Disarmament and International Security Committee

Topic A: Addressing the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Aerial Warfare

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in aerial warfare is transforming modern combat, offering new capabilities in surveillance, target acquisition, and autonomous decision-making. Aerial warfare—defined as the use of aircraft and other flying systems, including drones, to conduct military operations—has become increasingly reliant on intelligent, unmanned systems. AI-powered drones and fighter jets can operate with greater speed, precision, and efficiency than human pilots, reducing response times in high-stakes combat situations. However, the increasing autonomy of these systems raises significant ethical and security concerns. Critics argue that AI-driven aerial warfare could lower the threshold for conflict, increase the risk of unintended escalation, and complicate accountability for war crimes. Additionally, AI systems are vulnerable to hacking, misinformation, and algorithmic bias, potentially leading to catastrophic errors on the battlefield.

As AI technology rapidly advances, international regulations struggle to keep pace, leaving many questions about oversight and responsibility unanswered. Should AI-controlled aerial weapons always require human oversight? How can nations prevent an AI arms race that destabilizes global security? This topic will challenge delegates to consider the implications of AI in aerial warfare, assess the risks and benefits, and propose frameworks for ethical and responsible AI use in military operations.

Topic B: Discussing the Roles of Terrorism and Non-State Actors in the Middle East

The Middle East has long been a hotspot for terrorism and the influence of non-state actors that have played a major role in shaping regional conflicts and security dynamics. Groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, and the Houthis operate outside traditional state control, using tactics like insurgency, cyber warfare, and proxy conflicts to further their agendas. These organizations exploit political instability, ethno-religious tensions, and economic struggles to gain influence, often challenging state authority and international peace efforts. In 2019, there were over 6,000 terrorism-related deaths in the region, and according to the Global Terrorism Index, over 80% of global terrorism-related deaths occurred in just five countries, four of which are in the Middle East.

Non-state actors in the Middle East are not limited to extremist groups; they also include militias, paramilitary forces, and private military contractors that operate with varying degrees of government support or opposition. Some groups receive backing from states, turning regional conflicts into proxy wars that further complicate international responses. The involvement of these actors has far-reaching consequences: governments face immense challenges in maintaining order and stability, while civilians are caught in the crossfire, often experiencing displacement, loss of life, and destruction of infrastructure. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that over 13 million people have been displaced due to conflicts involving non-state actors in the Middle East.

The impact is both immediate and long-term, with economic and social recovery often taking years, if not decades. The involvement of these actors raises important questions about sovereignty, accountability, and the effectiveness of conventional counterterrorism strategies. This topic will encourage delegates to examine the role of terrorism and non-state actors in the Middle East, considering how their actions affect regional and global security. How can international organizations and governments combat terrorism while addressing its root causes? What role do foreign interventions and proxy wars play in the rise of non-state actors? How should the international community regulate state sponsorship of militant groups? Delegates in the Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) must navigate these complex issues to develop sustainable strategies for regional stability and counterterrorism efforts.

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