September 16, 2019
Username:
 In 2022-Proliferation of Ballistic Missiles

Topic:
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: Lanell Gardiner

Ballistic missiles prove a singularly deadly threat to the globe; not specifically because of the type of weapon being sent, but because of the ability to deliver high-capacity long range weapons, and deliver them accurately. While these systems have existed for centuries, modern technology provides the opportunity for mass destruction across vast areas of land. The creation of ballistic missiles and the counter-creation of anti-missile defense systems results in an ongoing tug of war where the world only moves closer to a deadlock. However, the topic is complex and international communities need to decide whether offensive or defensive action is more important. The best action is to cooperate as a unit to prevent hostile nations from creating more ballistic technology, disarm more offensively armed countries, and provide defense mechanisms in the case of aggressive international action.

Germany is the largest capacity provider of ballistic missile defense in Europe, and it is dedicated to bolstering efforts to curb ballistic missile proliferation worldwide and to further delegitimize such proliferation. Germany is subscribed to the Hague Code of Conduct (HCOC) and has worked closely with Italy and the United States on the Medium Extended Air Defense Systems (MEADS). This is the first air and missile defense system to provide continuous on-the-move protection for maneuver forces and area and homeland defense. Germany has also developed laser-based tracking missile destroyers in the past couple decades, and is currently providing Ukraine with defense capabilities in response to the Russian Federation’s invasion.

The international debate on ballistic missiles is not something that can be solved with one resolution that restricts countries autonomy; Germany understands this and sees the need to focus on defense mechanisms rather than infringe on sovereign nations and the actual production of these weapons. Research and cooperation between countries on the creation of anti-missile defense systems as well as the halting of continued creation of new attack missiles should be the top priorities as nations work towards preventing international war and destruction. Concerning countries that are not working towards these goals, Germany believes that only by embarking on a path towards complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization and dismantlement of missiles, can these countries (such as DPRK) regain the trust of the international community.