For the “Study Guide” click here

Topic A: Minimizing and Controlling the Role of Private Military Companies (PMCs)

In recent years, specialized private companies have increasingly offered military and police services, dramatically changing the role of the state by ending a long-standing state monopoly in these areas. Beginning in the 1990s, private security companies grew rapidly around the globe, providing guards and police-type security services and eventually out-numbering regular police forces. At the same time, international mercenary activities increasingly took a corporate form and companies of this type began to operate in conflict zones, led by former military officers and soldiers of fortune enjoying close ties to diplomatic and intelligence services of major countries. Unlike state military and police forces, these private companies operate beyond the realm of legal accountability and public oversight, and they enable states and industrial companies to engage in military operations, seize valuable natural resources, terrorize citizens and overthrow governments without public knowledge. Because they are available for hire, these companies are the ultimate neoliberal re-invention of the state, putting armed force at the direct service of those who can pay for it.

The purpose of this committee would be to discuss, how/if to curtail PMC militant activity in conflict zones; how to set up a system of accountability of PMCs; whether or not to look at and try PMCs for previously reported crimes; how to address the state-PMC relationship; and how to monitor PMC activities in conflict zones.

Topic B: Reviewing the NPT

The Non-Proliferation Treaty, introduced in 1968, is one of the most integral documents introduced to the international forum. Signed by 189 member countries of the UN, it was devised to bring about an end to the threat of nuclear weapon usage and to ensure that nuclear energy is used in a peaceful manner. The treaty acknowledges the permanent members of the Security Council as the nuclear weapon-states in a bid to take the world towards Nuclear Non-proliferation and to nullify the threat of nuclear weapons from other states. However four states fail to ratify the treaty to date. India and Pakistan have openly declared that they possess nuclear weapons and refuse to disarm because of the political stalemate they find themselves in. North Korea became the first state to withdraw from the NPT in 2003 after violating its terms. Israel on the other hand has maintained a stance of opacity with regards to its nuclear arsenal and neither confirms or denies that it possesses nuclear warheads.

Given the magnitude of the topic and the amount of tension that surrounds it, is it possible to amend and renew the NPT in a manner such that it is ratified and adhered to by all member states? Should we be heading towards global zero when it comes to these nuclear weapons? Is it feasible to maintain the notion of nuclear-weapon states or do they play a crucial role in terms of monitoring the disarmament process? How can the treaty be modified to encompass the protests and complaints of non-signatory members? What possible steps can be undertaken to minimize the chances of withdrawal from the NPT or the violation of it’s terms?