies – (http://pawss.hampshire.edu/topics/resource/index.html)