September 16, 2019
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Proliferation of Ballistic Missiles

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Disarmament & International Security Committee

Topic: Proliferation of Ballistic Missiles

The threat of ballistic missiles has loomed over the international community since their entry into military service at the end of World War 2 with the V-2 missile used in a campaign of terror against advancing allied forces. These weapons have only increased in range and destructive potential since then. By definition a ballistic missile is a rocket-propelled, self-guided weapon system that follows a ballistic trajectory to strike a target with its payload. Today, that payload can range from simple explosives, to chemicals, to a nuclear bomb. The ballistic trajectory, typically approaching or entering space during launch and coming down on top of their target makes these weapons difficult to defend against. These weapons are usually classified by their range, going from tactical with a range less than 200 miles, up to intercontinental with a range over 3,400 miles.

Two documents have been created to help reign in the use and proliferation of ballistic missiles. First was the Missile Technology Control Regime, MTCR, in 1987. The MTCR is not a binding treaty, but instead an informal political understanding to limit the proliferation of ballistic missile technology. The MTCR consists of two documents, the Annex, which lists out technologies covered under the MTCR and the Guidelines, which outlines the responsibilities of states in preventing the proliferation of ballistic missiles. The second document is the Hague Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation. The Code entered into force in 2002 and was endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2004. Like the MTCR, the Code is a non-binding political agreement that calls for signatories to issue notifications for space vehicle and missile launches and provide an annual report on related policies and the number of missiles and space-launched vehicles in inventory.

These documents are good first steps in reducing the proliferation of ballistic missiles and providing transparency for existing stockpiles. However, both documents are non-binding. The Disarmament and Security committee must consider whether these non-binding documents are enough to prevent the proliferation and reduce the use of these weapons. The persistent threat of the weapons generally makes disarmament a difficult solution, so the committee should consider other options while striving for that goal. Ultimately, delegates must find common ground where they can offer additional means to reduce the threat posed by these weapons.

 

Focus Questions:

  • Are ballistic missiles being used in conflicts today?
  • How can those nations currently deploying ballistic missiles be persuaded to reduce their use?
  • What multilateral solutions can be applied without hampering scientific endeavors?

 

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