Topic: Trade in High-Tech Weapons Systems
Country: Venezuela
Delegate Name: Tyler Krasny
School: Mattawan High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Venezuela position papers GLIMUN 2016 committees
Venezuela feels that, undoubtedly, the trade of high-tech weapon systems is contributing to the global instability our world faces. While several trade-restricting documents currently float around, none are specific enough in defining and limiting the trade of high-tech weaponry. Venezuela feels that, to properly address the unrest created through high-tech weapon trading, a clear definition of “high-tech weaponry” and a strong set of restrictions must be applied.
The source of the issues created by the trading of high-tech weapons is undoubtedly the seller, distributor, of the weapons. Countries buying the weapons undoubtedly feel the pressures of maintaining a strong military force for self defense, whereas the countries selling the weapons seek only to profit and promote their own interests, rather than truly analyzing the situation at hand. During the Cold War, for example, the United States supplied countless South American countries with weaponry to promote their interest, leading to the ongoing volatility within our beloved continent. Thus, from Venezuela’s perspective, arguments surrounding the need for open trade and that these weapons provide an equal playing field cannot be looked favorably upon. This viewpoint creates an escalation in militarization, undoubtedly leaving smaller countries behind, no matter the amount of trade, and leads to universal tensions over which country will use their newfound arsenal first.
To solve this issue, Venezuela would like to see the definition of “high-tech” weapons explicitly defined, and current arms trade restrictions bolstered. A failure to properly classify weapons and to strengthen the current treaties will undoubtedly result in large countries continuing to exploit the system, and further escalation towards war. Hence, clauses that limit the sellers of these weapons would be the best solution, as buyers are merely staying competitive, while sellers continue to lose sight of peace. Specifically, a solution involving say, for example, a 90% reduction of current exports as a minimum to all countries could be effective for reducing global unrest.
In conclusion, the blame for the global unrest has to fall on the selling countries, as they aim to profit and promote their own interests throughout the globe. Venezuela is open to working with other countries who are deeply concerned with the current escalation, and seeks to find a peaceful, study, and long-lasting solution to this issue.
