United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
Agenda: Threats to International Peace and Security Posed by Non-State Terrorist Actors, with Particular
Emphasis on State Involvement and Regional Destabilization in the Middle East and South Asia
1. Introduction
Terrorism remains one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. The evolution of non-
state terrorist groups into well-organized, well-funded, and often ideologically driven networks has made
the global counterterrorism framework more complex. These groups operate across borders, exploit
technological tools, and often act as proxies for larger geopolitical interests. The UNSC has a central role in
evaluating these threats and formulating collective responses.
In recent years, the global reach of terrorism has expanded due to ideological polarization, economic
instability, porous borders, weak governance, and digital radicalization. As a result, even stable nations now
face threats from both foreign and domestic extremist actors. The Council must recognize and respond to
this changing threat landscape through coordinated international action.
Terrorism is no longer confined to conventional battlefields. It impacts major cities, remote villages,
cyberspace, and global supply chains. Its consequences extend beyond human loss—disrupting economies,
political stability, and societal cohesion. It is imperative that the international community examines the
multifaceted nature of terrorism and confronts it through coordinated multilateral strategies.
2. Historical Context of Terrorism and UNSC Engagement
Understanding terrorism in today’s context requires a look into its history. From anarchist attacks in the
early 20th century to Cold War-era insurgencies and the post-9/11 global jihadist wave, the nature of
terrorism has changed dramatically.
Timeline of Major Milestones: - 1945–1970s: Rise of nationalist-separatist movements (e.g., FLN in Algeria,
IRA in Ireland) - 1980s–1990s: Emergence of transnational jihadist movements (e.g., Al-Qaeda) - 2001: 9/11
attacks led to UNSC Resolution 1373 and global counter-terrorism push - 2010s: Rise of ISIS and cyber
radicalization - 2020s: Increasing threats from right-wing, ethno-nationalist, and lone-wolf actors
The UNSC has progressively adapted its tools to address these evolving threats, using sanctions regimes,
peacekeeping mandates, and diplomatic interventions. However, enforcement remains difficult without
unanimous cooperation among member states.
3. Overview of Non-State Terrorist Actors
Non-state terrorist groups are defined by their use of violence to instill fear and achieve political,
ideological, or religious goals without formal affiliation to a state. Their adaptability, decentralized structure,
and ideological motivations make them challenging to counter.
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Types of Non-State Terrorist Groups:
1. Jihadist Extremist Groups: Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Boko Haram
2. Political-Militant Groups: Hamas, Hezbollah, LTTE
3. Ethno-Nationalist Groups: PKK, ETA, Kachin Independence Army
4. Far-Right Extremists: Atomwaffen Division, Nordic Resistance Movement
5. Left-Wing Insurgents: FARC, Naxalites
Emerging Trends:
• Shift from centralized leadership to franchise-based operations
• Use of cryptocurrency for anonymous funding
• Greater reliance on drones and cyberattacks
• Increased targeting of religious minorities and symbolic institutions
4. Financing of Terrorism
Terrorist financing is a critical challenge that allows non-state actors to sustain operations, recruit, and
expand.
Major Channels of Funding: - Illicit drug and arms trade - Donations from sympathizers or ideological
supporters - Front organizations (e.g., NGOs, charities) - State sponsorship (covert support from intelligence
agencies) - Human trafficking and extortion
Tools of the International Community: - Financial Action Task Force (FATF) blacklists - Targeted sanctions
under UNSC regimes - International banking regulations (Know Your Customer, AML policies)
Despite progress, enforcement loopholes remain, particularly in conflict zones or fragile states with poor
regulatory oversight.
5. Case Study: Israel-Iran Proxy Dynamics
The Iran-Israel conflict represents a significant regional flashpoint, where terrorism has become a method
of indirect warfare.
Iran’s Alleged Activities: - Financial and logistical support to Hezbollah in Lebanon - Support for Hamas
and Islamic Jihad in Gaza - Use of proxy militias in Syria and Iraq to target Israeli or Western interests
Israel’s Response: - Targeted airstrikes in Syria and Lebanon - Intelligence operations to disrupt weapons
transfers - Cyber operations against Iranian infrastructure
The persistent conflict not only destabilizes the Middle East but risks dragging global powers into
escalation. It is vital for the UNSC to assess the legality, proportionality, and political consequences of such
actions.
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6. Regional Analysis
South Asia:
• Pakistan-based groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba have targeted Indian
interests.
• Afghanistan’s instability post-Taliban resurgence creates space for IS-KP.
• Cross-border infiltration and indoctrination remain prevalent challenges.
Middle East:
• Iraq and Syria remain hotspots of Sunni-Shia power struggle.
• Sectarian violence is exploited by groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda remnants.
Africa:
• Sahel region faces extreme insecurity due to jihadist expansion.
• Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab continue to disrupt governance in Nigeria and Somalia.
Europe & North America:
• Rising lone-wolf attacks and far-right terrorism.
• Online radicalization as a key threat vector.
Southeast Asia:
• Recurring insurgency in Mindanao (Philippines), Indonesia’s concern over returning foreign fighters.
7. Role of the United Nations Security Council
The UNSC has passed numerous counterterrorism resolutions, yet enforcement and consensus remain
limited by geopolitical dynamics.
Notable Resolutions: - 1373 (2001): Post-9/11 global cooperation on terrorism - 1267 (1999): Sanctions
against individuals linked to Al-Qaeda and Taliban - 2178 (2014): Measures to combat foreign terrorist
fighters - 2396 (2017): Focused on returning and relocating fighters
Institutional Structures: - Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) - Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) -
Monitoring Team for 1267 Sanctions
Challenges: - Veto power undermining unified action - Lack of enforcement in weak governance zones -
Disagreements on defining terrorism, especially when linked to liberation movements
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8. The Digital Battlefield: Cyberterrorism and Online Radicalization
Social media platforms, encrypted messaging apps, and dark web forums have allowed terrorist groups to: -
Recruit youth globally - Share training material - Spread ideological propaganda
Countermeasures: - Public-private partnerships with tech firms - AI-enabled content moderation - National
cybersecurity legislation
However, these raise concerns about censorship, surveillance, and internet freedom. The UNSC must
balance security with human rights.
9. Humanitarian Consequences of Terrorism
• Displacement: Over 20 million people globally displaced by terror-linked conflict
• Psychosocial trauma: Children and families in conflict zones face long-term psychological effects
• Targeting of aid workers: Humanitarian organizations are increasingly attacked
• Economic loss: Attacks on tourism, transportation, and markets depress GDPs
A comprehensive UNSC approach must include development, trauma recovery, and reintegration of
communities.
10. Questions to Consider
• What frameworks can be introduced to ensure accountability for state-sponsored terrorism?
• How can digital radicalization be effectively countered while preserving freedom of expression?
• Should UNSC redefine the criteria for listing terrorist organizations?
• Can international legal reforms strengthen judicial cooperation against terrorism?
• What role should regional actors (e.g., SCO, AU, EU) play in UNSC resolutions?
11. Conclusion
As terrorism evolves, so too must our response. Delegates must adopt a forward-thinking, multi-layered
approach—one that combines prevention, accountability, enforcement, and diplomacy. While military force
and sanctions have roles to play, long-term peace depends on eradicating the root causes of terrorism and
strengthening global cooperation. The Security Council must rise above political divisions to protect the
peace and security of all member states.
Note for Delegates: Please research: - Your country’s domestic counterterrorism laws - Regional security
alliances - Positions on sanctions and peacekeeping missions - Track records on human rights in
counterterror operations
Position papers should reflect a nuanced understanding of the threat posed by terrorism, its underlying
causes, and your country’s approach to multilateral security solutions.
