fall 08 topic a: nato in afghanistan establishing plans

08 Fall

NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION

Topic A: NATO in Afghanistan

Establishing Plans for the Future in Order to Ensure Sustainable Growth in Afghanistan

Topic B: NATO in Ukraine The Role of NATO in Democratic Reformation in Ukraine

and Relations with Russia

Chair: Grace Kilpatrick Vice Chair: Sarah Nwia

Moderator: Megan Briggs

Glenbrook South Model United Nations April 25 North Atlantic Treaty Organization Chair: Grace Kilpatrick

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Letter from Dias Staff

It is our pleasure to welcome you to the second annual Glenbrook South Model United Nations Conference. Our names are Grace Kilpatrick (Chair), Sarah Nwia (Vice Chair), and Megan Briggs (Moderator). We will be your dias staff for NATO. We are juniors and seniors here at Glenbrook South and have all been in Model UN since our freshman year. We are excited for the conference and hope that you will all grow and take away valuable experiences from GBSMUN I. Our committee is one of the larger bodies at the conference, allowing for enriching work with an amplitude of students. We hope that each of you will take this opportunity to voice your opinions, delegate, bicker and ultimately agree upon a resolution.

Grace Kilpatrick is a junior at Glenbrook South and is one of the publicity chairs of our team. Grace has participated in many conferences including National High School Model United Nations (2013), Vanderbuildt University Model United Nations, and Model United Nations of the University of Chicago. Aside from Model UN, she leads Stand for Peace, a club dedicated to promoting international peace and development. She also serves as a tutor at the Titan Learning Center and a Student Council representative. Grace aspires to attend medical school and pursue a career at Doctors Without Borders.

Megan Briggs is a junior as well and has participated in Model UN for two years. She participated as delegate in the Economic and Financial Affairs Council at Model United Nations of the University of Chicago and enjoys large conferences. Outside of Model UN, Megan participates in a community service club, and Business Professionals of America. Megan plays paddle for GBS and loves being outdoors in the fall and winter.

Sarah Nwia is a senior at GBS and has participated in Model UN for all 4 years of her high school experience. She has competed in St. Ignatius Model United Nations and Chicago International Model United Nations. Outside of Model UN, Sarah participates in the GBS Marching Band where she is a drum major. She is also on the school dance team.

NATO is the National Atlantic Treaty Organization and currently has 28 countries within its body. NATO membership is open to any other European state in a position to further the principles of the established treaty and to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area. For our conference we will be focusing on two main topics. We will be discussing 1) NATO in Afghanistan and 2) NATO in Ukraine. These two topics have been, and continue to be pressing issues in today’s world. We are excited to see the compromises you develop as a body. Please remember these few rules: 1) You must submit a position paper to your chair via email ([email protected]) before the conference begins to be eligible for an award. 2) No technology use is allowed in the committee. 3) Prewritten or plagiarized resolutions will disqualify you from an award. If you have any further questions, feel free to send us an email. Speaking in front of a large body is a challenging thing to do, but we have confidence that you will all succeed and will enjoy the conference. Can’wait to see you all at GBSMUN I! Your Dias Staff,


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History of North Atlantic Treaty Organization

Popular conclusion states that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was founded in

response to threat arranged by the Soviet Union. However, this stands only partially true. The

creation of the Alliance existed as part of a larger effort to deter Soviet expansion, forbid the

comeback of nationalist military in Europe by having a strong North American presence on the

continent, and encouraging European political integration.

After WWII, much of Europe was devastated. Approximately 36.5 million Europeans died in

the conflict and refugee camps and rationing predominated life. In addition to all of the disarray,

communists backed by the Soviet Union support were threatening elected governments across

Europe. The communist party of Czechoslovakia overthrew their democratic government. The

Soviets then blockaded Allied-controlled West Berlin in an effort to consolidate their hold on the

capital of Germany. The valor of the Berlin Aircraft provided future Allies with some comfort but

hardships remained an immense threat to freedom and stability. With the US turning its back on its

traditional policy of diplomatic isolationism, several Western European democracies came together to

put into action several projects for greater military cooperation and collective defense

(www.nato.int).

As a result, the Western European Union was formed, determining that only a precise

transatlantic security agreement would fend off Soviet aggression while simultaneously preventing

the revival of European militarism and laying the groundwork for political alliance. After much

discussion and debate, the Western European Union transformed to the North Atlantic Treaty

Organization, signing the agreement on April 4th 1949. The allies agreed that “an armed attack


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against one or more of them… shall be considered an attack against all.” After such an attack, each

Ally would take “such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force”. Today NATO

focuses on its defenses against weapons of mass destruction, terrorism and cyber attacks

(history.state.gov).


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Topic A: NATO in Afghanistan Establishing Plans for the Future in Order to Ensure Sustainable Growth in Afghanistan

Introduction:

The primary military presence in Afghanistan, known as the International Security Assistance

Force (ISAF), has been led by NATO since August 2003. Determined at the 2010 NATO Summit in

Lisbon, by the end of 2014, security responsibility should be transferred to the ISAF-trained Afghan

National Security Forces (ANSF), with the intention that assistance and training endure beyond the

2014 deadline. Currently, 87% of the Afghan population exists under the security of the Afghan

National Security Forces, indicating significant hedgeway in the process of transition. However, as is

applicable in any scenario, transition bears the potential for weakness. The discussion of this

committee should primarily revolve around outlining NATO’s goals in order to achieve the

previously established goals in Afghanistan, as well as determine the role of the NATO in the future

of Afghanistan.1 The end of 2014 is to bring a moment of significant change in not only Afghanistan,

but in the community of international relations as well. Students should harness their knowledge of

the committee’s past actions and relations with Afghanistan in order to create unique, effective ideas

of their own. Make sure to consider how the actions of NATO may impact Afghanistan’s relations

with other Middle East countries, and how this may impact the international community as a whole.

1 "Inteqal: Transition to Afghan Lead." NATO. North Atlantic Treaty Organization, 4 Sep. 2014. Web. 11 Oct. 2014.


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On the right: A map indicating deployment of international NATO-ISAF troops in the various regions of the country.

History of the Problem

A long history of political and economic instability explains the current status of Afghanistan.

In the three-part saga of British-Afghan wars, the British attempted to annex Afghanistan in order to

protect their Indian empire from Russian overhaul. At the close of the final British-Afghan war and

the close of World War I, Afghanistan became an independent nation as a result of the Anglo-Afghan

Treaty of 1919.2 Amir Amanullah Khan transformed the Afghan government into a monarchy and

pursued a policy of secularized socioeconomic reform. Discontented with the works of this King, the

British government harnessed conservative religious groups and ignited a civil war in 1929, in which

King Amir Amanullah Khan was removed from the throne.

2 Admin. "A Historical Timeline of Afghanistan." PBS. PBS, 4 May 2011. Web. 11 Oct. 2014.


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Following the King’s removal, a series of warlords

contended for power. Contention for power has drawn a

common thread throughout Afghan history. In 1933, Zahir

Shah became king. The rule of Zahir Shah brought 40 years

of stability to the country of Afghanistan, however under

total autocratic power. The nominal existence of councils

and assemblies generated no actual representation for the

people of Afghanistan. Lack of representation is not only a

great issue of Afghan history, but of the Afghan present as

well. While Zahir Shah attempted to modernize the country,

primarily modernizing the military, life under the king was

of an oppressive nature. Political parties were outlawed and protest by students resulted in death.

However, this heavy-handed regime would receive recognition as the legitimate government of

Afghanistan by the United States in 1934.3

It was also during this regime that Russia would begin to play a large role in the development

of the Afghan nation. General Mohammed Daoud Khan, prime minister in the year 1953, sought the

assistance of the Soviet Union in the realms of economics and military assistance. Soviet Premier

Nikita Khrushchev agreement to help Afghanistan gave birth to a longstanding alliance. This alliance

allowed for the formation of an underground Afghan communist party, lead by Babrak Karmal and

Nur Mohammad Taraki, who would assist in replacing Afghanistan’s last king, Mohammed Zahir

3 Ritscher, Adam. "A Brief History of Afghanistan." Afghanistan History. Students of the Students Against War Teach-In, n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2014.


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Shah with General Mohammed Daoud Khan in a military coup in 1973.2 However, between 1973 and

1978, the Peoples Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) and Daoud would contend for power,

resulting in a coup of the PDPA.

The Soviet Union was able to take advantage of the instable PDPA and invaded Afghanistan in

1979, giving power to Babrak Karmal. During this time of political uncertainty, radical Islamic

fundamentalist groups emerged waging guerilla warfare against the PDPA and forces of the Soviet

Union. The United States began to supply billions of dollars worth in weaponry to the Mujahadeen,

the aforementioned Islamic guerilla militants. The Mujahideen also found great support from the

Saudis, Persian Gulf Emirates, as well

as well-known terrorist Osama bin

Laden. The PDPA withdrew in 1989 as

a result of excessive pressure and

internal complications. After many

years of skirmishing and widespread

violence, the Mujahideen were able to

overthrow the Peoples Democratic

Party of Afghanistan. The period

between 1992 and 1996 primarily

consisted of Mujahideen warlords destructing the nation as they sought power, destroying

infrastructure that could potentially contribute to future security.3


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Following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, attributed to Osama Bin

Laden as investigated by the United States government. Unanswered demands for the overturn of

Osama bin Laden resulted in a year full of United States and British led airstrikes and direct combat

against the Taliban, an Islamic militia group formed in 1995. The Taliban surrendered their final

territory December 7, 2001 and three weeks later, Hamid Karzai was granted power of the interim

government of Afghanistan with the support of the United States. Under Hamid Karzai, the Loya

Jirga, the legislative body of the government, adopted a constitution with input from 500,000 Afghan

citizens in January of 2004. Fighting between the Taliban, al-Qaida, and the Afghan government

persists until the present day. It is during this period that NATO introduced itself as a central force in

providing military, political, and economic support to the newly established democratic government

of President Hamid Karzai.2

General Discussion of the Issue and Associated Problems:

In order to approach the current status of Afghanistan and the associated problems, the

situation must be studied as multi-faceted or of a political, economic and social fashion.

Politically, the current issue roots in the Government of Afghanistan’s refusal to sign the

Bilateral Security Agreement. This agreement permits the continued presence of US forces after 2014

to ensure security in the face of ethnic factions pressuring Afghan National Security Forces, especially

as ANSF gain responsibilities handed to them by the International Security Assistance Forces

beginning in 2014. The decision to reject the Bilateral Security Agreement was one of President

Hamid Karzai alone, as it was approved by his Loya Jirga , and was a decision greatly supported by


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the Taliban.4 Just this September, Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai was sworn in as the newly elected

president of Afghanistan and signed a security agreement providing for US troops within the country

to continue training following the close of the current international mission on December 31st.5

However, Karzai’s actions just before the end of his presidency represent the growing tension

between the Afghan president and the western world. The results of the recently held presidential

and provincial council elections hold the potential to either settle as legitimate with Afghan citizens,

or spark spiraling political resentment and factional rebellion.4 Delegates should consider the present

infrastructure of the Afghan government, actions taken by former President Hamid Karzai and

President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, as well as potential future political instability when discussing

the politics of the region.

Afghanistan’s current status can be

attributed to poor economic development as

well. The withdrawal of the International

Security Assistance Forces resulted in GDP

reduction from 14.4% in 2012 to 3.2% in

2014.4 Furthermore, as a result of historical

political insecurity, the nation finds it

difficult to secure long-standing

international investment. Inflation has

4 Felbab-Brown, Vanda. "Afghanistan's Deep Challenges and Transition Opportunities." The Brookings Institution. The Brooking Institution, Feb.

2014. Web. 11 Oct. 2014. 5 "New Leader, New Chapter for U.S. in Afghanistan." CBS News. CBS News, 30 Sep. 2014. Web. 11 Oct. 2014.


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increased from 6.4% in 2012 to 7.7% in 2013.6 The nation’s economy lacks independence, as more than

90% of the $17.1 billion national budget comes from foreign donations. As a result of the unbalanced

spread of this funding, the average Afghan income is only $528 per year. The national budget is

expected to incur a $7 billion deficit annually until 2021. Thus, in addressing the current situation in

Afghanistan, students should consider the necessity of independent national revenue in security.7

The social situation of Afghanistan, although greatly improved since the fall of the Taliban,

still requires much attention. Most prominent issues include poverty, ethnic conflict, female

inequality, and widespread crime in the nature of kidnapping and robbing. While the Law of

Elimination of Violence Against Women passed in 2009, inequality and physical assaults remain as

primary issue as a result of poor enforcement of the law. Social instability can also be attributed to the

increase in approximately 106,000 refugees present in the country between January and June 2013,

placing greater pressure on the already fragile social dynamics.8 Furthermore, while the number of

Afghan people who lived within one hour walk of a health facility has increased from 9% to 57%

between 2002 and 2013, a large portion of the population still lacks efficient access to health care. 9

Similarly, education has evolved to include only 900,000 boys in 2002 to 8 million boys and girls in

2014, the education still requires much development and relies heavily upon international

organization.10 Thus, in regards to social issues, delegates should consider prominent crime, female

inequality, influx of refugees, health care, as well as education. While the NATO body does not

6 "Afghanistan Overview." The World Bank. The World Bank Group, 2014. Web. 11 Oct. 2014. 7 Rubin, Alissa J. "World Bank Issues Alert on Afghanistan Economy." The New York Times. The New York Times, 22 Nov. 2011. Web. 11 Oct.

2014. 8 "World Report 2014: Afghanistan." Human Rights Watch. Human Rights Watch, 2014. Web. 11 Oct. 2014. 9 "Afghanistan-Health." USAID-From the American People. USAID, 10 Sep. 2014. Web. 11 Oct. 2014. 10 "Afghanistan Education." USAID-From the American People. USAID, 10 Sep. 2014. Web. 11 Oct. 2014.


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primarily deal with issues of this nature, delegates should consider how political and militaristic

action would impact this imperative issues.

Past Actions NATO has Taken: As aforementioned, a NATO-led International Security Assistance Forces has been present in

Afghanistan since August 2003. Their purpose is to execute security missions as well as training the

Afghan National Security Forces, who will eventually take completely military power at the close of

2014. In October 2003, the United Nations Security Council issued UNSCR 1510, authorizing the ISAF

to extend its mission beyond security within Kabul. The four phases of expansion would include

Assessment and Preparation, Geographic Expansion, Stabilization, and Transition/Redeployment.

As of October 17, 2006, ISAF was running 1,113 projects. As a result of road construction measures,

82% of the roads were open to traffic. The ISAF had constructed one district hospital, three basic

health centers and made healthcare services available to 200,000 people. The ISAF also opened 1,000

schools and trained a multitude of teachers. By 2008, measures conducted by the NATO were lead by

Provincial Reconstruction Teams, contributed to by over 40 nations.11

………In 2010, NATO and Afghanistan signed the Declaration of Enduring Partnership, ensuring the

security of the alliance. The cooperative measures detailed in the document include but are not

limited to; capacity building efforts, a Building Integrity program forthe purpose of combatting

corruption, the SILK-Afghanistan project for the purpose of providing technological assistance, civil

emergency measures planning, and public diplomacy. Furthermore at the 2010 NATO Summit in

Lisbon, it was decided that the Afghan forces would have full responsibility by the end of 2014. The 11 "International Security Assistance Force." GlobalSecurity.org. Global Security, 2014. Web. 11 Oct. 2014.


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transition process was divided up between five tranches, establishing sets of Afghan provinces,

districts and cities to implement the transition process. The Summit also resulted in the composition

in a list of principles which would guide the transition between primarily ISAF/NATO security and

ANSF security. These guidelines included, “ensuring a better alignment of NATO/ISAF assistance

with Afghan national priority programmes, working through increasingly capable Afghan

institutions, adjusting ISAF’s troop profile and configuration by reinvesting some of the transition

dividend, where appropriate, to meet critical security, training, and mentoring needs; further

strengthening Afghan National Security Forces capacity and supporting the evolution of the

international civilian effort, including that of

the ISAF Provincial Reconstruction Teams

(PRTs) to enable greater Afghan capacity and

leadership”. 12

Current Status and Suggested Courses

of Action:

The current date is October 1, 2014.

The purpose of the present meeting

session of the North Atlantic Treaty

Organization is to define the body’s future role in Afghanistan, keeping in mind the jurisdiction of

this body. Delegates should also consider the ramifications of the 2014 troop withdrawal and how

NATO may assist in the development of Afghanistan at the close of this year.

12 "NATO and Afghanistan." North Atlantic Treaty Organization. NATO, 3 Sep. 2014. Web. 11 Oct. 2014.


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Politically, NATO is aware of the potential instability as a result of the September 2014

elections and the impending troop withdrawal. Recognizing a history of corruption, factional

violence, and lack of transparency, NATO should consider measures that may assist in strengthening

the Afghan government before all troops are removed. Furthermore, NATO should consider the

safety of future elections, as electoral violence may result due to the lessened security forces.

Economically, NATO understands the recession of Afghanistan. As a body which has assisted

in providing much infrastructure and investment into the region, NATO should consider measures

which may be taken in order to encourage future economic growth. In composing economic

measures, delegates should keep in mind that NATO is a primarily militaristic body and should keep

suggested plans within the realm of NATO jurisdiction. Also, in considering economic development

delegates should consider the geographic, as well as demographic aspects of Afghanistan that may

influence potential economic growth.

Socially, NATO recognizes the existence of social inequality, inadequate healthcare and

education in Afghanistan. Members of NATO should work to building upon previously initiated

social projects in Afghanistan and seek to ensure the sustainability of these efforts following troop

withdrawal. Delegates should consider the effects political and economic measures may have on

proponing social equality in Afghan society. Delegates should consider Afghan legislation that may

restrict social equality and consider these documents when looking to establish social reform.

We understand that the date of GBSMUN II, is not in fact October 1, 2014. However, delegates

should take this opportunity to study the ramifications of those measures that have been outlined by

the “real” NATO to guide actions following 2014. Delegates should analyze the effectiveness, as well


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as non-effectiveness of these measures when outlining their own courses of action for NATO in

Afghanistan. All occurrences within Afghanistan following October 1, 2014 will not be considered in

this committee session.

All resolutions should take into account the multi-faceted nature of the current status of

Afghanistan. Resolutions should also consider how to original purpose of NATO may be altered to

accommodate its modern day purposes. We look forward to watching all delegates cooperate to

ensure the future safety of Afghanistan.

Bloc Positions:13

The twenty-eight members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization include Albania,

Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece,

Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,

Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, and United States.

United States:

The United States has participated in greatly in Afghanistan following the September 2001

attacks on the World Trade Center. Being a leader of the western world, the United States finds it in

its best interest to ensure sustainable democracy in Afghanistan. Furthermore, the United States and

its allies generally support military presence in Afghanistan. in order to ensure the security of the

region.

13 based off of the Ivy League Model United Nations Conference, 2008, Special Political and Decolonization Committee


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United Kingdom:

The United Kingdom withholds a similar position to the United States. However, the United

Kingdom has historically found greater support of complete withdrawal from the region. This being

said, the United Kingdom also supports sustained democracy. Western European nations generally

share the opinion of the United Kingdom in this regard.

Russia and China:

Russia and China also have a complex history of involvement in Afghanistan. Neither nation

looks favorably upon great western involvement in the region, particularly American or British

involvement. Russia would favor a withdrawal of all NATO troops and the allowance of a regional

body to control actions taken by the international community in Afghanistan.

Arab Nations:

Arab nations, similar in fashion to Russia and China, Arab nations feel more favorable towards

a regional oriented approach to creating a sustainably peaceful Afghanistan. Arab Nations should

consider how measures detailed to be taken by NATO in Afghanistan may impact the involvement of

NATO within their own borders, in regards to the recent Arab Spring and the threat of ISIL.

Questions to Consider


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1) What factors contribute to poverty in Afghanistan?

2) Who are the primary military forces in the area?

3) What actions has NATO taken in Afghanistan? Past/Present?

4) How has NATO impacted the social status in Afghanistan?

Works Cited Admin. "A Historical Timeline of Afghanistan." PBS. PBS, 4 May 2011. Web. 11 Oct.

2014 "Afghanistan Education." USAID-From the American People. USAID, 10 Sept. 2014.

Web. 11 Oct. 2014. "Afghanistan-Health." USAID-From the American People. USAID, 10 Sept. 2014. Web.

11 Oct. 2014. "Afghanistan Overview." The World Bank. The World Bank Group, 2014. Web. 11 Oct.

2014. Felbab-Brown, Vanda. "Afghanistan's Deep Challenges and Transition Opportunities."

The Brookings Institution. The Brooking Institution, Feb. 2014. Web. 11 Oct. 2014.

"Inteqal: Transition to Afghan Lead." NATO. North Atlantic Treaty Organization, 4 Sept. 2014. Web. 11 Oct. 2014.

"International Security Assistance Force." GlobalSecurity.org. Global Security, 2014. Web. 11 Oct. 2014.

"New Leader, New Chapter for U.S. in Afghanistan." CBS News. CBS News, 30 Sept. 2014. Web. 11 Oct. 2014.

"NATO and Afghanistan." North Atlantic Treaty Organization. NATO, 3 Sept. 2014. Web. 11 Oct. 2014.

Ritscher, Adam. "A Brief History of Afghanistan." Afghanistan History. Students of the Students Against War Teach-In, n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2014.

Rubin, Alissa J. "World Bank Issues Alert on Afghanistan Economy." The New York Times. The New York Times, 22 Nov. 2011. Web. 11 Oct. 2014.

"World Report 2014: Afghanistan." Human Rights Watch. Human Rights Watch, 2014. Web. 11 Oct. 2014.


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Topic B: NATO in Ukraine The Role of NATO in Democratic Reformation

in Ukraine and Relations with Russia

Introduction

The sensitivity of the situation in Ukraine, enhanced due to recent developments in Crimea,

has turned the heads of nearly every nation in the international community. Recent statements made

by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization echo the 1997 Charter, which states, “a sovereign,

independent and stable Ukraine, firmly committed to democracy and the rule of law, is key to Euro-

Atlantic security.” Thus NATO has recently increased cooperative dialogue with representatives of

Ukraine, with the intention of assisting in democratic reforms and participating in the reformation of

Ukraine’s future in the eye of the people. The purpose of this topic is to determine how NATO should

play a role in the development of reformation in Ukraine, as well as consider what measures by the

international community may prompt militaristic action.

History of the Issue

The difference in Russia and Ukraine’s interests can be traced all the way back to when the

Mongol invasion of Rus had come to an end. Russia was able to conquer a majority of the northern

provinces of Rus, and became a powerful state. Ukraine on the other hand, fell under the rule of the

Duchy of Lithuania, and not long after, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The Cossack people

refused to identify as Polish, and rebelled against the Commonwealth, hoping to create a union


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between themselves and Russia with whom they shared a strong cultural and religious bond.

Eventually, their hopes were fulfilled through the Treaty of Pereyaslav in 1654. When the Cossack

hosts were forcibly removed from the empire, the February Revolution took place, and established

official relations between the Russian Provisional Government and the Ukrainian Central Rada.

After Soviet military aggression towards Ukraine in 1918, Ukraine declared its full

independence from the Russian Republic. The signing of the

Brest-Litovsk treaties with the Central Powers of World War I

calmed the military conflict between the two nations and peace

negotiations were initiated within the same year. However,

soon after the end of World War I, the Russian Civil War broke

out, and Ukraine became the main stage of the conflict. Both

Russians and Ukrainians fought in the war, choosing sides

based on their political beliefs. In 1922,

Ukraine and Russia signed a treaty that

made them both a part of the Union of

Soviet Socialists Republics. The treaty

lasted until December 1991, when the

USSR collapsed.14

……..When the Soviet Union fell, a series

14 Stebelsky, Ihor. "Parliamentary Democracy." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2014.


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of disputes developed between Russia and Ukraine. The first was the question of the Crimea.

Eventually, it was decided that Crimea would remain part of Ukraine, as long as it maintained its

status as an autonomous republic. Another problem that arose was regarding the city of Sevastopol,

as it served as an important base for the Russian Black Sea Fleet. 15After the Soviet State fell,

Sevastopol, as well as the rest of Ukraine, participated in a national referendum for the succession of

Sevastopol. The referendum decided in favor of Ukraine, as 58% of the population voted for the city

to be a part of Ukraine. However, the Supreme Soviet of Russia

voted to reclaim Sevastopol as a territory in 1993. Eventually, in 1997, negotiations took place

that decided that Ukraine would lease some of the naval bases in Sevastopol to Russia for twenty

years. A third problem that arose with the fall of the Soviet Union was the issue revolving around

energy supply. Many gas and oil pipelines that connected Russia and Western Europe ran through

Ukraine. Large business partnerships began between Russia and Ukraine in when the

Commonwealth of Independent States. Between one-third and one-half of Ukraine’s trade was with

the Russian Federation, a majority of which was energy related. Ukraine also relied heavily on Russia

for the exportation of Ukrainian products. Ukraine sent steel, electric machinery, food, and chemical

product to Russia. 16

Ukraine is split up into many regions, and different regions have historically different

opinions regarding Ukrainian-Russian relations. Eastern and Southern region of Ukraine, where

15 Bates, Theunes. "Ukraine's Fraught Relationship with Russia: A Brief History." The Week. The Week, 8 Mar. 2014. Web.

16 "About Commonwealth of Independent States." Interstate Statistical Committee of the Commonwealth States, n.d. Web.


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many Russians reside, has a closer relationship with Russia. Western regions of Ukraine, on the other

hand, show less of concern for the historic connection with Russia.

General Discussion of the Issue and Associated Problems

In November 2013, tens of thousands of protesters gathered in central Kiev in order to protest

Ukraine’s sudden decision to abandon plans to sign an association agreement with the European

Union. The protesters accused the government of succumbing to Russian pressure, as well as being

corrupt and unaccountable. A few months later, in February of the next year, security forces in Kiev

kill 77 protesters. 17President Yanukovich fled to Russian and Olexander Turchynov and Arseny

Yarseniuk established the interim government as president and prime minister, respectively. Russia

never recognized the takeover and helped separatists seize power in Crimea. They annexation of

Crimea has been considered the biggest East-West showdown since the Cold War. Pro-Russian

separatists in the city of Donestsk declared an independent republic and the interim Ukrainian

government launched an “anti-terrorist” operation in the eastern part of the nation. In May 2014,

voters in Donestsk and Luhansk call for independence through a poll that was deemed illegitimate

by the Ukrainian government, which had been recently passed into the hands of Petro Poroshenko.

Poroshenko signed a delayed association accord with the European Union in June 2014, effectively

pulling the nation out from Moscow’s sphere of influence. This past July, a Malaysian plane came

down in rebel territory and had been presumed to have been shot down. As a result, the United

17 McLaughlin, Lauren. "The Conflict in Ukraine: A Historical Perspective."The Russia-Ukraine Conflict: A Harvard Scholar Explains. Harvard Summer School,

12 Nov. 2014. Web.


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Nations Security Council called for inquiry.18 A month later, an unauthorized shipment of aid from

Russia to rebel-held areas prompted Ukraine to announce that it has been invaded. At that time,

NATO officially proclaimed that Russian forces were engaged in direct military operations inside of

Ukraine. Until the end of September 2014, one thousand Russian troops were still stationed in

Ukraine, and nearly 20,000 more were stationed just outside of Ukraine, along the Russian border.19

The recent developments in Ukraine have proven themselves to be pivotal in determining the

status of Euro-Atlantic security. Sensitive relations between Ukraine and Russia force delegates to

take into consideration the Russia-NATO relationship when making decisions regarding the

committee’s future. This topic also encourages delegates to consider the potential for a new member

of NATO, a complex topic that forces representatives to take into consideration the qualifications a

nation must meet in order to become a member.

Past Actions Taken

The first response by the global community to this crisis was the sanction that NATO imposed

on Russia over their alleged involvement in the uprisings in Ukraine, back in March 2014. Four

months later, in July, when Ukraine had signed the delayed association accord, the United States and

the European Union tightened the sanctions on Moscow. 20In August 2014, NATO Security-General

Anders Fogn Rasmussen says NATO will form a rapid reaction force in the case of a crisis similar to

the one in Ukraine occurring in NATO territory. At the NATO Summit in Wales, the NATO-Ukraine

18 "Ukraine Profile." BBC News. BBC News, 3 Sep. 2014. Web. 19 Smith-Spark, Laura, Andrew Carey in Kiev, and All Eshchenko in Moscow James Frater Also Contributed. "NATO: Russia Still Has 1,000 Troops in Ukraine,

20,000 More Along Border." CNN. Cable News Network, 01 Jan. 1970. Web. 20"Joint Statement of the NATO-Ukraine Commission." GOV.UK. N.p., 4 Sep. 2014. Web. 27 Sep. 2014.


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Commission issued a joint-statement condemning Russia’s actions in the Ukraine and outlining the

extent of NATO’s aid.21 On September 5, 2014, during the second day of the NATO summit, a

ceasefire was negotiated between the Ukraine and the rebel forces, and NATO responded to this

delicate ceasefire with a fortification of the forces and supplies in western Ukraine as well as an

increase in navy vessels in the Black Sea. NATO also chooses to impose new sanctions against

Russia.22

Current Status

Recently, peace talks have been occurring between Ukraine and Russia. These talks have been

fruitful and have resulted in the Eastern region of Ukraine obtaining three years of limited self-rule

and the creation of a buffer zone that would serve the purpose of separating government troops and

21 Turbeville, Brandon. "Russia Negotiates Ceasefire In Ukraine: NATO Responds With Troops, Warships, and Sanctions." Global Research. Global Research, 5

Sep. 2014. Web. 22 Thuburn, Bryan McManus and Dario. "A Raft Of New Sanctions Are About To Slam Russia." Business Insider. Business Insider, Inc, 05 Sep. 2014. Web.


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pro-Russian forces as well as removing foreign troops and heavy weapons from the eastern conflict

zone.

Block Positions

United States/Canada: The United States has released a series of statements condemning the actions of

Russia in Ukraine and has remained adamant about their position on the issue. As a consequence of

Russia’s actions, the United States has cut off all military cooperation with Russia and supported the

economic repercussions against Russia that have been proposed by NATO.

European Union: The European Union has taken a less severe approach to the crisis in the Ukraine.

The EU wants a quick and peaceful resolution to the crisis and is communicating its stance on the

issue through economic sanctions against Russia.

Questions to Consider

1) How has the 1997 Charter by NATO impacted Ukraine?

2) What events have occurred to cause NATO to take action in Ukraine?

3) What actions has NATO taken in Ukraine?

4) How does Ukraine’s Government feel about NATO’s intervening in the country?


25

Works Cited

"About Commonwealth of Independent States." Interstate Statistical Committee of the Commonwealth States, n.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2014.

Bates, Theunes. "Ukraine's Fraught Relationship with Russia: A Brief History." The Week. The Week, 8 Mar. 2014. Web. 23 Nov. 2014.

"Joint Statement of the NATO-Ukraine Commission." GOV.UK. N.p., 4 Sep. 2014. Web. 27 Sep. 2014.

McLaughlin, Lauren. "The Conflict in Ukraine: A Historical Perspective."The Russia-Ukraine Conflict: A Harvard Scholar Explains. Harvard Summer School, 12 Nov. 2014. Web. 16 Nov. 2014.

Thuburn, Bryan McManus and Dario. "A Raft Of New Sanctions Are About To Slam Russia." Business Insider. Business Insider, Inc, 05 Sep. 2014. Web. 27 Sept. 2014.

Turbeville, Brandon. "Russia Negotiates Ceasefire In Ukraine: NATO Responds With Troops, Warships, and Sanctions." Global Research. Global Research, 5 Sep. 2014. Web. 27

Sep. 2014. Smith-Spark, Laura, Andrew Carey in Kiev, and All Eshchenko in Moscow James

Frater Also Contributed. "NATO: Russia Still Has 1,000 Troops in Ukraine, 20,000 More Along Border." CNN. Cable News Network, 01 Jan. 1970. Web. 27 Sep. 2014.

Stebelsky, Ihor. "Parliamentary Democracy." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2014.

"Ukraine Profile." BBC News. BBC News, 3 Sep. 2014. Web. 25 Sep. 2014.

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