CSN MUN 2025
UNSC - UNITED NATIONS SECURITY
COUNCIL
Agenda: Reassessing Nuclear Disarmament and
Non-Proliferation Amid Rising Geopolitical
Tensions
Letter from the Executive Board
Dear Delegates!
We are very pleased to welcome you to the simulation of the UNSC at CSN MUN 2025 .
It is an honour to serve as your Executive Board for the duration of the conference. This
Background Guide is designed to give you an insight into the case at hand, so we hope
this acts as only a catalyst for furthering your research, and not limited to just this guide.
Please refer to it carefully. Remember, a thorough understanding of the problem is the
first step to solving it.
Do understand that this Background Guide is in no way exhaustive and is only meant to
provide you with enough background information to establish a platform for beginning
the research. Delegates are highly recommended to do a good amount of research beyond
what is covered in the Guide. The guide cannot be used as proof during the committee
proceedings under any circumstances.
We understand that MUN conferences can be an overwhelming experience for
first-timers but it must be noted that our aspirations from the delegates are not how
experienced or articulate they are. Rather, we want to see how one manages the balance
to respect disparities and differences of opinion and work around this while extending
their foreign policy to present comprehensive solutions without compromising on their
self-interests and initiate consensus building.
New ideas are by their very nature disruptive, but far less disruptive than a world set
against the backdrop of stereotypes and regional instability due to which reform is
essential in policy making and conflict resolution. At any point during your research, do
not hesitate to contact the Executive Board Members for clarifications or in case you
need help in any other aspect. We look forward to a fruitful discussion and an enriching
experience with all of you.
Best regards,
Tejasvi Singh Bhadauria
Chairperson
Important Points to Remember
A few aspects that delegates should keep in mind while preparing:
1. Procedure: The purpose of putting in procedural rules in any committee is to ensure a
more organized and efficient debate. The committee will follow the UNA-USA Rules of
Procedure. Although the Executive Board shall be fairly strict with the Rules of
Procedure, the discussion of the agenda will be the main priority. So, delegates are
advised not to restrict their statements due to hesitation regarding procedure.
2. Foreign Policy: Following the foreign policy of one’s country is the most important
aspect of a Model UN Conference. This is what essentially differentiates a Model UN
from other debating formats. To violate one’s foreign policy without adequate reason is
one of the worst mistakes a delegate can make.
3. Role of the Executive Board: The Executive Board is appointed to facilitate debate. The
committee shall decide the direction and flow of debate. The delegates are the ones who
constitute the committee and hence must be uninhibited while presenting their
opinions/stance on any issue. However, the Executive Board may put forward questions
and/or ask for clarifications at all points of time to further debate and test participants.
4. Nature of Source/Evidence: This Background Guide is meant solely for research
purposes and must not be cited as evidence to substantiate statements made during the
conference. Evidence or proof for substantiating statements made during formal debate is
acceptable from the following sources:
a. United Nations: Documents and findings by the United Nations or any
related UN body is held as a credible proof to support a claim or
argument. Multilateral Organizations: Documents from international
organizations like OIC, NATO, SAARC, BRICS, EU, ASEAN, the
International Court of Justice, etc. may also be presented as credible
sources of information.
b. Government Reports: These reports can be used in a similar way as the
State Operated News Agencies reports and can, in all circumstances, be
denied by another country.
c. News Sources:
1. Reuters: Any Reuters article that clearly makes mention of the fact
or is in contradiction of the fact being stated by a delegate in council.
2. State operated News Agencies: These reports can be used in the
support of or against the State that owns the News Agency. These
reports, if credible or substantial enough, can be used in support of
or against any country as such but in that situation, may be denied
by any other country in the council. Some examples are – RIA
Novosti (Russian Federation), Xinhua News Agency (People’s
Republic of China), etc.
***Please Note: Reports from NGOs working with UNESCO, UNICEF and other UN bodies
will be accepted. Under no circumstances will sources like Wikipedia, or newspapers like the
Guardian, Times of India, etc. be accepted. However, notwithstanding the criteria for
acceptance of sources and evidence, delegates are still free to quote/cite from any source as they
deem fit as a part of their statements.
Guidelines
· Read the entirety of the background guide in the order it was written. Make sure to highlight
the names of specific treaties, documents, resolutions, conventions, international bodies,
events and any other specific incidents so that you can get back to them later and do a lot
more thorough research.
· Understand some of the basic details regarding the country that you've been allotted whether
this be the capital, current affairs regarding geopolitical situation, political hierarchy etc.
While not strictly necessary, you never know when this can turn out to be handy. Geography
Now's A - Z Country List has been a particularly helpful resource for this.
· Use a search engine of your choice to create as many tabs as possible for the highlighted
terms from your background guide. Wikipedia or a YouTube video act as a great way to get a
brief summary of the incidents at hand but such sources (especially Wikipedia articles)
cannot be used in committee as sources.
· Delve into deeper research regarding the particular position of your allocation with the
agenda at hand. Try searching for the voting stances of your allocation in related conventions
and understanding the reasons for voting as so. UN Press Releases are also a helpful source
for this matter.
· Find the website for the foreign ministry of the country you have been assigned alongside the
"Permanent Mission of COUNTRY to the United Nations" website and search for a key term
relating to the agenda, this should often give you statements from recent press conferences or
UN committee sessions that can act as valuable sources of information in forming a position.
· Keep a handy copy of the Charter of the United Nations, whether as a .pdf file extension or a
physical copy works. This contains the founding principles of the United Nations and
contains articles that lay out the mandate of the six bodies that the United Nations is
primarily divided into. Spend some additional time researching the specific mandate and
functions of the committee that you have been assigned.
· The Executive Board may ask for the source of a statement that a delegate makes in
committee either during a Point of Order circumstance or if said statement stands to be of
interest to the Executive Board. Therefore, it is recommended that delegates keep track of
their sources when making / disputing a claim and also ensure their validity. Please do
remember that while you as a delegate are allowed to cite any source you wish during
committee.
Hierarchy of evidence
Evidence can be presented from a wide variety of sources but not all sources are treated as equal.
Here’s the hierarchy in which evidence is categorised:
Tier 1: Includes any publication, statement, resolution, or document released by any of the
Nations’ official organs or committees; any publication, statement, or document released by a
UN member state in its own capacity. The evidence falling in this tier is considered most reliable
during the simulation.
Tier 2: Includes: any news article published by any official media source that is owned and
controlled by a UN member state. E.g.: Xinhua News (China), Prasar Bharti (India), BBC
(United Kingdom) etc. The evidence falling in this tier is considered sufficiently reliable in case
no other evidence from any Tier 1 source is available on that particular fact, event, or situation.
Tier 3: Includes: any publication from news sources of international repute such as Reuters, The
New York Times, Agence-France Presse, etc. The evidence falling under this tier is considered
the least reliable for the purposes of this simulation. Yet, if no better source is available in a
certain scenario, it may be considered.
Foreign Policy and Foreign Relations
Foreign policy, in simple terms, is what your country aims to achieve in regards to the issue at
hand or in general with its relations with other countries.
1. What role must foreign policy play in your research?
Understanding the foreign policy of your country must be a checkbox that you tick off at
the very beginning of your research.
Your foreign policy should dictate everything from the arguments you make, the reasoning you
give for making those arguments, and the actions you take in the Council.
2. Where do I look to find foreign policy?
Most of the time, foreign policy is not explicitly stated. It must be inferred from the actions and
statements issued by the country. Reading the meeting records from previous meetings of
UNSC (or any other UN body where your country might have spoken on the issue) is a great
place to start. If such records are unavailable, look for statements from your country’s Foreign
Ministry (or equivalent like Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs etcetera)
and top leadership (PM, Pres., Secretary of State, Defence Minister).
Foreign Relations on the other hand refers to the diplomatic ties that one country has with
another and considers elements such as the mutual presence of embassies, consulates,
ambassadors & diplomatic dialogue. More often than not, foreign policy is what will be of your
primary concern during your MUN but it is important to also consider any extremities in your
allotted country's foreign relations.
Rules of Procedure
ROP, or rules of procedure are the set rules to be followed whilst in committee session. Rules of
procedure are generally the same for all simulated conferences, and some parts can be amended
based on the executive board of that specific conference. Since the ROP is universally followed,
the link below will take you to a cheat sheet which you can use for future reference as well.
[ROP Document]
Introduction
The global security environment is undergoing a significant transformation, with increasing
geopolitical rivalries, erosion of arms control agreements, and a resurgence of great power
competition. The foundational pillars of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation—once seen
as gradual but achievable global goals—are now under severe strain. Key treaties such as the
Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) face challenges in
implementation, while modernization of nuclear arsenals by nuclear-weapon states has fueled
mistrust. Moreover, recent crises, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, tensions in the
Indo-Pacific, and Iran’s nuclear activities, have reintroduced nuclear deterrence into mainstream
security calculations.
This backdrop compels the United Nations Security Council to reassess its role in upholding and
strengthening international frameworks designed to prevent the spread and use of nuclear
weapons. As the only UN body with the authority to enforce binding resolutions under Chapter
VII of the UN Charter, the UNSC’s position is pivotal in maintaining the global nuclear order.
Historical Background
1. Early Global Concerns
The horror of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 marked the beginning of the nuclear age,
triggering global calls for disarmament. The Cold War period saw the arms race between the
United States and the Soviet Union, balanced precariously through Mutually Assured
Destruction (MAD).
2. Milestones in Disarmament and Non-Proliferation
● 1968 – Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT):
It created three pillars: non-proliferation, disarmament, and peaceful use of nuclear
energy. However, its effectiveness is contested due to slow progress on disarmament by
nuclear-armed states.
● 1996 – Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT):
Aimed to ban all nuclear explosions. However, major powers like the USA, China, India,
Pakistan, and others have yet to ratify it.
● 2000s – Strategic Arms Reduction Treaties (START & New START):
Bilateral treaties between the US and Russia aimed to reduce deployed strategic nuclear
weapons. While successful, New START is set to expire in 2026.
3. UNSC's Role Historically
The UNSC has passed several resolutions supporting non-proliferation, including:
● Resolution 1540 (2004): Prevents non-state actors from acquiring WMDs.
● Resolution 1887 (2009): Reaffirmed commitment to NPT goals and called for a world
without nuclear weapons.
● Resolution 2231 (2015): Endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)
with Iran.
Recent Developments
1. Russia-Ukraine War and Nuclear Posturing
● Russia has issued veiled threats about using nuclear weapons, raising alarm across the
global community.
● Deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus by Russia has further eroded trust in
disarmament rhetoric.
2. Collapse of Arms Control Agreements
● INF Treaty Withdrawal (2019): The US and Russia both exited the Intermediate-Range
Nuclear Forces Treaty.
● New START: Currently the last standing arms control agreement between the US and
Russia, set to expire in 2026 with uncertain prospects for renewal.
3. Iran’s Nuclear Program
● Since the US withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, Iran has enriched uranium beyond
limits set by the deal.
● IAEA reports suggest growing nuclear capabilities with decreasing international
monitoring access.
4. North Korea's Escalation
● North Korea continues to expand its nuclear and missile program in defiance of multiple
UNSC resolutions.
● Satellite imagery shows construction of new reactors and test sites.
5. Emerging Nuclear Capabilities and Tactical Shifts
● Nations such as India, Pakistan, and China are modernizing their nuclear arsenals,
investing in hypersonic and MIRV (Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicles)
technology.
● The doctrine of “no first use” is increasingly ambiguous among states.
Key Issues to Address
1. Erosion of Norms and Treaties:
○ What mechanisms can be enforced to revive and strengthen global disarmament
commitments?
2. Nuclear Deterrence vs. Disarmament:
○ Can nations realistically give up nuclear weapons amidst rising geopolitical
insecurities?
3. Enforcement Mechani[Link]
○ How can the UNSC ensure compliance with its resolutions (e.g., in cases like
DPRK and Iran)?
4. Disparity Between Nuclear and Non-Nuclear States:
○ Non-nuclear states argue that nuclear powers are not fulfilling their disarmament
obligations under Article VI of the NPT.
5. Role of Non-State Actors:
○ With growing fears of nuclear terrorism, how can the UNSC curb illicit
trafficking of nuclear materials?
Major Stakeholders & Positions
● United States & NATO Members: Advocate for non-proliferation but continue
modernization programs.
● Russia: Focused on strategic deterrence; critical of Western double standards.
● China: Increasing arsenal amid Indo-Pacific tensions but supports disarmament in
principle.
● India & Pakistan: Non-NPT states; maintain credible minimum deterrence.
● Iran: Demands recognition of peaceful nuclear rights, critical of Western hypocrisy.
● North Korea: Views nuclear weapons as essential to regime survival.
● Non-Aligned Movement: Advocates for universal disarmament and equitable
enforcement.
Key UN Resolutions and Treaties
Resolution / Treaty Summary
UNSC Resolution 1540 Prevents proliferation of WMDs to non-state actors
(2004)
UNSC Resolution 1887 Reaffirmed global commitment to NPT
(2009)
UNSC Resolution 2231 Endorsed JCPOA with Iran
(2015)
NPT (1968) Non-proliferation, disarmament, and peaceful nuclear
energy
CTBT (1996) Bans nuclear testing, not yet in force
New START (2010) Limits deployed strategic nuclear arms between US &
Russia
Questions to Consider for Delegates
1. Should the UNSC support the creation of a new global treaty replacing the NPT with
stricter enforcement mechanisms?
2. Can a universal no-first-use policy be realistically implemented and verified?
3. How can nuclear-armed states be held accountable for disarmament under Article VI of
the NPT?
4. Should the UNSC consider sanctions or other measures against nuclear modernization?
5. What role should regional nuclear-weapon-free zones play in global disarmament?
6. How can the UNSC address nuclear threats posed by non-state actors?
Possible Bloc Positions
Bloc General Stance
P5 (Permanent 5) Mixed. Support non-proliferation but reluctant on disarmament
NAM Countries Push for universal disarmament, criticize P5 inaction
EU Members Support NPT, prefer diplomacy and arms control treaties
Middle East Nations Concerned about regional imbalances (e.g., Israel's arsenal)
East Asian Countries Support non-proliferation; regional tensions with DPRK a concern
Conclusion
The issue of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation lies at the heart of international peace
and security. In an increasingly multipolar and unstable global landscape, the UNSC must not
only reaffirm past commitments but also explore innovative solutions, balancing national
security with global stability. This committee is an opportunity to propose enforceable,
multilateral, and equitable strategies to achieve a safer, nuclear-weapon-free world.
