Topic: Militarization of the Internet
Country: Nepal
Delegate Name: Annie Lilac
School: Mattawan High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Nepal position papers GLIMUN 2013 committees
In our modern world, the Internet has become a valuable means of communication, allowing interactions between countries to become easier and faster. However, with this constantly changing technology, a new threat exists. The internet leaves the security of many nations vulnerable. Large nations can easily commit cyber warfare and have the resources to create impressive cyber security. China is said to have a state-sanctioned hacker brigade that it uses in an espionage campaign against the United Nations, as well as many other parties. The United States and Syria created a virus called Stuxnet that attacked the technology in Iran’s nuclear facilities. Due to the nature of the Internet, however, small nations with little influence and non-State share these abilities and are able to deal devastating blows to countries much bigger and more powerful than their own. The militarization of the internet is clearly a growing issue that needs to be addressed promptly.
Nepal, like most countries, has been the target of cyber attacks in the past few years and knows the negative effect it can have on a country’s security. We have reason to believe some of the attacks were made by terrorist organizations, but it is very difficult to trace the source of many of the attacks. Additionally, our neighbors, India and China, have become major targets in recent cyber warfare activities. This is proof that no nation is safe from the threat of cyber warfare. The Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal is in full support of the United Nations’ discussion of the militarization of the internet, and is ready to work towards a solution.
We believe that before this committee can move forward on addressing this issue, the United Nations must agree on a universal definition of cyber warfare. We then deem it necessary that whatever solution is reached, it must be well-rounded in order to deal with the constantly shifting and progressing Internet. We would also look kindly on developing a process of determining the source of cyber attacks, and think the United Nations should agree on a suitable way to enforce consequences for these crimes. Nepal is eager to cooperate with the United Nations to develop a solution to the pressing matters of international security presented by the militarization of the Internet.
