Forum: Disarmament Committee
Question of: Measures to comply with and ensure the execution of the
gradual demilitarization of atomic weapons arsenals of recognized nuclear
actors (Background paper)
Abstract:
According to the United Nations, nuclear weapons have been declared as the most
dangerous form of destruction on earth. A single bomb lays waste to cities, jeopardizes
the natural environment, and exposes future generations to hazardous materials of which
may potentially yield catastrophic effects. Upon considering the implication and
consequences of an atomic bomb, we have reached a global consensus that actions must
be taken to eliminate nuclear stockpiles around the world. As of today, it has been
estimated that 22,000 nuclear weapons are present around the world and roughly 2,000
nuclear tests have been conducted since the nuclear attacks on Japan decades ago.
It should be noted that the trade and production of uranium, the radioactive
ingredient in nuclear weapons, is legal for the purpose of peaceful energy generation.
This blurs ethical lines and advances loopholes for the use of such materials for
potentially belligerent purposes. As of now, nine nations have attained nuclear weapons;
the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and
the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Among those nations themselves, there are
varying perspectives regarding what weapons of such magnitude are to be used for. For
instance, the DPRK believes that obtaining nuclear weapons is essential for defense and
the protection of national sovereignty. Iran hold stockpiles of uranium which can be used
for many reasons aside of nuclear weapons. Bearing that it mind, due to lack of trust and
positive relations between Iran and the Western world, there has been a great deal of
conflict and controversy surrounding Iran’s acquisition of WMD’s. Furthermore, the
United States calls for a world free of nuclear weapons, though they are keen on
maintaining their stockpiles.
The Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) treaty was aimed at preventing
the spread of nuclear weapons. On that note, the only nations that are able to acquire such
weapons are the P5 nations. Ultimately, however, the treaty calls for global
demilitarization and disarmament. In a step towards achieving such, 191 states have
signed the treaty. The main points that are critical for debate are regarding who/ how
disarmament will be carried out as well has how would nations keep their word in regards
to actually disarming.
Key terms:
− Cuban Missile Crisis: A confrontation between the United States and the Soviet
Union in 1962 over the presence of missile sites in Cuba; one of the “hottest”
periods of the cold war. During this time, the US claimed that Cuba was
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harboring nuclear stockpiles for Russia. This eventually leads to an arms race and
a potentially dangerous confrontation between the US and Russia ending in
Nuclear War.
Demilitarization: the reduction of state armed forces. Usually the result of a
peace treaty ending a war or a major conflict.
Demobilization- A drastic voluntary reduction in size of a victorious army.
The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)- is a region on the Korean peninsula that is a 150mile-long DMZ comprised of territory on both sides of the cease-fire line as it
existed at the end of the Korean War (1950–53).
MAD: Mutually Assured Destruction, strategic doctrine which guarantees that
each side in a nuclear exchange would survive a first strike by its opponent with
enough arms intact to launch a second-strike sufficient to destroy the aggressor.
P5 Nations: US, UK, China, France, Russia
History of the Issue:
During the 1930s-1940s scientists began collecting theories, conducting experiments on
atoms and arriving to the discovery of nuclear weapons. Also, around this time the
political tension was very high between nations, so superpowers were desperate to find a
weapon with such power.
In 1945, “Little Boy”, the American nuclear bomb was detonated over Hiroshima and
three days later Fat Man, was detonated above the Japanese city of Nagasaki. Soon after
Japan surrendered.
In 1949, the Soviet Union conducted their first nuclear weapon test - First lightning
In 1951 China and the Soviet Union sign an agreement that installs that China would
supply uranium ore in return for technical assistance in producing nuclear weapons.
In 1956 France creates a secret committee for the Military Applications of Atomic
Energy.
1956-The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission is established. This commission is
responsible for the development of both the nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons in
Pakistan.
1962- Cuban missile crisis occurred during the Cold War.
1968 the treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons was opened for signature.
1970 NPT entered into force.
1995 NPT was extended indefinitely.
In 2003, North Korea announces that it has several nuclear explosives.
In October 2006, North Korea tests a nuclear weapon for the first time.
January 2016 North Korea Hydrogen bomb is 'tested' and confirmed by North Korea
leader Kim Jong-Un.
Current Status/Conclusion:
At the moment, around 22,000 nuclear arsenals remain in our world today, with
2,000 tests being conducted. Although a series of treaties have been created and signed,
the stockpiles still remain and continue to grow, and uranium is still being produced for a
plethora of reasons. North Korea has confirmed and tested nuclear weapons. Iran is
currently struggling with sanctions placed upon them by the United States regarding the
production of uranium. In addition to that, the fear of nuclear attacks still persists and
stockpiles are still growing and show little to no signs of ceasing to stop.
Useful Web Sources:
http://www.history.com/topics/demilitarized-zone
https://www.un.org/disarmament/wmd/nuclear/
http://www.peace.ca/glossaryoftermsforir.htm