Table of Contents. Focus Questions Page 15. Useful Links.. Page 8-9 Topic B: Targeted Killings..Page 10. Background.Page 13. Current Situation.

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2 Table of Contents Letter from the Chairs...Page 3 Topic Overview....Page 4 Topic A: Combating the use of Biological Weapons..Page 5 Background..Page 5 Current Situation.Page 6-7 Important Aims..Page 8 Focus Questions Page 8 Useful Links.. Page 8-9 Topic B: Targeted Killings..Page 10 Background.Page 10 Current Situation.Page 11 Important Aims..Page 12 Focus Questions Page 12 Useful Links.. Page 12 Topic C: Military Robotics. Page 13 Background.Page 13 Current Situation.Page 13-5 Important Aims..Page 15 Focus Questions Page 15 Useful Links.. Page 16 Country List.Page 17

3 Dear Delegates, Welcome to the Disarmament and International Security Committee for PrepMUNC 2018! As members of DISEC, you will need to discuss issues that surround the international community s need for international security. These issues can range from technology, illegal weapons trade, international cooperation, and disarmament. More specifically, debate will be focused on: Combating the use of Biological Weapons, Targeted Killings, and Military Robotics. This year DISEC will be chaired by Kayla Keenan 18 and Olivia Fratangelo 21. Hello! My name is Kayla Keenan and I am a Senior here at Saint Francis Prep. I ve been involved in Model UN since my sophomore year, and currently hold the position of Director General. Along with Model UN, I am involved in my school s Science Olympiad Team, and Science research program. I recently completed my Lung Adenocarcinoma research project at Stony Brook University. When I m not in school, you can find me at the local fire department where I volunteer as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). My hobbies include making self deprecating jokes that make people feel uncomfortable, being brutally honest, and drinking unhealthy amounts of coffee. I am looking forward to meeting you all, and hope you have a great time! My name is Olivia Fratangelo and I am a Freshman at St. Francis Prep. I joined Model UN in September because of my interest in prevalent global issues and my passion for fighting for what I believe in. I am also involved in my school s Alvernian Drama Society. I sing in Chamber Choir and Prep Chorus and will be performing in London this June. I love reading and writing fictional stories, songs, and poetry. My favorite books include The Book Thief by Mark Zusak, Gone by Michael Grant, and the entire Harry Potter series by JK Rowling (I am a Ravenclaw and think that Prep is the next best thing to Hogwarts). I am very excited to chair for the first time! I am sure that this will be a great conference. Good luck, delegates! We believe the topics chosen for this year are relevant and pressing for each nation involved in this committee. We are looking forward to hearing from every delegate involved in this year s debate! If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to talk to us during committee. We hope you enjoy our conference! From your chairs, Kayla Keenan & Olivia Frantagelo

4 Topic Overviews Topic A: Combating the use of Biological Weapons Biological weapons are categorized by the use of harmful toxins, microorganisms, and compounds that can be easily distributed through the use of insects and aerosols. Weapons in the form of biological agents are particularly dangerous because they are inexpensive, easily obtained, and fairly easy to identify. The use of biological hazards are seen more at the hands of terrorist groups than large political powers, coining the term Biological Terrorism. As of now, it is suspected that at least 16 countries have a biological weapons program. It is important going forward for the United Nations to create an all inclusive and more effective means of controlling biological weapons proliferation and research. Topic B: Targeted Killings Beginning in Israel, targeted killings have become a global issue. Targeted killings usually involve drones that are used to deliberately kill individuals. Targeted Killings have been conducted primarily during war and in order to counter terrorism. Drones have been determined as the most effective means of executing a targeted kill. Despite drones being the most effective means of targeted killings, drone attacks often result in the harm and even killing of innocent civilians. As of now, there are no clearly defined international laws on targeted killings. It is crucial that the United Nations establish a clear set of guidelines for targeted killings, in order to draw the line between murder and justified war tactics. Topic C: Military Robotics Military robotics have existed for decades but are gaining popularity now. Military robots can be used for search and rescue, transportation, attack, and bomb disposal. The use of military robotics poses an alternative way to warfare that saves lives and eliminates soldier recruitment. Although there are many benefits, military robotics can be dangerous in the hands of corruption. This rising popularity in military robots could cause another world war and mass destruction difficult for humans to control. As a committee it is necessary to alleviate the dangers of military robotics.

5 Topic A: Combating the use of Biological Weapons Background Over the past century, more than 500 million people have died due to infectious diseases; tens of thousands of these deaths can be attributed to biological weapons (Frischknecht, 2003). Biological weapons are categorized by the use of harmful toxins, microorganisms, and compounds that can be easily distributed through the use of insects, and aerosols. Weapons in the form of biological agents are particularly dangerous because they are inexpensive, easily obtained, and fairly easy to identify (Inglesby, 2000). Common biological weapons include Ba.anthracis (Anthrax), Y.pestis (Plague), c.botulinum (Botulism), and Bu.mallei (Glanders). Figure 1. Characteristics of biological warfare agents Common biological warfare agents incubation period, transmission method, and mortality rate for treated/untreated victims. (Thavaselvam, 2010). The 19th century marked the era when biological weapons began to become sophisticated. During World War II, several countries including Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and the Soviet Union took part in extensive biological warfare research. In several cases, Japan released plague carrying fleas over Chinese cities to inflict an epidemic. These acts inflicted by the Japanese resulted in over 10,000 casualties (Riedel, 2004). In an effort to halt the potentially detrimental effects of biological warfare, the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) was in full effect by March, The BWC s primary objective was to ban the development, production, and stockpiling of weapons classified as biological hazards that have no justification for prophylactic, protective or other peaceful purposes. However, the BWC has proven to be ineffective at abolishing biological weapon proliferation and research. During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union had competing biological weapons research programs. Even in recent years, biological weapon research, assassination, and terrorist attempts only continue to increase. Current Situation

6 Biological weapons are still an area of concern in modern times, however, there has been a shift in who has been utilizing these weapons. The use of biological hazards are seen more at the hands of terrorist groups than large political powers, coining the term Biological Terrorism. One of the most recent bio-terrorist attacks during the globalized age occurred in the United States in October of These bio-weapon attacks followed the September 11th World Trade Center attack, and were an effective way to target the American people because they were essentially undetectable weapons. The attacks were carried out by storing Anthrax in letter envelopes and dispersing the harmful toxin through the American postal system. The Anthrax attacks of 2001 emphasized how difficult it is to detect biological agents, thus making catching terrorist groups responsible for bio-terrorist attacks nearly impossible. Figure 2. Anthrax Attacks of 2001 The effects of Anthrax on the body As of now, it is suspected that at least 16 countries have a biological weapons program. These countries include Canada, China, Cuba, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, North Korea, Russia, South Africa, Syria, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It is of the utmost importance to determine effective ways to control biological weapons proliferation and research programs, considering that volatile nations like North Korea are suspected of having these weapons. Perhaps, the BWC s biggest downfall is its inability to know if a nation is upholding its policies. Keep in mind, countries including Chad, Israel, Djibouti, and South Sudan have never signed or ratified the BWC treaty. Egypt, Syria, and Somalia are countries who have signed but have never ratified the treaty. It is important going forward for the United Nations to create an all inclusive and more effective means of controlling biological weapons proliferation and research. Figure 3. Biological Weapon Possession.

7 Countries that have had former biological weapons programs (yellow), as well as, known and suspected programs (Red). Attached is a list of countries that ratified the Biological Weapons Convention. It is also important to remember that solutions to this problem need to keep up to date with the technological world. As the world continues to develop technologically it will only become harder to control bio-terrorism. This is because research data and information are easily accessible to terrorist groups on the online platform. The internet has been shown to provide terrorists with the needed materials and procedures to create their own biological weapons outside of a lab setting. Biological weapons will only continue to pose a threat to world safety as access to supplies and research data grows more readily available.

8 Important Aims and Focus Questions Aims: It is up to you as a committee to determine effective ways to handle the rising threat of biological weapon proliferation and bio-terrorism without invading national sovereignty: - Be sure to keep in mind the previous Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) goals and its impacts on the world. - An effective way to handle the bio-terrorist threat while simultaneously keeping up with the developing use of technology must be determined. - Clear punishment and guidelines are imperative to the success of overcoming the biological weapons threat. - Detection systems of hazardous biological agents should be established for the safety of the world. - Discuss vaccines as well as other means of protection so diseases due to biological weapons do not become an epidemic Focus Questions: 1. Does your country have a biological weapons program or are they suspected of having a biological weapons program? 2. Has your country ever been affected by a biological weapons attack? 3. How does your country regulate and detect potential biological weapons? 4. Has your country signed and ratified the BWC treaty? 5. Would your country favor the oversight of the scientific community s data collection and sharing process? 6. How can detection systems for biological weapons be established on a global scale? Useful Links Riedel, S. (2004, October). Biological warfare and bioterrorism: a historical review. Retrieved December 09, 2017, from PMC / Thavaselvam, D., & Vijayaraghavan, R. (2010). Biological warfare agents. Retrieved December 09, 2017, from United Nations for Disarmament Affairs. (n.d.). Biological Weapons UNODA. Retrieved December 09, 2017, from Smith, M. E. (2017, June 12). Toxicity, Biological Warfare Agents. Retrieved December 09, 2017, from Inglesby, T. V., O'Toole, T., & Henderson, D. A. (2000, June 01). Preventing the Use of Biological Weapons: Improving Response Should Prevention Fail Clinical

9 Infectious Diseases Oxford Academic. Retrieved December 09, 2017, from academic.oup.com/cid/article/30/6/926/ Townsend, R., & Espinoza, J. (2015). Combating the threat of bio-terrorism by non-state actors. Retrieved December 9, 2017, from offices/mun/2015/disec-combating-the-threat-of-bio-terrorism-by-non-state-actors.pdf Bioterrorism PBL. (n.d.). Retrieved December 09, 2017, from bioterrorismpbl.wordpress.com/

10 Topic B: Targeted Killings Background Targeted killing by definition is a form of premeditated assassination carried out by states, agents acting under color of law, or an organized armed group against a specific individual who is not in custody of the perpetrator. Several nations openly justify their use of targeted killings as a means to combat ongoing terrorist threats and asymmetric warfare. In practice, targeted killings pose legal violations to human rights laws and the laws of war. Nations are carrying out targeted killings without proper justification for their killings. In the early 2000 s, the term targeted killings was coined by Israel. During this time, Israel declared that targeted attacks against Palestinian terrorists, suicide bombers, and other individuals capable of such violence, would be carried out as a means of combating terrorism within the country (Kendall, 2002). In 2001, the United States of America adopted similar targeted killing policies after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The United States increased its use of targeted killings during the Obama administration through the use of drone strikes on al-qaeda and the Taliban (Masters, 2013). The most notable targeted killing carried out by the United States was the assassination of Osama bin Laden in May of Figure 1. United States Large Scale Targeted Killing in Middle Eastern Countries Deaths of civilians, and militants after US targeted killing strikes Other nations such as Russia have also adopted the use of targeted killings. In 2002, Russian armed forces allegedly targeted rebel warlord, Omar Ibn al Khattab, in Chechnya. In 2006, Russia confirmed the murder of one of the world s most wanted terrorist, Shamil Basayev. Basayev was reportedly followed and later killed by a drone. Current Situation

11 New technologies are a contributing factor to the recent increase in reported targeted killings. In particular, drones have been a popular measure for states to carry out these assassinations. This is because drones put the perpetrator at little to no risk of being injured or easily associated with the crime. Drones offer the more effective way of identifying target combatants. Despite drone being the most effective means of targeted killings, drone attacks often result in the harm and even killing of innocent civilians. According to a recent study, nearly 90% of individuals killed by drones were not the intended target (Windrem, 2013). Figure 2. Percentage of Civilian Fatalities due to U.S. Target Killings Civilians deaths are often a result of targeted drone strikes. As of now, several countries have and are in the process of weaponizing drones. These countries include but are not limited to the United States, United Kingdom, China, Israel, Pakistan, Iran, Russia, Brazil, Colombia, and North Korea. It is important to keep in mind that there is no clear defined international laws on targeted killing. In fact the term targeted killing is not defined under international law, and only gained popularity after Israel declared using targeted killings as a means to combat terrorist attacks. The vague nature of international law on targeted killings sheds light on important questions. To what extent, if any, should targeted killing be condemned? What is the line between assassination and legal targeted killing? Should drones be used for the purpose of targeted killings? Are civilian casualties a price that needs to be paid in order to combat terrorist attacks? Important Aims and Focus Questions

12 Aims: It is up to you as a committee to decide if and when targeted killings are justified while keeping national sovereignty in mind: - Determine the line between legal targeted killing and assassination - Determine if punishment is necessary to combat unlawful targeted killing/how to carry out punishment - Keep in mind the roles of international and humanitarian law in regards to the topic - Determine a way to decrease civilian deaths - Propose either alternatives to drones or ways to make drones more accurate for targeted killings - Establish clear regulations and guidelines in regards to targeted killings Focus Questions : 1. Has your country either conducted or been suspected of conducting a targeted killing? 2. If so, was that targeted killing considered to be a violation of international law? 3. Does your country incorporate the use of drones to kill targets? 4. How accurate have attempted targeted killings been in the past? How many innocent civilians were killed during a target mission? 5. Does your country condone targeted killing? 6. Has your country ever been victimized or largely affected by targeted killings from other nations? Useful Links Engel, R., & Windrem, R. (2013, June 10). CIA Didn't Always Know Who it Was Killing in Drone Strikes. Retrieved December 20, 2017, from strikes#sthash.m06aggee.dpbs Kendall, J. (n.d.). Terrorism and targeted killings under international law.terrorism and targeted killings under international law. Research Handbook on International Law and Terrorism, doi: / Masters, J. (n.d.). Targeted Killings. Retrieved December 20, 2017, from Q & A: US Targeted Killings and International Law. (2015, November 12). Retrieved December 20, 2017, from killings-and-international-law#2.% Siddiqui, S. (2010, September 27). Drone attacks hit all-time high. Retrieved December 20, 2017, from Topic C: Military Robotics

13 Background Since the beginning of time war has ravaged the world. In the past several years, 570,000 people have lost their lives during times of war, resulting in 10.1 million war refugees and displaced persons (Coburn, 2017). Will there ever be a time when war doesn t result in the mass fatalities? Military robotics are the future of warfare. The use of new robotic technology poses a more efficient, and life saving alternative to battle tactics. Military robotics are able to perform dangerous missions, such as, deactivating bombs, clearing hostile buildings, and combating militaries on the battlefield. This new technology provides a way to avoid the death of millions, as well as, eliminate the issue of recruiting soldiers (Grabianowski, 2005). Currently, military robotics are controlled by humans, However, scientist are continuing to develop new technology to make military robotics more effective and lethal. In the near future military robots will most likely be completely self operated. Figure 1. Current Types of Military Robotic Technology The use of military robotics offer a new method to warfare that could help save lives Current Situation Many nations including Russia, the United States, South Korea, North Korea, Israel, France, and Germany are increasing the use of robots in their military. Russia, for example, has built the Uran-9, an unmanned vehicle with 30-millimeter cannons and anti-tank guided missiles. South Korea has developed a robot called Super Egis II, equipped with a machine gun, computer vision to detect and fire at humans up to a range of 3 kilometers. Reported test of Super Egis II have been used in the demilitarized zone along South Korea s border (Hubert, 2015). In Israel, drones are designed to detect radio emissions of enemy air-defense systems and destroy them by crashing into them. The United States utilizes the Micro Autonomous Systems and Technology (MAST) program. The MAST program aims to develop small, autonomous, safe, and convenient robots for warfare. So far the MAST programs is responsible for the creation of technologies, such as, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

14 (UAVs), Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), and Unmanned Ground Vechicles (UGVs). It is predicted that by 2025 the United States will have more robots in combat than humans (Economist, 2017). Figure 2. Estimated Worldwide spending on Military Robotics by 2025 By 2025, it is expected that the world will spend 16.5 billion dollars on military robotics In the upcoming years the military robotic market is expected to grow exponentially. The military robotics sector is largely backed by new robotics platforms that are manufactured worldwide. This market is lead by Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) application segment. Other markets are also contributing to the surge of military robotic manufacture and sale. European military robotics market alone only continues to upgrade and export warfare technology to countries like France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Despite military robotics growing popularity some nations are ademately against the use of these new technologies. Nations, such as, Cuba, Pakistan, and Ecuador have a ban on these autonomous weapons. Although, military robotics essentially create an alternative approach to war that could save lives, it important to keep on mind that these new technologies can be used for negative purposes. Military robotics would allow assassinations, destabilizing nations, subduing populations, and selectively killing targeted ethnic groups to occur with little to no effort. More importantly, tracking nations who commit these wrong doings through the use of robots would be nearly impossible. Another cause for concern, is many developing nations do not have the funds or the technology to use robotics in their military. Developing nations would be at a disadvantage to more developed nations who have access to these new technologies. The widespread use of military robotics in developed nations

15 military would increase the likelihood of asymmetric warfare. Developing nations would be left with no choice but to revert to tactics, such as, hijackings and suicide bombings. In the past five years, The United Nations has held several discussions in regards to the use of lethal autonomous robots for warfare purposes. Unfortunately, member countries have been unable to establish an agreement for the use of military robotics. It is crucial for established guidelines to be set in place before new autonomous weapons are fully developed. The world has the opportunity to use military robotics for positive innovations to warfare. However if the United Nations does not establish a way to prevent corruption of these technologies, than military robots could cause another world war and destruction that would be impossible to control. Important Aims and Focus Questions Aims: As a committee, it s up to you to come up with a way to provide solutions to the dangers of military robotics while taking into consideration each country s national sovereignty: - Consider the benefits and the negative aspects of military robotics and see which are more prevalent - If your nation is completely against military robotics, consider alternative and equally effective means of warfare - Determine ways to reform military robots - Discuss the economic aspect of military robotics in terms of which countries would be at a disadvantage - Negotiate how to keep the peace between nations even though recent advancements in military robotics pose the threat of world war Focus Questions: 1. Is your country able to afford military robots? 2. Is your country already implementing military robots? 3. Does your country support the development of the autonomy of military robots? 4. How could military robotics further develop or become more effective? Useful Links Grabianowski, E. (2005, January 19). How Military Robots Work. Retrieved December 23, 2017, from Guizzo, E., & Ackerman, E. (2016, May 31). Do We Want Robot Warriors to Decide Who Lives or Dies? Retrieved December 23, 2017, from spectrum.ieee.org/robotics/military-robots/do-we-want-robot-warriors-to- decide-who-lives-or-dies Hubert, B. (2015, December 22). Trends in Robotics. Retrieved December 23,

16 2017, from Markets, R. A. (2017, September 15). Military Robots Market - Global Forecast to Rising Focus on the Development of Unmanned Military Systems. Retrieved December 23, 2017, from releases/military-robots-market---global-forecast-to rising-focus-on- the-development-of-unmanned-military-systems html Military robots are getting smaller and more capable. (2017, December 14). Retrieved December 23, 2017, from science-and-technology/ soon-they-will-travel-swarms-military- robots-are-getting-smaller-and-more Portrait of a soldier : Vladislav Tamarov, 103rd (Soviet) Guards Air Assault Division. (n.d.). The Soviet-Afghan War doi: / Country List 1. Afghanistan 2. Brazil

17 3. Canada 4. Chad 5. China 6. Colombia 7. Cuba 8. Djibouti 9. Egypt 10. France 11. Germany 12. India 13. Iran 14. Iraq 15. Israel 16. Japan 17. Kazakhstan 18. Kenya 19. Libya 20. Mexico 21. North Korea 22. Pakistan 23. Russia 24. Somalia 25. South Africa 26. South Sudan 27. Syria 28. United States 29. United Kingdom 30. Yemen