MUN@DPSD’23
2023-2024
BACKGROUND GUIDE
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
Student Officers: Atiyah Sajith and Atharva Kokane
Letter from the Dais
Honourable Delegates, Greetings! We extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you to the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization for MUN@DPSD 24. Whether you are a seasoned delegate or
are starting your MUN career, we hope that every single one of you will have an unforgettable and
enlightening experience. Our goal is to create an atmosphere space where you're free to grow and
challenge yourself to perform better.
Model UN provides young people with a stage on which to strive for greater heights and an arena in
which to demonstrate their abilities. It's an amazing simulation of the UN that allows us to not only
constructively discuss global concerns but also learn, gain knowledge, and significantly influence
our [Link] serves as a platform that nurtures the talents and aspirations of the youth today who
want to lead the way in the future.
The committee will be debating an extremely important agenda that is undoubtedly immensely
relevant to today's world. As chairs, we anticipate spirited discussions, meaningful exchanges of
opinions, and productive resolutions from the delegates. We hope the best for you all and are
looking forward to watch all of you in action!
Sincerely,
Atiyah Sajith and Atharva Kokane,
Presidents of NATO
Introduction to the committee
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a political and military alliance between
countries in Europe as well as North America. This pact was made on April 4th, 1949 in
Washington D.C. to prevent the Soviet Union from getting stronger, to stop countries within
Europe from becoming too focused on building up their armies and being aggressive and to unite
the European states to avoid any further conflicts and wars.
NATO was primarily intended for defence, but it has grown in importance on a worldwide scale
over the last decade. The modern world is witnessing a growing trend of globalisation, which is
characterised by increased connectedness among individuals as a result of developments in
communication technology and enhanced access to modern instruments. This expanded global
interconnection extends to nations, as they integrate into a larger international society.
NATO currently consists of 32 member states, of which a majority of 30 member states are in
Europe and 2 member states are in North America. In addition to the 32 member states, NATO also
cooperates with different partners through different structures and partnerships including the
Partnership for Peace, the Mediterranean Dialogue, the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative, other
individual partners from around the world such as Australia, Colombia, Japan, Republic of Korea,
Pakistan, New Zealand, Mongolia, and Iraq, and partnerships with international organisations such
as the United Nations, the European Union and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in
Europe (OSCE) as well.
INDEX
Agenda [Link] the Security Situation in the Black Sea
1. Introduction to the agenda
2. Key terms
3. Key issues
4 Major Countries involved
5. Questions to Consider
6. Possible solutions
7. Bibliography
8. Further Resources
Introduction to the Agenda
The Black Sea has a significant role in NATO’s position of power. The Black Sea currently borders
2 NATO member states, Romania and Bulgaria and 3 NATO allies, Ukraine, Georgia, and
Türkiye. The Black Sea region serves as a transit area for energy resources and a vital transport hub
which makes it an asset to NATO as well as NATO’s ally, the European Union (EU). The Black
Sea's strategic location and its role in energy and commerce make it a vital link between Europe,
Central Asia, Türkiye, and Russia, emphasising its significance in the broader geopolitical
landscape.
The Russian Black Sea Fleet has been active since 1783 and is based at Sevastopol and
Novorossiysk. Recently, due to tensions in the Black Sea, the cruiser Moskova, was sunk on the
14th of April, 2022 during the Russian invasion of our close ally Ukraine. The fleet now consists of
5 frigates, 22 corvettes, 7 submarines, and other support vehicles. Russia keeps justifying its wars
against Georgia (2008) and with Ukraine (2014) to prevent strategic balance to tip towards NATO’s
favour and to scare other former Soviet States from joining NATO. Although Crimea and the
southern Russian port city of Novorossiysk provide the Russian navy and tankers with access to
warm water ports, all ships entering or leaving the Black Sea must pass through the Turkish-
controlled straits of the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles, two strategically important passageways
between the Black and Mediterranean Seas. Turkish control over Bosphorus and Dardanelles was
confirmed in the 1936 Montreux Convention. In 2018, Russia blocked the Kerch Strait, a strait used
both by blocking a Russian-controlled bridge by a large cargo vessel which was then fired upon
from the Russian border. The gunfire injured 6 sailors, before seizing 2 of the ships. This pushed
Ukraine to a state of emergency pushing it into martial law.
NATO and its allies have stepped up surveillance and reconnaissance in the Black Sea region,
including the employment of marine patrol planes and drones. Following Russia's invasion on
Ukraine, NATO considerably strengthened its presence in the region, including the building of two
new multinational battlegroups in Bulgaria and Romania. In response to Russia’s actions in 2018,
NATO has also started to maintain their support to Georgia and Türkiye with more training
exercises for maritime forces in those nations as well as coast guards and port visits.
Now the Black Sea sits on the verge of terror, with countries’ pointing guns. NATO’s protection of
their fleet and their control over the Black Sea must be prioritised.
Key terms
Annexation
Is an act where a country forces its sovereignty over a territory of another nation.
Blue Water Operations
Military naval operations that take place on open seas such as reconnaissance, convoying of
important objects, etc.
Green Water Operations
Military naval operations that take place on coastal waters such as coastal surveillance, mine
deployment, etc.
Naval Blockades
Blocks movement of ships or any other marine vessel from entering or leaving an area at sea, usually
done by a large carrier or military vessel.
Naval Logistics
Recordings and information about the movement of a fleet, resources aboard a fleet, souls on
board, etc.
Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
A type of warfare that makes use of aircraft, surface warships or submarines to destroy or misguide
an enemy submarine and torpedoes.
Anti-Air Warfare (AAW)
A type of warfare that makes use of aircraft, surface warships or submarines to destroy or misguide
an enemy aircraft and missiles.
Reconnaissance
Military observation of another nation’s operations to ascertain the enemy’s resources, proceedings
or strategic features.
Martial Law
A state of emergency declared by the government that replaces the current government with a
military rule.
Key issues
Geopolitical Tensions
The Black Sea region deals with escalating geopolitical tensions due to conflict in interests between
neighbouring countries and external parties. The annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 led both
NATO and Russia to significantly enhance their military presence and operations; the subsequent
invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022 caused a stop to operations in Ukrainian ports and the Black
Sea export of agricultural goods. NATO has strengthened its presence in the region while Russia has
upgraded its military capabilities along its Black Sea coastline, including the deployment of modern
weaponry. This militarization has sparked concerns about the potential for unintentional conflicts
and the instability of the region.
Maritime Security Concerns
The Black Sea's maritime security faces a number of difficulties, such as piracy, illicit fishing, and
smuggling. Due to its importance as a transit route for products and energy resources, the area is
vulnerable to criminal activity. Furthermore, there have been reports of incidents of naval
harassment and blockades due to the ongoing wars in Georgia and Ukraine, which has further
impacted maritime security. The state of affairs is made worse by the bordering states' ineffective
cooperation in resolving these issues, which puts commercial shipping and maritime infrastructure
at danger.
Energy Security
The Black Sea region holds strategic importance in the energy transportation industry due to the
passage of vital pipelines and shipping routes through its seas. Tensions between states bordering
the coast have increased due to disputes over maritime boundaries and access to energy resources.
Energy infrastructure development, like the TurkStream gas pipeline, has sparked worries about
possible geopolitical repercussions and heightened rivalry for control of energy supplies.
Territorial Disputes and the Annexation of Crimea
Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, which violated Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity,
has been an important point of contention in the Black Sea region. International condemnation of
this move resulted in heightened tensions between Russia and Western powers. Despite widespread
non-recognition of the takeover, Crimea, strategically significant due to its access to the Black Sea,
has since been under Russian sovereignty. Instability in the area is exacerbated by the ongoing
conflict over the status of Crimea, which strains ties between Russia, Ukraine, and the international
community. One of the greatest obstacles to regional security is the ongoing efforts to settle the
territorial dispute.
Economic Vulnerabilities and Resource Competition
Security evaluations frequently disregard the economic vulnerabilities and linkages that exist within
the Black Sea region. Certain nations are vulnerable to external pressures and economic upheavals
due to their reliance on vital industries like tourism, agriculture, and energy exports. In addition, the
socio-economic instability caused by differences in the level of development of the countries located
around the Black Sea also creates an environment that is favourable to conflict and insecurity.
Operations Using Soft Power and Influence
A substantial yet often overlooked role is played by soft power dynamics and influence operations,
such as disinformation campaigns and cultural diplomacy initiatives, in determining security results
and perceptions in the Black Sea region. Propaganda and information warfare are used by external
players, especially Russia and Western nations, to further their strategic objectives and jeopardise
regional security. The manipulation of public opinion and media narratives has the potential to
intensify pre-existing tensions and develop mistrust among groups.
Environmental Security Concerns
The security of the Black Sea region faces significant problems due to environmental degradation
and the effects of climate change. The delicate balance of the sea is threatened by pollution,
overfishing, and habitat destruction, which has an impact on livelihoods and exacerbates
socioeconomic inequality. These problems are made worse by rising sea levels and extreme weather,
which may result in resource conflicts and displacement. Policy discussions frequently ignore the
interaction between environmental conditions and security.
Major Parties involved
Ukraine
Ukraine is most affected by the incidents that have happened in the Black Sea, but it has also
decimated many Russian vessels with a smaller naval army. Furthermore, with Russia backing out
of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Ukraine lost its exports and the economy went down. With
around 11,000 civilians killed by the war and the aggression from Russia, the nation has suffered a
lot but has the full support of NATO.
Republic of Bulgaria
Bulgaria, in 2023 destroyed explosives attached to a drone which is believed to be of Russian
origins. This has raised tensions between the two nations and Bulgaria has cooperated with NATO
for the training of their naval army from the organisation.
Republic of Romania
Romania will continue to be the largest gateway for Ukraine to continue exports of grains in
addition to Kyiv’s own corridor through the Black Sea. It exported 14 million metric tons of grain
through Constanta in 2023, roughly 40% of the port's entire grain shipments for the year, up from
8.6 million tons in 2022.
Republic of Türkiye
Türkiye controls the entering and exiting of any Russian vessels into the Black Sea. Türkiye closed
its straits to transit of military vessels whose home base is not in the Black Sea, under Article 19 of
the Montreux Convention. Türkiye also extended the Black Sea Grain Initiative for another 2
months, granting Ukraine with 2 more months of exports of grains to other nations.
United States of America
The United States has been continuously supporting the countries of NATO bordering the Black
Sea. The Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, made 2 trips to Ukraine and then Bulgaria in 2023.
These discussions included multilateral initiatives for enhancing long-term stability, Bulgaria’s
growing role in promoting energy security in Europe, and the Defense Industrial Base Conference
from 6th to 7th December to promote the co-production of arms to support Ukraine in its fight for
freedom.
French Republic
The French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, recently stated that Russian forces
threatened to shoot down French surveillance flights, patrolling international airspace over the
Black Sea. France also declared that Russia is blackmailing the world on global food security by
backing out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, heating matters to another level.
Questions to consider
1. How should an effective Black Sea strategy address instability's root causes and leverage
Ukrainian-Russian dynamics?
2. What initiatives can be pursued to boost relations with Turkey and strengthen support for
Ukraine?
3. What are the key security challenges and opportunities identified in the Black Sea region,
particularly in terms of defence security?
4. What measures can NATO take to address the security concerns raised by Russia's actions in the
Black Sea and support its allies in the region?
5. How can NATO collaborate with partners like Turkey to maintain stability and security in the
Black Sea while countering Russian influence?
Possible Solutions
Strengthening Multilateral Frameworks
Effectively tackling security problems in the Black Sea region requires strengthening international
systems. More trust and collaboration can be established by enhanced cooperation between Black
Sea littoral states within established organisations such as the Organization for Security and Co-
operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC). Multilateral
frameworks provide a forum for crisis management, peacekeeping, and diplomacy, thus helping to
promote security and stability in the area.
Energy Security Diversification and Infrastructure Development
By developing alternative energy sources and infrastructure projects, it is possible to diversify energy
security, lessen reliance on a small number of providers, and ease geopolitical tensions surrounding
energy supplies. Resilience and stability in the Black Sea region can be improved by increasing
interconnectivity of energy grids, building more LNG terminals, and investing in renewable energy.
Community Based Security Initiatives
Empowering local communities through community-based security initiatives can enhance resilience
and foster grassroots cooperation in addressing security challenges. Involving grassroots networks,
community leaders, and civil society organisations in initiatives to prevent violence, promote peace,
and increase resilience can improve social cohesion and develop from the ground up security
approaches. Promoting community-driven initiatives and putting in place local warning systems for
conflict prevention and catastrophe response, implementing community policing initiatives under
civilian supervision would help eliminate mistrust of government agencies and security personnel.
Environmental Security Cooperation
Recognizing the interconnectedness between environmental degradation and security threats,
promoting cooperation among Black Sea states on environmental protection can mitigate risks and
build trust. Establishing a regional environmental protection fund financed by member states and
international donors, incentivizing sustainable fishing practices through certification programs, and
fostering eco-tourism initiatives to promote conservation awareness would reduce competition over
maritime resources.
Utilising Technology for Maritime Surveillance
The Black Sea's maritime surveillance capabilities can be improved by utilising cutting-edge
technologies like satellite imaging, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and marine drones. The
analysis of marine data can be enhanced by investing in data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI)
technologies, facilitating more efficient resource allocation and decision-making.
Bibliography
Frias, Lauren. “Ukraine Wiped Out Nearly a Third of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet Without Even
Having a Real Navy. These Are the Warships Russia Lost.” Business Insider, 7 Feb. 2024,
[Link]/blogs/menasource/cybersecurity-iran-abraham-accords-israel
Stronski, Paul. “What Is Russia Doing in the Black Sea?” Carnegie Endowment for International
Peace, 20 May 2021,
[Link]/record/753055?ln=en&v=pdf.
Nato. “NATO’s Military Presence in the East of the Alliance.” NATO,
[Link]
Nato. “NATO-Ukraine Council Addresses Serious Security Situation in the Black Sea.” NATO,
[Link]
“Global Food Security – France Calls for Extending the Black Sea Grain Initiative (10 May 2023).”
France Diplomacy - Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs,
[Link]
sectors/food-security-nutrition-and-sustainable-agriculture/news/article/global-food-security-france-
calls-for-extending-the-black-sea-grain-initiative
“France Says Russia Threatened to Shoot Down Jets Over Black Sea.” Euronews, 27 Feb. 2024,
[Link]
“Secretary Blinken’s Meeting With Bulgarian Prime Minister Denkov and Deputy Prime Minister
Gabriel - United States Department of State.” United States Department of State, 16 Feb. 2024,
[Link]
prime-minister-gabriel
“Secretary Blinken’s Meeting With Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba - United States Department
of State.” United States Department of State, 29 Nov. 2023,
[Link]
Further Resources
Text Resources
Dhojnacki. “To Fend off Russia in the Black Sea, the US and NATO Need to Help Boost Allies’ Naval
Power.” Atlantic Council, 10 Jan. 2024,
[Link]
nato-need-to-help-boost-allies-naval-power
“Black Sea Grain Initiative | Data | United Nations.” United Nations,
[Link]
How Much Grain Is Ukraine Exporting and How Is It Leaving the Country? 2 Apr. 2024,
[Link]
Video Resources
TRT World. “NATO to Bolster Presence Near the Black Sea With Romanian Military Base.”
YouTube, 3 Apr. 2024,
[Link]
TVP World. “Black Sea Security | Joanna Siekiera | TVP World.” YouTube, 16 Aug. 2023,
[Link]
The New Atlas. “NATO in the Black Sea, Russia and North Korea + Seeking Ukrainian Security.”
YouTube, 29 July 2023, [Link]
