Security Council Study Guide
ShimoMUN 2025
Committee Overview
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. It consists of fifteen members: five permanent members (China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States) with veto power, and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. The Security Council can establish peacekeeping operations, impose sanctions, and authorize military action—the only UN body with the power to make decisions that member states are obligated to implement.
Topic 1: Addressing the Ongoing Conflicts in the Middle East
Background
The Middle East continues to face multiple interconnected conflicts that threaten regional and global security. These include civil wars, territorial disputes, proxy conflicts between regional powers, and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These conflicts have resulted in massive civilian casualties, displacement crises, and humanitarian emergencies. Failed peace processes and geopolitical competition have complicated resolution efforts.
Key Issues
- Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Stalled peace process and humanitarian situation in Gaza
- Syrian Civil War: Ongoing violence, foreign intervention, and humanitarian crisis
- Yemen Conflict: Civil war, regional intervention, and severe humanitarian emergency
- Lebanon's Instability: Political paralysis and regional tensions
- Iranian-Saudi Relations: Regional competition and proxy conflicts
- Terrorism and Extremism: Persistent threat from various militant groups
- Water Security: Resource competition in an increasingly water-scarce region
- Refugee Crises: Massive displacement affecting the entire region
Questions to Consider
- How can the Security Council overcome political divisions to address Middle East conflicts?
- What peacekeeping or peace enforcement measures might be effective?
- How can humanitarian access be secured in conflict zones?
- What diplomatic initiatives could reduce regional tensions?
- How should the international community address state fragility in the region?
Relevant UN Documents
- UN Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015): Syrian peace process roadmap
- UN Security Council Resolution 2216 (2015): Yemen conflict
- UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006): Lebanon-Israel ceasefire
- Various resolutions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: Including 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002), and 2334 (2016)
Topic 2: Combating Global Terrorism and Extremism: The Role of the UNSC
Background
Despite territorial defeats of groups like ISIS, terrorism and violent extremism remain persistent global threats. New technologies enable terrorist recruitment, financing, and attack planning. Meanwhile, growing far-right extremism, lone-wolf terrorism, and the nexus between terrorism and organized crime present evolving challenges. The Security Council plays a vital role in coordinating international counter-terrorism efforts while ensuring human rights compliance.
Key Issues
- Foreign Terrorist Fighters: Return and reintegration of fighters
- Terrorist Financing: Disrupting financial networks
- Online Radicalization: Countering extremist content and recruitment
- Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Intelligence sharing and joint operations
- Root Causes: Addressing conditions conducive to terrorism
- Human Rights: Balancing security measures with rights protection
- Non-State Armed Groups: Response to terrorist groups that control territory
- Emerging Technologies: Use of AI, drones, and cyber capabilities by terrorist groups
Questions to Consider
- How can counter-terrorism measures address root causes of extremism?
- What mechanisms would improve international cooperation against terrorism?
- How should the UNSC address the challenge of technology use by terrorist groups?
- What approaches effectively counter terrorist narratives and prevent radicalization?
- How can counter-terrorism comply with international human rights standards?
Relevant UN Documents
- UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy: Comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism
- UN Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001): Counter-terrorism framework post-9/11
- UN Security Council Resolution 2178 (2014): Foreign terrorist fighters
- UN Security Council Resolution 2396 (2017): Returning and relocating fighters
- UN Security Council Resolution 2462 (2019): Preventing terrorist financing
Research Resources
- United Nations Security Council: un.org/securitycouncil
- Counter-Terrorism Committee: un.org/securitycouncil/ctc
- International Crisis Group: crisisgroup.org
- Global Terrorism Database: start.umd.edu/gtd
- UN Office of Counter-Terrorism: un.org/counterterrorism
Position Paper Guidelines
Delegates should prepare a position paper addressing both topics from their country's perspective. Papers should:
- Be 1-2 pages per topic
- Include country background related to the issues
- Detail your country's policies and actions on the topics
- Propose potential solutions aligning with your country's interests
- Include relevant citations in a standard format
- Be submitted by [deadline date] to [submission email]
Special Notes for Security Council Delegates
As the Security Council operates differently from other UN bodies:
- Familiarize yourself with the veto power of permanent members
- Research your country's alliances and conflicts of interest
- Be prepared for potential crisis scenarios that may arise during the conference
- Study procedural rules specific to the Security Council