DISEC
1st Disarmament and Security
Militarization in the Middle East
The Russia-Ukraine Crisis
Delegates and Faculty,
I’d like to welcome you to UCI’s 25th annual High School Model United Nations Conference. My name is
Sarah Ahmad, and I am proud to serve as the Secretary-General for UCIMUN’s 25th anniversary. As per
tradition, the conference will be hosted at UCI’s Student Center, the hub of our beautiful and eco-friendly
campus. Here at UCI, we strive to provide an enriching environment through competitive debate at both
the novice and advanced level, with a strong emphasis on the educational gain of the students.
UCI is proudly recognized as a research university; one that fosters culturally aware students, both
connected to the global community and passionate about the state of global affairs. We hope to capture this
drive towards advancement and amity through our conference theme this year, “Pursuing peace and
security in today’s global landscape.” All of our topics feature an emphasis on current events, from the
ongoing Middle Eastern refugee crisis to the war on terrorism in today’s modern scene. Our staff’s goal is to
not only provide delegates with high quality debate, but also with an opportunity to immerse themselves in
intellectual discussion of issues that are relevant to the community around them. The committees will
revolve around the attainment of peace and security in areas such as public health, humanitarian crises, as
well as large-scale crime. Our theme will allow delegates to research relevant topics that will better their
understanding of the current state of world affairs, as well as help them brainstorm fresh, creative solutions
that are applicable to these recent issues.
My staff has been working tirelessly towards conference preparations and we can’t wait to see you all
conference weekend! The hard work, dedication, and research that has gone into preparation thus far will
only be furthered with the insightful opinions and discourse that is to come from our delegates. I encourage
delegates to look beyond these documents, and to approach their topics not just as a mode for
comprehensive debate, but as real world issues in need of feasible, pragmatic solutions.
Best Regards,
Sarah Ahmad
Secretary-General
UCIMUN 2016-2017
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Greetings Delegates!
My name is Vidhi Bhatia and I am your Under-Secretary of Mains! I am very excited to meet you all in April,
and I am sure that this conference will be an amazing experience for us all. Let me begin by introducing
myself. I am a fourth year student at UCI and I am a double major in International Studies and Political
science, with a focus in international organizations and diplomacy. This is my second year with UCI MUN,
last year I was the director for UNICEF at this conference. This year our committees are DISEC, UNODC,
UNHCR, and WHO.
This year our theme is Peace and Security, both extremely important in our current times. Throughout this
conference, we encourage all delegates to think not only about their own nation’s affairs, but of your
nation’s role in the world as well. Peace and security are an integral part of every person’s life on this planet,
and it is imperative that both be preserved for the sake of humanity. There is a lot of negative, but students
and delegates such as yourselves are the future of the world, and your opinions and efforts are the decisions
of the future. Although we do not expect delegates to have all of the answers, we do expect delegates to think
outside of the box and to think of the peace and security of the world as a whole.
This year at UCI MUN we have decided to implement a new aspect to our conference. We will be
implementing something called “whiteboard sessions,” in which we will encourage out of the box thinking
for our delegates. Whiteboard sessions will be an informal conversation between delegates and their Dias.
The Dias will use the whiteboards in each room to brainstorm and give the delegates an opportunity to
express their own opinions on the topics in their committees. The goal of these sessions is to make delegates
understand that the problems that they are attempting to solve are not just theoretical, but that they are
problems that you as individuals can help solve. These sessions will aim to give delegates a greater
perspective not only on their topics, but on the world as whole, and become global citizens.
I am looking forward to meeting you all at conference and I hope that you all are as excited to debate the
topics that our directors have been working so hard on. This is a learning experience, and I hope that each
and every one of you take advantages of the opportunities that will be in front of you; during conference, in
the real world, and within your lives as well.
Best,
Vidhi Bhatia
Under-Secretary of Mains
UCI MUN 2017
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Dear Delegates,
Salutations everyone! My name is Kimo Gandall, and I am a first year student at UCI (although I am
also focused on studying for my real estate exam). While currently undeclared, I am planning on double
majoring in quantitative economics, and political science. I’ve done MUN for my entire high school career,
and have been to conferences ranging from New York to Bath, England. I have also competed in Speech and
Debate, primarily in Public Forum, but also in Lincoln Douglas, and for a limited time, in Policy. I was a
circuit debater, broke to the TOC, and attended National and State championships.
In my spare time, you can catch me reading the works of Ayn Rand, my favorite political author. I
also am an avid strategy fanatic, and I play (somewhat) competitively in Hearts of Iron III / IV, Axis and
Allies, Civ IV Beyond the Sword, Civ VI, Company of Heroes II, and about 30 other games. Additionally, I
play competitive chess, and game master D&D.
My name is Isela Garcia, and I am one of your co-directors for 1st Disarmament and Security
Committee (DISEC). I am currently a second year at the University of California, Irvine. I am a double major
in both business economics and political science. This will be my second year involved in the Model United
Nations program here at UCI. I had the privilege of being on the travel team last year and get to experience
the National Model United Nations Conference in New York City. The experience allowed me to collaborate
with delegates from around the world and work with them to execute solutions for our particular
committee. I am thrilled to get to be a part of your delegation experience. In my spare time, you can catch
me either reading or hiking. For position papers, this topic synopsis is a guide for appropriate discussion,
not a research paper. Please do not simply copy my paper; the topic synopsis is a very broad paper, while your
position papers should be more focused on your country’s key issues.
For all of you debate junkies out there, or those interested in our paradigm, we hope to see proposals
that are very specific --- namely the infamous ‘plantext’ (actor, action, timeframe). While we realize the UN
doesn’t always pass specific resolutions, this problem should not percolate into our discourse, especially
considering our goal, after all, is to accomplish something tangible. Also, please only engage in relevant
discourse (ex. Do not go on ramble about ‘education and women’s rights’ in a disarmament committee,
unless it has a direct link to the topic). Finally, we see diplomacy as a means of exerting hegemonic influence
rather than a matter of politeness. Thus, while being ‘polite’ is important (so as not to completely polarize
other Member States), we value a delegate’s ability to influence proposals, votes, and discourse over
‘politeness.’ That being said, you should all know the bright line to this preference.
Regards,
Kimo Gandall
Isela Garcia
Co-Directors, DISEC
[email protected]
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TOPIC A: MILITARIZATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Introduction
The current political crisis of the Middle East is the result of a bloody combination of social strife,
competing state interests, and a multilateral failure on the part of the UN. Social strife has led the forefront
of instability in the region, as two predominant factions within Islam, the Sunnis and Shiites, compete for
power (Council on Foreign Relations). Most significantly, terrorist organizations such as ISIS, an extremist
Sunni religious group, have exploited these differences to perpetuate an ongoing conflict against western
and regional powers (Anand). Competing state interests, such as the US’s petrocurrency (Tun), emerging
Russian intervention in Syria (Katz), and Iranian troops in Syria (Friedman), have served to act as conduits
to escalate violence. Tensions between ethnic groups, such as the Kurdish militias and Turkey, also threaten
leak conflict into surrounding regions (Coker).
These power struggles are, in part, a failure of the UN. As the situation in the middle-east rapidly
declines, the prevalence of failed states and the resulting consequences of rising terrorist groups must be
thoroughly discussed. Consideration must be taken not only about the crumbling infrastructures of Middle
Eastern governments, but also the increasing social divides between ethnic groups in the region.
Furthermore, the importance of DISEC to disarm, and promote security must be prioritized (UN News
Center). While only the Security Council can mandate force, discourse that involves the extent of justifiable
UN or unilateral action is encouraged. Moreover, past precedents, such as the Right to Protect doctrine, and
its potential application to the Middle East, ought to be explored (UN News Center). Finally, there is an
urgent need to address the, perhaps radically, changing foreign policies of the United States, and other
western countries, upon the election of Donald Trump and other protectionist movements (Shear). These
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policies may represent a serious shift of policy, as President Trump has explained, to fight “radical Islam.”
In the future, this raises questions about the possibility of failed states as a result of aggressive foreign
players ("Understanding the Complexity of Political Islam").
These shifting political environments may act as both a constraint, and an opportunity to policy advocacy,
and should be considered as such.
Topic Description
Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs)
In the Middle East, there has been the prevalent policy of using WMDs against civilians, primarily
in form of chemical weapons. As of the recently, the Syrian government has been documented using
chemical weapons against civilians (Gladstone), with the number of casualties caused by chemical weapons
estimated to be at 1,500 (Shaheen). Non-state actors, such as ISIS, have also contributed to the proliferation
of chemical weapons, with reports indicating that ISIS has used chemical weapons at least 52 times since
2014 (Schmitt).
Previous attacks with chemical weapons have yielded a disproportionate fear-to-destruction ratio,
i.e. chemical weapons inflict far more fear than actual harm (Jones et al.). As a result, these weapons have
proven militarily useful in promoting ideologies that seek to control and suppress civilian populations,
despite the obvious moral implications.
Biological weapons have played a role of deterrence in past Middle Eastern state actions. Iraq, in the
past, was documented with controlling nearly 8,425 liters of anthrax, and 2,200 liters of aflatoxin. Iran,
Israel, Libya, and Syria have also been accused of owning these weapons (Pike). These are worrying as they
can infect, spread, and eradicate areas outside of the original area of contamination, and can kill both
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humans and agricultural products (animals, crops, etc.) (Dudley). While state actors have hesitated in using
such weapons, it is undoubtable that non-state actors, such as ISIS and other terrorist groups, would employ
them. Furthermore, there have already been cases of lone-wolf terrorists associated with ISIS attempting to
implement primitive forms of biological weapons, and the agents to implement such as exist in the status
quo (Henderson; Greenfield et al.; Koblentz). Thus, there is reason to be cautious of non-state actors.
Nuclear weapons have also been, in part, proliferated in the Middle East (Arms Control
Association). States such as Israel and Pakistan already control nuclear weapons ("Middle East Countries
With Nuclear Weapons"), and other states, such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab states are supposedly
researching how to construct nuclear weapons (Meyssan; "Middle Eastern States Seeking Nuclear Power”;
Riedel). There are additional fears that states such as Israel are perpetuating an arms race in the Middle East
(Borger; Middle East Research and Information Project), leading to an inevitable proliferation (NCAFP;
World Affairs Journal). Additionally, while the US has brokered a deal with Iran to dismantle Iran’s nuclear
weapons (The White House), President Trump has already announced he will cancel the deal (Lorber), and
the US congress has backed measures to reinstate sanctions on Iran (Gladstone). Thus, it is likely that states
will continue to arm.
Moreover, non-state actors, namely ISIS and ISIS affiliated organizations, may have access to
radiological weapons, which act as ‘dirty bombs’, with an explosion covering an area with radioactive debris
(Armstrong; Malone). There are disputes, however, if these actors could effectively carry out an impactful
attack (Jones).
The UN has taken a multitude of steps to prevent proliferation of WMD’s in the Middle East. First,
as per Security Council Resolution 1540 ("UN Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004)” ), the United
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Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) has worked to support treaties to promote disarmament
and prevent proliferation of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons (UN, “Nuclear Weapons”; UN,
“Biological Weapons”; UN, “Chemical Weapons”). Secondly, the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA), a branch of the UN, actively works to inspect, regulate, and contain the expansion of nuclear
weapons (IAEA, "History."; IAEA, “"Basics of IAEA Safeguards."). Finally, the UN General Assembly has
passed several resolutions to control the proliferation of WMDs, such as A/Res/67/73, and A/Res/67/76 .
However, despite the work of these organizations, the UN has ultimately failed at preventing the
proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Middle East.
The presence of Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs)
Improvised explosive devices (IEDS) are a common tactic used by terrorist organizations to inflict
causalities, lower enemy morale, and fortify strategic locations (Kharal; Asal V. et al.). These weapons can
come in nearly all forms, from smaller bombs on main roads, to devices attached to vehicles (Homeland
Security). Moreover, organizations like ISIS have using IEDs to guard important routes, such as the roads to
Mosul, to block supply and delay government advancements (Muñoz). Other organizations, such as the
Taliban, used IEDs as an ideological tool, such as the US, or other NATO allies, to drain interventionist states
of precious resources, and spark political backlash (Mashal et al.; Cassman).
Civilians have not been spared of such strategies. As of 2015, around 16,000 civilians have been
killed by IEDs, with the number of civilian deaths related to these weapons increasing in Turkey by up to
7,000%, and up to 1,204% in Yemen (Norton-Taylor). Furthermore, IEDs, in contrast to a militarist
strategy, have been largely used in public areas such as marketplaces (Homeland Security, "Potential
Terrorist Attack Methods").
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The true danger of these weapons exist in their accessibility; they are often constructed in secrecy,
and improvised from stolen explosives, electronics, and vehicles (Homeland Security, IED Attack
Improvised Explosive Devices). As a result, lone-wolf terrorists, such as the Boston-bombing in the United
States (Ybarra), or the 2016 Brussel bombings (Pantucci) have begun to a pose a new threat. Worse, there is
evidence that these weapons could be converted into radiological weapons (NCR), colloquially known as
‘dirty bombs’, that, when activated, release massive quantities of radioactive material over a large radius
(Carafano).
In 2015 the United Nations General Assembly passed A/RES/70/46, which worked to develop
unilateral policies in different nations to counter IEDs. Similar to past resolution, this resolution also
identified the threat IEDs posed to peacekeepers and humanitarian workers. While the United Nations
Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) has stated that the resolution may assist civilians in protecting
themselves, the organization has also conceded that the UN continues to be insolvent in mitigating the
damages of IEDs.
Social and Cultural Tensions
Two predominant Islamic religious factions compete for power in Middle East: The Sunnis and
Shiites. Sunnis represent the majority of the population, with most figures putting Shiites at about 10% of
the Muslim population (BBC). Historically, there has been a strong divide between these factions (Hall). ISIS,
for instance, is a Sunni extremist terrorist actor that has exploited the divide for recruitment, and
governance (Tawfeeq; Tony Blair Faith Foundation). These cultural tensions, in lieu of government, have,
in the cases of ISIS, have grown to result in mass violence against minority populations, such as the Yazidi
(Johnson).
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Smaller, perhaps more subtle ethnic groups, such as the Kurds, have further compounded the
complexity of the conflict (Galen). Specifically, the Kurdish ethnic group has faced historical
discrimination from regimes ranging from Iraq to Turkey (Bohn). In response to the emerging failed states
of Iraq and Syria, this group may seek autonomy from traditional institutions (BBC, "Kurds Seek Autonomy
in a Democratic Syria.").
Independent actors in the Middle East, such as the Taliban and Al Qaeda, have also managed to
foster anti-western attitudes towards intervening nations, especially the United States (BBC. "Who Are the
Taliban?"; Gunaratna). To compound this problem, shifting political patterns from Western nations
favoring right wing policies (Gallup) have served to increase polarization, resulting in distrust (Wike). These
movements have caused most unilateral action to backfire; movements by the US have been viewed as
invasive, and have resulted in an empirical increase in terrorist attacks (Evans; Haass). The Russian
Federation has also begun to play an integral role in Syria supporting the Syrian government (The
Economist). These unilateral interventionist actions have, on balance, largely served to increase cultural
tensions (Pape). In order to provide security to the region, international bodies will need to provide a
method of integration of social and political groups that mitigates coercion and maintains power
structures.
The UN has been virtually insolvent in its efforts to reduce these tensions. In 2016 Secretary
General Ban Ki Moon gave a speech to the Security Council that the situation in the Middle East was
deteriorating (UN, “Security Council Now Has 'no Higher Responsibility…”), and in November of 2016
Stephen O’Brien, the UN Humanitarian Chief, told an emergency session of the UN Security Council that
Aleppo was in danger of becoming, “one giant graveyard” (Borger). In spite of this, no resolution has been
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passed from the Security Council to address this. The UN Economic and Social Commission, however, has
been mandated by the UN to promote social inclusion, and stimulate economic growth (UN, “Middle East”).
Unfortunately, this too has been ultimately insolvent at doing either (UN, “Social Development”).
Bloc Positions
The Arab Bloc
As indicated, most underdeveloped nations, especially those in the Middle East, seek to bring about
peace. There are those, of course, that have unilateral agendas to maintain; the Syrian government seeks to
crush rebel opposition with the support of the Russian government and in defiance of most diplomatic
efforts, and the Sunni-Shiite split continues to divide Middle Eastern countries. Delegates representing a
nation of the Arab bloc must thoroughly research that nation’s policy, in regards to both religious, and
economic conditions, to determine positions on possible issues. It is also important for these delegates to
consider priorities, and, in the case of the countries such as Syria, maintain a hold on power over the
discourse, while preventing the Western states from imposing policies that may be violations of
sovereignty.
The Western Bloc
The Middle East has become a staging ground for different Western interests, as well as a drain on
resources. Western states will all have different interests; the nations of the EU bloc may pull for policies
that mitigate the size of the refugee population, while states such as the US or Russia may be more interested
in hegemonic power plays. At the same time, delegates are reminded that the United Nations is designed to
promote peace and cooperation; to some extent, negotiation will be required. Thus, delegates representing
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a western state must not only research policy, but sustainable and pragmatic solutions that can be
implemented in a timely manner.
The Asian Bloc
Consisting of China, Vietnam, and other rising industrial powers, there is no general consensus.
India and Pakistan, nations with predominantly different religions, frequently quarrel in border regions,
while China maintains a largely economic role. Thus, depending on the country, policies could range from
interventionism, as may be advocated by powers pursuing hegemonic influence, or more moderate
positions that instead advocate for the UN to maintain a restricted role.
The Russian Federation
The Russian Federation, and their related allies, as was previously mentioned during the
introduction, have an inherent interest in maintaining hegemonic influence over states such as Syria, and
would likely pursue policies that advocate interventionism. Furthermore, it seems, with the past election,
that the probability that the Russian Federation would seek assistance from new political allies in the
Trump administration is high. Thus, the delegates from Russia, and associated previous or current socialist
republics, would likely fare well by maintaining a balance between interventionism and cooperation with
strategic western states.
Committee Goals
The question of the Middle East is one of the largest, most complicated security problems faced in
the 21st century. DISEC’s jurisdiction is also very broad, encompassing disarmament and general security.
While considering this mandate, delegates are expected to draft sustainable solutions that are unique,
versatile, and solvent. While delegates are encouraged to engage in holistic discourse, it may also be wise to
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focus solutions on specific measures that will work to bring tangible change. Finally, while solutions should
be innovative, they should also be empirical, and have thorough advocacies to ensure that, much like
previous UN resolutions, they don’t result in total failure.
There is also a word about this topic on policy --- all nations have an agenda. This is a simple reality. Bearing
this in mind, how can delegates work to negotiate on solutions that benefit all factions, while remaining
solvent?
Research Questions
1. What kind of weapons currently exist in the Middle East? Who has access to them, and how does
the committee incentivize disarmament?
2. What reactionary measures has the UN passed to protect civilians from WMDs, and how can these
be improved?
3. What has the UN done in the past in regards to the issue? Has it worked? Why or why not? How can
these actions be improved?
4. What measures can be taken to mitigate the cultural and ethnic strife that is currently fueling
conflict?
5. How can DISEC work to establish sustainable security procedures that are impactful?
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TOPIC B: THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE CRISIS
Introduction
The current situation in the Ukraine and the Russian government has quickly escalated from a
policy disagreement into a full-blown international crisis. It is believed to be one of the most violent
outbreaks since the Cold War. Russia and the Ukraine close relationship spans several decades with Crimea
breaking apart from the Soviet Union in 1991. Despite gaining autonomy, Russia has maintained a sphere
of influence over the Ukraine government both politically and economically. The political and social unrest
stems from the Crimean crisis in 2014(New,“Ukraine Crisis”). Former Ukraine president Viktor
Yanukovych abandoned talks for a historic trade deal with the European Union because of the tremendous
opposition to the Russian government. The Russians government has opposed closer ties with the European
Union by placing trade restrictions in 2013 to demonstrate their stance (Thompson). This political decision
caused a mass influx of protesters and political unrest that is still present till this day. This great divide of
protest became known as the Euromaidan with Ukraine citizens wanting closer European ties.
As violence only escalated and gunfire became rampant throughout the nation, President
Yanukovych fled the country. The massive amount of social unrest helps showcases the clear divide between
the Pro- European and Pro- Russian ideology throughout the nation (Walsh). Weeks into the social unrest
Russian government sent military forces into the epicenter, Crimea and completed an annexation in a
referendum in March of 2014(Reuters).The international community saw Vladimir Putin's actions as
violating “post-war global security”(Dallison). The annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation has
come at a significant cost.The U.N. Human Rights Commission has determined over 8000 Ukraine civilian
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casualties threatening the public's safety(Williams). The situation in Ukraine is relevant as the crisis
threatens national security as a whole, sovereignty, and territorial disputes.
Topic Description
Crimea Annexation
The situation between Russia and Ukraine has put both the national and international security of
many countries at risk. The ongoing battle has caused massive unrest and the chaos began with
demonstrations by pro-Russian and anti-government groups in eastern and southern part of Ukraine. The
protection of sovereignty is crucial when discussing the ongoing crisis between both Ukraine and Russia
needs to be resolved between the international community (Reuters). The need for intervention is needed
in affected areas of Ukraine and Crimea from the international community to help the stabilization in both
areas and secure safety for innocent civilians (Oliphant)
The relationship between Russia and Ukraine is one of great importance as the stability of the
relationships has both economic and political ramifications for each nation (Walsh). The international
community has tried to minimize the civilian casualties and bring a permanent ceasefire between both
parties but none have accomplished permanent ceasefire. The territorial acquisition, national sovereignty,
validity of the Crimean referendum, sanctions, ethnic divides, and energy security have all been topics in
the forefront when dealing with the Ukraine and Russian crisis.
Validity of the Referendum
On March 16, 2014, Crimea held an independence referendum. The referendum showcased over
95.5% of voters were for joining the Russian Federation (News,“Crimea Referendum”). The Russian
Federation has maintained a high sphere of influence over Eastern Ukraine with over 58% the citizens
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living in the state being ethnic Russian and having a pro-Russian ideology. This distinct advance caused
waves of speculation on the validity of the referendum. The Russians view the referendum as selfdetermination and President Vladimir Putin urges the international community to respect that voluntary
choice of the people for reunification (Reuters). The European Union regards the annexation as a breach of
international law with coercion playing a role in the referendum. On March 27, 2014, the 68th UN General
Assembly passed Resolution GA/11493, ‘Territorial integrity of Ukraine’, calling on states, international
organizations and specialized agencies not to recognize any change in the status of Crimea or the Black Sea
port city of Sevastopol, and to refrain from actions or dealings that might be interpreted as such(General
Assembly). This resolution was a response to failed attempts from the United Nations Security Council
efforts to draft a resolution that would have dismissed the outcome of the referendum in Crimea and
uphold Ukraine's claims of “sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity”failed(UN
Security). The proposed resolution was vetoed by Russia who’s UN Representative, Vitaly Churkin believed
the right of sovereignty should be in the hands of the Republic of Crimea (UN Security).
Ethnic Divides
The chaos and rampant violence in Donbass specifically in both Donetsk and Luhansk territories where
a result of the annexation of Crimea (News: “Ukraine Crisis in Crimea”).The divided nation of the Ukraine
had a widespread protest with civilians deeply divided between the pro-Russian in the eastern and southern
parts of Ukraine in contrast with pro-European sentiment ideology in western Ukraine (Windrem). The
crisis spiraled into a war between separatist forces backed by the Russian Federation, the Donetsk People's
Republic and Luhansk People's Republic, self-proclaimed territories fighting against the transitioning
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Ukrainian government. These militias gained majority control of eastern Ukrainian (News,“Crimea
Dangerous”)
The ongoing war hit all time high with the international community feeling the ramifications of
the current crisis with the destruction of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17). The Boeing 747 aircraft was
destroyed on July 17, 2014, taking the lives of 298 people on board. Security Council adopted resolution
2166 which condemned the downing of Malaysia Airline flight 17 and called for an independent
investigation of the crash (Nation). The Dutch Safety Board traced the cause to the intense fighting between
Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed rebels in eastern Ukraine (Sengupta).
Sanctions Ramifications
As a result of the outcome of the referendum, the international community has taken measures to
showcase the violation of international law they believe Russia has committed (Stubbs & Torbati).The
sanctions placed on Russia were a collaborated effort put forth by the European Union, the United States,
Canada, and other Allies (Review).These economic sanctions were placed in 2014 after the annexation of
Crimea took place from Ukraine and extended till 2016.However, speculation remains on whether the
sanctions should be lifted or extended with member states having different viewpoints (Barnato). The
economic sanctions restricted access to financial capital for Russian-owned enterprises in the banking,
energy and defense sectors.
The effectiveness of the sanctions are what come into question and whether or not they should extend.
Some foreign policy advisors believe that the sanctions had very minimal effect on Russian foreign policy
and Vladimir Putin's Actions (Dajani). While former U.S ambassadors to Ukraine believes the sanctions
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outcomes have had long term impact on the Russian economy.The Russian prime minister Dmitry
Medvedev estimated the sanctions had cost the Russian Government over 8o billion in lost revenue(Dajani).
Energy Crisis
The Russian Federation decision to annex Crimea in the referendum has made the topic of mutual
energy security on the brink of chaos (Review,“Gas Conflict”). Russia’s energy sector is essential to Ukraine
and the European Union. The international community is largely dependent on Russia control over the
energy sector (Hotten & Kroeger). The crisis is further intensified the conflict of annexation when Gazprom
a Russian company in charge of the distribution of energy cut off supply on June 16, 2014, due to Ukraine
outstanding debts.
The energy situation was seen as a political maneuver on the Russian government as a way to undermine
and try to intensify the Ukraine government against pro-European movement (News,“Russia Halts”).
Stability in Ukraine as the export revenues from Gazprom account for thirty three billion dollars that are
transformed through Ukraine. The need for stability in the peninsula is crucial as the lingering impacts will
not only hurt Russia and Crimea but their member states as well.
Bloc Positions
European Union:
The European Union (EU) has viewed the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation as illegal and
has taken restrictive measures toward Russia in response. The first wave of sanctions was put in place March
17, 2014, with the EU imposing travel bans and asset freezes to those responsible for undermining the
territorial integrity of Ukraine (EU Sanctions).These measures were extended until March 15, 2017. An
import ban on goods from Crimea and Sevastopol where one of the economic ramifications implemented
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in June 2014 and extended till June 2017. An export and import ban on the trade of arms was another
economic sanction put in place. Lastly economic cooperation was suspended with the EIB suspension the of
new financing operations in the Russian Federation(EU Restrictive).The European Union believes that the
full implementation of Minsk Agreement is significant to long-term peace and stability in Ukraine.
The Asian Bloc
The Asian Bloc’s stance on the issue is quite complicated. While the bloc generally believes in the
importance for each state to go through the self-determination process and support state sovereignty do
not support the decisions made through referendums, many did not condemn Russian annexation of
Crimea. When voting on the legitimacy of the referendum on March 16, 2014, China did not vote against
the legitimacy but rather abstained on the matter (Lihua). As stated by the Chinese UN Ambassador Liu
Jieyi, “complex intertwinement of historical and contemporary factors” saying the condemnation of the
referendum would only create more chaos.
North America
The United States has played a pivotal role in condemning the actions Russia has taken in Crimea. The
relationship between Russia and the United States has a significant and complicated history going back to
the cold war era. The current situation in Crimea has strained the diplomatic relationship between both
nations. President Obama has urged Russia to deescalate the situation in Ukraine or face further
repercussions (Smith).The current economic sanctions put in place help showcase their stance and the
criticism over the annexation of Crimea. Ukraine’s sovereignty is of great importance to the United States.
24 | U C I M U N
Committee Goals
The Conflict between Ukraine and Russia is a broad topic with many subtopics to discuss over one
committee session. That is why preferably this committee will need to focus on the issues dealing with the
annexation of Crimea and the global ratification it has on the international community. Topics to consider
throughout committee should include the annexation of Crimea in relation to the territorial acquisition,
national sovereignty, the validity of the Crimean referendum, energy security, and effectiveness of the
sanctions. Crafting a solution to help create permanent ceasefire and security is critical .There is general
disagreement on how and if the Russian federation should get punished for their actions. A solution is vital
as the number of casualties of the conflict increase each day. Ultimately it is essential that the committee
comes to an agreement on what should be the status of Crimea and find a solution that both the Ukrainian
and Russian governments can adhere to.
Research Questions
1. Was the Crimea referendum a process of self-determination or not?
2. How can Sovereignty and international- law in Ukraine be preserved?
3. How will permanent ceasefire and long term security be ensured in the region?
4. What are limitations in the current solutions proposed to end conflict between both parties?
5. If the referendum in Crimea was invalid, what are the steps needed to take in order to restore
Ukrainian control, considering Russia's sphere of influence?
6. To what effect where the sanctions put in place effective? Should they be lifted or extended?
7. How can we ensure energy security in the regions?
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