The following reflection is from Idris Johnson, a Pace University undergraduate who participated in the POL297L Global Politics of Disarmament and Arms Control class in Fall 2024. Students had the opportunity to engage in civic engagement assignments with disarmament advocacy efforts in the context of the UN General Assembly First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) meetings in New York City.

My experience in the Global Politics of Disarmament class can be summarized by what became a class catchphrase, “Victory loves preparation.”

We heard this quote from Ambassador Maritza Chan, chair of the UN General Assembly First Committee (Disarmament and International Security), at a side event meeting on Small Arms and Light Weapons. Through diverse experiences, we gained an understanding on the ways issues transcend state borders. Importantly, we were able to listen in on the challenges around disarmament and the disproportionate affects the proliferation of small arms and light weapons have on the global majority.

But when I arrived at the UN, I had limited knowledge about the space I was joining, so my nerves were high. Fortunately, my expectations were exceeded, and I learned more than I could have imagined. Through conversation, committee meetings, and a stroll down the disarmament exhibit, my group and I gained a better understanding of the disproportionate effects of weapons on marginalized communities.

I was reminded of the importance of international community while networking at an event for international youth champions of disarmament. I found that black and brown communities become the dumping grounds for unwanted guns all around the world. It became clear that we can transform society through organizing the youth. It is imperative our voices are heard because we are the future of disarmament. Upcoming generations have unique experiences that cannot be left out of decision-making conversations. There can be no dialogue about us, without us.

This experience grew my awareness on new challenges faced by disarmament. Growing autonomy in weapons limit the aspect of meaningful human control and eliminates accountability. Unreliable AI has already marginalized groups based on biased data, taught to them through machine learning. Autonomy in weapons systems pose such an imminent threat to us all because AI lacks morality, and there is no human being in control of the force they exhibit. Luckily, The First Committee adopted a resolution on autonomous weapons systems championed Campaign to Stop Killer Robots. I learned that nuanced challenges must be met with nuanced solutions.

Collaborating with my peers throughout this journey not only taught me the importance of collective cooperation, but it illuminated my path within international relations. Being in a small group of my peers made an unfamiliar environment unusually comfortable. We were able to share our interests and communicate what stood out during our time at the UN.

Overall, the Civic Engagement experience at the UN taught me marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by the proliferation of arms. It highlighted the importance of community and collaboration. But also, shed light on the nuances behind decision-making. My Civic Engagement experience inspired me to further raise awareness of the inequal effects the proliferation of weapons have on marginalized communities, and the dangers that come with new technology in weapons. As youth we must continue to organize, and although it may take time, victory loves preparation.