“ASPIRE TO INSPIRE BEFORE WE EXPIRE”

BACKGROUND GUIDEDISEC

Index

1

Welcome 3-4

Background 5-

6

Task 7-

9

Guiding Questions

10

Glossary 11-

12

Resources

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Welcome

Dear Delegates,

Thank you for choosing DISEC as your commission of choice. It is a pleasure for us as

your presidents of this committee to have you here and have the opportunity to develop a

fruitful debate. International Security is one of the most essential aspects of the society we

live in currently. Security and its preservation being such an important issue is the reason

why DISEC is considered the second most potent commission in the United Nations.

Restrictions over the use of critical warfare, such as biological weapons and attack drones,

are long overdue, and we are hoping to give this problematic an end finally. Loss of lives is

also an effect of weapons of mass destruction. Still, hand in hand with them goes terrorism,

and the funding od these groups by world powers does not contribute to coming up with

solutions. It is expected of you to come up with definitive answers to these continuous

contributions to terrorist power and growth.

We are expecting all of you to come fully prepared to participate in the discussions

actively and propose resourceful resolutions. We are eager to get to know all of you and

experience the committee together. See you in April.

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Mariana Ordoñez & Juan Esteban Medina

Committee History:

The Disarmament & International Security Committee AKA as The United Nations

General Assembly First Committee, is the second most important council of the United

Nations after the Security Council. The goal of this committee is to handle all security and

peacekeeping affairs regarding countries members of the UN. DISEC's primary goal is to

treat all issues regarding weapon regulation, disarmament, and imminent threats to world

peace.

The United Nations General

Assembly First Committee is

the only one of the six central

committees in the United

Nations Charter that has a

right to verbatim records.

Verbatim records meaning that

there is an exact account of what is said during the sessions of the committee. Based on

this, we must inform you delegates that the DISEC commission of PANMUN II will indeed

be recorded.

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In addition to this, the DISEC commission can take action towards any threat to

international peace in case the Security Council is unable to due to a vetoed action by one

of the five permanent members.

First Topic: Techno Biological War Simulation

DISCLAIMER:

*****If you are a delegate in this committee, you have to be aware that your President has

accepted the offer to be a part of the International Technobiological War Simulation. Being

here means actively participating in the war.*******

Introduction

War technology can be categorized into five divisions, but in this committee, we are

focusing on only 2: Offensive and Defensive Technology. In these two categories, we will

be focusing on five main kinds of offensive and defensive weaponry. For the simulation,

every delegation will need a detailed list of all developments it's country has accomplished

on:

-Spy Drones

-Genetic Manipulation of soldiers

-Biological Weapons

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-Nuclear Weapons

-Behavioral modification in soldiers.

Military technology has been around since the ancient Greeks but has evolved from

swords and spears to germ weapons and attack drones. Nonetheless, the biggest problem in

history between war technology and its actual results has always been misused, and the

relationship between those using

them, and the ever-evolving

magic of weaponry that

challenged social skills. As a

preventive resource, the

Disarmament and International

Security committee has decided to

create this simulation, to test all kinds of new technologies and finally put an end to this

never-ending toxic relationship between humans and weaponry advances.

History

In September 1944, the first successful drone attack was carried through by the

United States of America; 4 drones flew to Bougainville, New Guinea, with 2,200-pound

bombs to attack a Japanese vessel. Three of them failed to detonate the bombs, and only

one hit the ground and caused the intended explosion. As it is globally known, the first-

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ever nuclear attack was the Hiroshima bombing once again perpetrated by the USA. In

1945 a year after the drone trials had been launched, a B-29 atomic bomb was launched,

wiping away 90% of the city and instantly taking the lives of 80,000 people which is just

the first number, not counting the thousands more to die with causes of radiation exposure

from the detonation. After the 2nd bomb was launched in Nagasaki 2 days later, the

Japanese emperor surrendered from WWII, calling this new attack “a new and most cruel

bomb.”

“Biological weapons include any microorganism (such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi)

or toxin (poisonous compounds produced by microorganisms) found in nature that can be

used to kill or injure people” (Edmond Hooker). Bioweapons and the intention of using

them go way back to 7 B.C, when nomadic tribes dipped their arrows in decomposing

bodies to rot and contaminate their opponent. However, as humans did not develop the

previously mentioned, Anthrax could be considered the pioneer bioweapon alongside

Cholera and other diseases

harvested by German

biologists.

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As for genetic and behavioral modification used in war, they are still both work in

progress and are being experimented and investigated by multiple countries. Methods of

creating supersoldiers have already been recognized and are being studied. “Simply

speaking, artificial genes can be introduced by direct injection of DNA into a muscle,

insertion of genetically modified cells, and introduced into the body via a virus” (Stafford).

The effects of this genetic modification would have on soldiers would be increased

endurance, strength, pain tolerance, and vascularity. All of which would result in super

soldiers capable of fighting and winning wars with much less effort.

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Regarding Behavioral modification, discoveries and developments have not been as

significant. The Pentagon is experimenting with the air force, navy, and army soldiers

adhering biosensors to their bodies to record data of what reactions their body has towards

specific environments. If the Pentagon follows through with this project and reaches its

goal, computers, weapons, airplanes, and Softwares will have intel on what alters a

soldier’s behavior, and this could be

implemented towards controlling the

actions of soldiers during the war.

Eye detecting cameras are also being

acquired to detect subtle changes in

stress and attention; this would give

the power to those handling the data of understanding what causes soldiers’ stress and what

gets attention quickly. (2017)

Nowadays

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The North Korean government conducted the positive most recent nuclear test in

September 2017 and claimed it to be the most powerful explosion yet, causing seismic

readings of 6.3 and 100-150

kilotonnes. (Hiroshima was 15

kilotons.) This test was

conducted with a hydrogen

bomb that could be assembled

on to long-range missiles.

In 2001 an anthrax leak killed five people in New Jersey, and it is the last record of

biological weapons being employed. An army scientist with a psychiatrical background was

responsible for the killing of 5 individuals. In 2009 the United States bio lab was closed due

to storing non regulated and not declared pathogens, and recently in August 2019, it got

permission to treat Anthrax, Ebola, and smallpox taken away from the lab due to leak

scares.

The new decade started with an alarming situation between the United States and

Iran. On January 3 of this new year, an American MQ-9 Reaper drone sent by the American

Joint Special Operations Command shot General Qasem Suleimani and the convoy he was

being conveyed in and killed him and nine others. This event was on the verge of causing

what people speculated would be the third world war. After his death, the Iranian

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government promised to take revenge over his body, and rumors about cyber and terrorist

attacks towards U.S. interests and allies were

conceived.

As for genetic and behavioral

modification, multiple experiments and trials

are being followed through in animals and

crops. Little is identified about the use of

modification techniques on humans, and no explicit or imminent intention of the use of this

for war by any country is prized.

Expected Country Involvement

United States of America

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The United States of America as one of the world powers is a critical delegation in this

committee. From the first nuclear weapon to the investigation of biological weapons, most

recent drone attacks and essential

research and breakthroughs on

genetic and behavioral modification.

This country is one of the leaders in

techno-biological warfare. It will

continue to be it, which means the

participation in this simulation

brought by this delegation, and its army is expected to be significant in quality and

quantity.

Germany

As the first country to ever use biological warfare The Federal Republic of Germany has an

essential place in this committee due to various possible advances in this very technology,

which has recently stirred up some new interest by world powers.

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Russia

The Russian Federation is the second country with more nuclear power in the world; due to

this, its active participation in this simulation will be expected. Also, the global renown

Russian intelligence must

bring developments and

warfare breakthroughs to

this committee.

China

The People's Republic of China is the most significant drone power in existence right now;

all countries turn to them when in need of drone ammunition and development. Since

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recent attacks with drones have caused so much to talk about in the international

community, it is expected that the delegation and its army in the simulation actively try

their drone technology and are 100% sincere about new developments.

Second Topic: Financing of Terrorists groups by world powers

Introduction :

Terrorist attacks cause loss of life, serious injury, loss of property, and cultivate a

climate of fear, undermining the safety and security of citizens. Those attacks have

increased in frequency and can be undertaken on a large or small scale, in collaboration or

by individuals acting alone. In this committee, we will focus on their funds; take into

account that the spread of terrorist activity can be facilitated by the world powers countries

that decide to support them monetarily

so that they manage to carry out all

their attacks and their plans.

The FATF defines terrorist financing

as the “financing of terrorist acts, and

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of terrorists and terrorist organizations”, this is one of the most important subtopics of the

committee. Combating terrorist financing has been a priority for the FATF since 2001.

However, in 2015, the scope and nature of terrorist threats globally intensified

considerably, with terrorist attacks in many cities across the world, and the terrorist threat

posed by the State of Iraq. On this committee, we want to encourage countries to identify,

assess, and understand the money laundering and terrorist financing risks for the country

and take action, including designating an authority to coordinate actions. To assess risks

and apply resources, aimed at ensuring the risks are mitigated effectively. Based on that

assessment, countries should apply a risk-based approach (RBA) to ensure that measures to

prevent or mitigate money laundering and terrorist financing.

History

Donations were once the largest source of terrorist funding, coming mostly from

world powers and wealthy individuals. For

years, individuals and charities based in

Saudi Arabia were the most important source

of funds for al-Qaeda, according to a 2002

CFR Task Force Report. A 2004 update to

that report shows Saudi officials have taken

steps to disrupt terrorist financing in their country. However, charities continue to play a

role in he sponsorship of terrorist groups.

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In 2019, ISIS was the world's wealthiest terrorist group. Its estimated annual

revenue, according to the Global Terrorism Index, peaked at US$2billion in 2015, which is

the equivalent to the GDP of some small nations. However, as the loss of its self-

proclaimed caliphate has shown, the group's strategy of self-funding in controlled territory

has left them susceptible to any action that impinges on its territory. During the last year,

ISIS's funding structure has caved following significant territorial losses in Iraq and Syria,

as half of its funds were sourced from oil smuggling. ISIL was producing up to 75,000

barrels per day and generating revenues of US$1.3 million per day.

Many terrorist organizations attempt to operate legitimate businesses, which generate their

profits and can also be used as a front for money laundering. Terrorists require money to

operate. Without funding, they cannot

purchase weapons, equipment,

supplies, etc. The source of terrorist

funds may be licit or illicit, and

funding often takes the form of

multiple small donations, rather than

one large sum of money. Terrorist groups may be directly or indirectly linked to organized

criminal groups and may engage in criminal activities. Drug or weapon trafficking,

extortion, and kidnapping, that is why your delegates need to focus on an effective solution

to end this problem in order to prevent more deaths and criminal activities. Also, ties to

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terrorism have been found on the trade of fish and leather. Businesses involved in

agriculture and construction have also been found to support terrorism. In 2001, the New

York Times reported that Osama bin Laden owned and operated a string of retail honey

shops throughout the Middle East and Pakistan. In addition to generating revenue, the

honey was used to conceal shipments and weapons.

Terrorist groups may have plenty of sources of income. However, on this committee, we

are mostly focusing on the way world powers get involved in order to get profit from those

groups, which does not mean that the other incomes are irrelevant.

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On May 2, 2011, Osama Bin Laden was killed in a raid to his hideout in Pakistan by

US intelligence. Later it was discovered Bin Laden was planning to assassinate President

Obama and make another terrorist attack

on the anniversary of 9/11. The main

consequence of Bin Laden's death was

fear from Al Qaeda and other terrorist

organizations of falling apart due to

reduced power management. This raid

gave the United States a sense of superiority and prestige towards terrorism fighting

internationally.

Country Involvement

- USA

Syria:

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- Despite the overall decline in attacks

and fatalities, two main countries

were among the top 10 countries

most impacted by terrorism

worldwide, Syria (662 deaths) and

Yemen (301 deaths). This shows the

high scale of death related to terrorisim in Syria. Terrorism plays an important role

in Syrian military strategy and its conception of diplomacy. Terrorist attacks

perpetrated by Syrian activists or by terrorist organizations subordinate to Syria are

intended to serve several Syrian interests Iraq

Iran :

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- Iran provides “a range of support, including financial, training, and equipment, to

terrorist groups around the world. The U.S. has designated Iran as a state sponsor of

terrorism since 1984. The Iranian regime has been its habitual use of terrorism

against the United States, also

they carry out direct attacks, Iran

has committed terrorism by

proxy throughHexbollah, Hamas,

the Taliban, militias, in Iraq,

Syria, Bahrain and the Gulf and a plethora of other terrorist groups. Iran has a long

history of terrorist attacks against the U.S. and other Western countries, carrying out

bombings, abductions, and hijackings.

Russia:

- The Russian Federation is indeed one of the countries who is fully sponsoring

terrorism. Putin’s government is guilty

of many crimes around the world

ranging from bombing civilians in

Syria to meddling in U.S. elections to

assassinating dissidents in the United

Kingdom and also involving other

countries.

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Conclusion:

Delegates, you have to take into account each of the problems within the main topics, the

security of the world is in your hands. The biggest problem in financing terrorist groups is

that they are shaking hands to increase chaos, crime, deaths, each of those things that are

slowly killing our humanity. If you do not put a stop to this serious problem they will do

what they want with the world, will they continue to have unlimited funds to make war

whenever they want, are you willing to make the change we need?

Glossary :

Topic 1:

- Nuclear Weapon: A bomb or missile that uses nuclear energy to cause an explosion.

- Biological Warfare: The use of biological toxins or infectious agents such as

bacteria, viruses, and fungi with the intent to kill or incapacitate humans, animals or

plants as an act of war.

- Drone: An aircraft that carries no human pilot or passengers.

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- Genetic Modification: Direct manipulation of an organism's genes using

biotechnology.

- Behavior Modification: Behavior-change procedures

Topic 2:

- Asymmetrical Warfare : Asymmetric warfare is a violent conflict in which there is

an abysmal quantitative and qualitative difference between military and political

resources.

- Guerrilla Groups : Guerrilla warfare is a military strategy in which small groups of

combatants, often paramilitaries, armed or irregular civilians, use small-scale

mobile attacks against a greater and less versatile enemy in order to weaken or

defeat it through a war of attrition.

Resources

Nationa, United. “Terrorism Financing.” UN Security Council ,

www.un.org/sc/ctc/focus-areas/financing-of-terrorism/.

Byman, Daniel L. “Russia Is a State Sponsor of Terrorism-But Don't Treat It That

Way.” Brookings, Brookings, 30 Apr. 2018,

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www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2018/04/30/russia-is-a-state-sponsor-of-

terrorism-but-dont-treat-it-that-way/.

Combatting Financing of Terrorism Open Debate : What's In Blue,

www.whatsinblue.org/2019/03/combatting-financing-of-terrorism-open-debate.php.

“Combatting Terrorist Financing.” ACAMS,

www.acams.org/aml-resources/combatting-terrorist-financing/.

Crowley, Michael, et al. “U.S. Strike in Iraq Kills Qassim Suleimani, Commander

of Iranian Forces.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 3 Jan. 2020,

www.nytimes.com/2020/01/02/world/middleeast/qassem-soleimani-iraq-iran-attack.html.

Guilmartin, John F. “Military Technology.” Encyclopædia Britannica,

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 23 Jan. 2019,

www.britannica.com/technology/military-technology.

Hooker, Edmond. “Biological Warfare Facts & History of Biological Agents.”

EMedicineHealth, EMedicineHealth, 10 Jan. 2019,

www.emedicinehealth.com/biological_warfare/article_em.htm#facts_on_bioterrorism_and

_biowarfare_today.

“Iran: The Leading State Sponsor of Terrorism.” UANI,

www.unitedagainstnucleariran.com/state-sponsored-terrorism.

Lerner, Preston. “The First Drone Strike-in 1944.” Air & Space Magazine, Air &

Space Magazine, 19 Sept. 2017, www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/drone-strike-

180964753/.

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“New UN Resolution Reaffirms the Close Collaboration between the FATF and the

United Nations in the Fight against Terrorist Fighting.” Documents - Financial Action Task

Force (FATF), www.fatf-gafi.org/publications/fatfgeneral/documents/un-fatf-2019.html.

“North Korea Nuclear Tests: What Did They Achieve?” BBC News, BBC, 3 Sept.

2017, www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-17823706.

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u-s-forces.

“Report Faults Army in 2001 Anthrax Mailings.” Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles

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Stafford, Jared M., and US Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center. “The

Real Captain America: Bioengineering the Super Soldiers of Tomorrow.” Small Wars

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soldiers-of-tomorrow.

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Foreign Relations, www.cfr.org/backgrounder/tracking-down-terrorist-financing.

Tucker, Patrick. “Tomorrow Soldier: How The Military Is Altering the Limits of

Human Performance.” Defense One, 12 July 2017,

www.defenseone.com/technology/2017/07/tomorrow-soldier-how-military-altering-limits-

human-performance/139374/.

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