North Atlantic Treaty Organization NATO

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is one of the most powerful alliances in history. Built on the principle of collective defense, NATO commits its member states to stand together in the face of shared threats. Since its founding, the Alliance has shaped global security, coordinated military strategy, and served as a central forum for transatlantic cooperation. Delegates will represent NATO member states, balancing national defense priorities with the broader need for alliance unity. This year, the committee will confront two issues at the heart of NATO’s purpose: nuclear security and collective defense responsibility. In both topics, delegates must think strategically about how NATO can remain unified, credible, and effective in an increasingly complex security environment.

TOPIC A: Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, 1987
The year is 1987, and the Cold War has brought Europe to the center of a dangerous nuclear standoff. Intermediate-range missiles stationed across the continent threaten to strike major cities with little warning, raising fears of escalation. This topic asks delegates to debate one of the most ambitious arms control agreements of the era: a treaty that would eliminate an entire class of nuclear and conventional missiles. Delegates must consider which states should be bound by the agreement, what verification measures are necessary, and what compromises NATO members are willing to accept in exchange for reduced nuclear risk. The committee will also have to address tensions within the Alliance, as some members may prioritize deterrence while others push for disarmament and diplomacy. Fundamentally, this topic will challenge delegates to decide whether NATO can present a unified front while negotiating a treaty that could reshape the future of European security.

TOPIC B: Unified Defense Burden-Sharing
NATO’s strength depends on the willingness of its members to contribute to collective defense, but the question of who pays, who provides troops, and who carries the greatest responsibility has long created tension within the Alliance. This topic focuses on how NATO should divide the costs and obligations of defense more fairly among its members. Delegates may consider military spending targets, joint procurement programs, shared infrastructure, and reforms to NATO’s budgeting process. Discussions may also address the role of non-member partners that benefit from close cooperation with the Alliance, and whether they should contribute more directly to NATO’s security goals. At its core, this topic asks delegates to balance fairness with effectiveness: how can NATO ensure that every member contributes meaningfully while preserving unity and avoiding internal division? Delegates will be challenged to design practical systems for burden-sharing that strengthen the Alliance without undermining the trust that collective defense depends on.