The weaponization of outer space began during the Cold War as a development of escalating tensions between the United States (U.S.) and the Soviet Union, starting with the launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union. This tension began to escalate, leading to the development of surveillance programs and military satellites and creating probability for nuclear warfare. In response, the 1967 Outer Space Treaty was initiated to ban weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) in space but allowed military satellite use to continue, leaving many countries in control of their own military defense. Over the past few decades, countries such as the U.S., China, and Russia have continued developing military space technologies in an attempt to secure their military dominance by implementing artificial intelligence (AI), which has added significant debate to this issue. Generative AI, machine learning, and deep learning AI are currently being used to strengthen satellites and defense systems, offering benefits such as faster data processing, accurate object tracking technology, and improved technologies for threat detection. The integration of AI has raised major questions about security, and whether AI can increase speed of precision and awareness globally or cause military defense systems to become insufficient.  

Atomic radiation remains a critical global challenge. It is inherently a direct effect of the development of nuclear weapons for military weaponry and energy purposes, from the World War II fissile bombings of Japan to major disasters such as Chernobyl and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant. Many regions face detrimental short-term and long-term environmental impacts, as well as serious public health and safety consequences from these events. Moreover, scientific research backing the science behind radioactive exposure and atomic science is inadequate for full overviews on its effects on the human populace, resulting in ignorance of the dire situations that currently exist. While ongoing research and rehabilitation efforts are being done to combat these issues, mainly by providing relief and financial aid to those in need, the efficacy and quality of this aid are insufficient due to a lack of funding. Addressing atomic radiation cost-efficiently requires a solution in ensuring a balance of nuclear energy use with safety measures and reinforcement of international responsibility towards those who have been harmed by radioactive exposure. 

William Chen, a junior at Maggie Walker, is honored to serve as a co-chair for the SPECPOL Committee at GSMUN XXVIII. In the past, William has served as a vice chair for GSMUN, and had participated in Model UN for several years, attending conferences such as VAMUN, FREEMUN, and HIMUNC. In addition to Model UN, William participates in robotics, French Honor Society, and also serves as a freshmen advisory mentor for Maggie Walker. William also plays tennis for the Maggie Walker tennis team and enjoys research, volunteering, and tutoring in his free time. William looks forward to seeing the creative solutions that delegates will develop in GSMUN XXVIII this year!

Neha Jain is a sophomore at Maggie Walker and is excited to be chairing the SPECPOL committee this year. In the past, Neha chaired the UNHRC committee last year at GSMUN XXVII. She has attended multiple conferences, including HIMUNC, VAMUN, and WMHSMUN. Along with Model UN, she also participates in Jabberwock, Maggie Walker’s school paper, and is on the Maggie Walker tennis team. She does photography in her free time and plays the piano. Neha is looking forward to meeting the delegates and hearing the discussions and debates at GSMUN!