North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
North Atlantic Treaty Organization Background Guide A CAHSMUN XVII Letter from the Director Dear Delegates, My name is David Deng and I have the distinct privilege to serve as the Director of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for CAHSMUN 2021. Just two years ago, I found myself in the very back of the committee room, speaking only twice as a first-time delegate. Since then, I have come to develop an entrenched passion for the esoteric world that is Model United Nations. My journey in MUN has given me more than just an enriching academic experience; it has helped me rid my fear of public speaking, introduced me to various forms of government, and provided me a platform through which I can debate and discuss with others without judgement. Now, I can only hope to provide you, the delegates, with the same life-changing experience that I had. Make the most out of your time as a delegate, and channel your inner passion for change; we, the dais team, will help you when you need it, but it is up to you to make a difference in our ever-changing world. This year, NATO will feature two topics: The Rise of China’s Expansionism and Anti-Satellite Threats. Both topics are extremely pertinent to today’s world and should provide an in-depth experience into today's current events. I will be joined by Matthew Leung and Laura Choi who will be your chairs for NATO. We are all excited to see you debate and discuss the two topics we have chosen this year, and we are eager to see your upcoming growth as a delegate. I wish you the best of luck for your preparation and research, and I’m excited for the fruitful discourse this weekend will bring. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected]. I look forward to meeting you all this April! Godspeed, David Deng NATO Director - CAHSMUN 2021 Committee Description The aftermath of World War II left Europe in a state of political and economic turmoil, with the majority of the continent disorganized and unprepared for the rise of the Soviet Union (USSR). The Soviet Union’s propagandist mentality and pursuit of atomic weapons led to many leaders in Europe coming together and creating an alliance to oppose the rising threat of the USSR. Hence, on April 4, 1949, a twelve-state alliance committed to defence, conflict resolution, and individual liberty was born from a need to ensure security in Europe. With that, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was created.1 In the years following the consolidation of NATO, the alliance acted as a counterweight to the Soviet bloc, planning armed militancy and solving political disputes. The fundamental principle that NATO was built off, safeguarding the security and freedom of its members, applies to all member states and binds them to any decision NATO passes. In the case of an attack on one of its members, all countries in NATO are committed to declaring war; therefore, an attack on a country in NATO is an attack on the alliance itself. This long-standing principle of collective defence differentiates NATO from other UN organizations and is what promotes a sense of solidarity within the alliance. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, NATO has been re-adjusting itself so it can fulfill an expanded role in the 21st century. Instead of focusing its efforts in Europe and North America, the alliance has also ventured into Asia-Pacific and African affairs as well. Through protecting non-NATO members and projecting their values globally, the alliance has become more than a military organization; its mandate has shifted towards global peacekeeping and conflict resolution. In conjunction with the UN, NATO has aided many countries in the fight for democracy and justice, using their political influence as a philanthropic tool. Delegates in NATO will simulate work in the North Atlantic Council (NAC). The NAC is the main decision-making body in NATO and oversees militaristic and political affairs that NATO deals with.2 The council consists of 29 member states that are legally bound to the mandate of NATO. The topic NATO will be discussing, the Rise of China’s Expansionism, deals with the implications of a growing Chinese threat. Delegates will have to work cohesively to confront the threat and ensure global peace is kept. 1 https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/declassified_139339.htm 2 www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_49763.htm. Topic Overview In past decades, Russia’s expansion of influence around the world has been a primary concern for NATO, whether it was during the Cold War or more recently in Ukraine. However, today, a shifting political landscape confronts NATO; as China seeks to expand, more and more Chinese firms and companies occupy crucial parts of Europe, gaining influence in assets as diverse as pipelines, ports, and satellite networks. Although China has the potential to be a close partner to countries in NATO, historically, under current Chinese president Xi Jinping, the country has ignored international law, stolen intellectual property, and violated cybersecurity regulations. China has also continued to exert influence in Asia-Pacific countries, expanding its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project—a revival of the 20th century Silk Road, which connected China with the rest of Asia and allowed them to easily trade with neighbouring countries in hopes of gaining future bargaining chips.3 China’s policies are a stark contrast to the progressive viewpoints of many in NATO and should be a cause of concern for the alliance’s members. These policies have divided China and the Western Bloc, creating a struggle for power that has not been seen since the Cold War. Acting as a counterweight to authoritarian regimes is not new to NATO member states. For years, NATO has fended off the Russian threat using tactics such as militarization and economic sanctions. However, the Chinese and Russian threats are fundamentally different. While countries during the Cold War took clear sides—either echoing their support for the Soviet Union or the United States—countries in the status quo have vested interests with both the Western Bloc and China, which makes the conflict extremely nebulous. The fear of losing out on trade and foreign aid is enough to deter most countries from choosing a side to support. This crucial difference could lead to a more drawn out and strategic battle between the two sides, one that prioritizes economic sanctions and trade wars instead of militaristic proxy wars. In addition, the organization is diverse in its members. Countries showing pro- China tendencies may lean towards a more trade-friendly solution, while countries like the US and France will likely look for a hardline approach towards China. As NATO is a consensus committee, delegates will have to navigate and mitigate possible disagreements in foreign policies and strategy. 3 https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/chinas-massive-belt-and-road-initiative Timeline April 4, 1949 - The establishment of NATO is finalized. NATO is formed to shield countries from dominant powers and to ensure peace and security in North America and Europe.4 October 1, 1949 - The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is established and Mao Zedong finalizes his consolidation of power. The establishment of the PRC officially ends centuries of monarchial rule. The PRC’s style of governance and position against the Western bloc will ultimately lead to the development and success of modern China.5 February 1958 - The Great Leap Forward officially begins. The project—led by Mao Zedong—is an elaborate attempt to industrialize and develop China’s agrarian economy into a communist state. China plans to exploit its labour market by allocating most of China’s working class into communes. However, the Great Leap Forward is a disaster and leads to the starvation of 20 million citizens.6 October 16, 1964 - China tests its first atomic bomb titled “Project 596.” The bomb is successfully detonated at Lop Nur test site; although seemingly insignificant, the detonation is a sign that China is beginning to innovate and reconstruct its economy.7 May 16, 1966 - China outlines its plans for the Cultural Revolution—a 10 year campaign that attempts to renew the spirit of the Chinese people after the Great Leap Forward left the country in turmoil. March 2, 1969 - Amidst the Sino-Soviet split—the termination of Soviet-China relations, sparked by differences in interpreting and applying Communism and Leninism ideology—a border conflict breaks out in uninhabited islands along the designated boundary lines of the two countries. The conflict lasts until September 1969 and ends with a ceasefire agreement.8 4 Ibid. 5 https://www.britannica.com/place/China/Establishment-of-the-Peoples-Republic 6 www.britannica.com/event/Great-Leap-Forward. 7 https://www.atomicheritage.org/history/chinese-nuclear-program 8 https://www.cna.org/cna_files/pdf/d0022974.a2.pdf February 21, 1972 - Richard Nixon makes a historic visit to the PRC. In a week-long visit, Richard Nixon and his administration discuss US-China relations, strengthening diplomatic ties with each other. The visit helped jumpstart Chinese exports to the US, which fueled China’s economic transformation.9 September 13, 1982 - Deng Xiaoping—hailed by many today as the man behind China’s economic revolution—is sworn in as the Central Advisory Commissioner for the PRC. In his time as Commissioner, Deng Xiaoping issues a series of market reforms to open China to foreign trade; his efforts ultimately lead to China’s economic success as the second biggest economy in the world.10 June 3, 1989 - The Tiananmen Square Massacre—which killed hundreds of youth protesting injustice—received global condemnation and further crystallized systemic, ethical differences between NATO and China.