Topic Summary

In recent decades, the world has seen the rapid rise of armed non-state actors—militias, political movements, and insurgent groups that operate with military capabilities outside the traditional framework of state authority. These groups have access to sophisticated weapons, funding, and strategic support—often facilitated by foreign state sponsors—has made them powerful actors in proxy conflicts. These developments have raised serious concerns about the flow of arms, the erosion of state sovereignty, and the destabilizing effects of militarized non-state groups in already volatile regions.

The goal of this committee is to evaluate how the international community can respond to the growing power of these actors. Delegates will explore strategies to regulate arms transfers, curb external state involvement, and prevent the escalation of proxy warfare. Particular attention will be given to the challenges of enforcing international law, coordinating intelligence efforts, and promoting regional stability without undermining national autonomy. As INTERPOL, we will also examine how international policing networks can play a role in tracking weapons trafficking, disrupting illicit funding, and facilitating cooperation among member states to address this evolving threat.

Director’s Letter

Dear Delegates,

Hello! My name is Sydney Burns, and I have the honor to serve as your chair in the SPECPOL committee at the 2027 iteration of HNMUN! Originally hailing from the Boston suburb of Milton (basic, I know), I'm a sophomore at the College hoping to study some mix of History and Government. I am also a member of Harvard's competitive MUN team, ICMUN, and you all may have seen me around the circuit. Outside of MUN, here at Harvard I'm involved with the International Relations Council, the Public Opinion Project, and the Harvard Organization for Prison Education. I also love getting sweet treats with my friends!

Moving onto more pressing matters, I believe that the SPECPOL committee offers one of the most fruitful spaces for collaborative debate in the UN. Covering topics from economic development, to human rights, to issues in modern day governance, SPECPOL offers delegates the chance to explore interdisciplinary solutions across regions facing the everlasting legacies of colonization and exploitation. Moreover, the issue of sustainable development and governance in Western Sahara is one of the most pressing, complex, and simultaneously undercovered issues today. I am eager to see how you all approach and debate this issue, and I greatly look forward to seeing you collaborate and be creative when drafting your resolutions.

I think it's safe to say we can all agree about how transformative Model UN can be on the college circuit, pushing us to explore novel ideas, collaborate with new delegates, and discuss some of the most relevant issues of our time. I also think we can agree on the more personal aspect: some of my greatest and most out-of-the-blue friendships have been made in early breakfast meetings, or while laughing out of fatigue on the dreaded third day of committee. It is my sincere hope that you all approach this committee, and your fellow delegates, with the respect, eagerness, and compassion you all deserve.

I cannot emphasize enough how excited I am to meet you all this February in the iconic Boston Marriott Copley Place and see all the progress you make in committee!

Best,

Sydney Burns

Director, Special Political and Decolonization Committee

ga@hnmun.org