Defense and Security Studies Commons^™

Paul Timmermans On Invisible War: The United States And The Iraq Sanctions. By Joy Gordon. Cambridge, Ma: Harvard University Press, 2010. 359 Pp., Paul Timmermans

Human Rights & Human Welfare

A review of:

Invisible War: The United States and the Iraq Sanctions. By Joy Gordon. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2010. 359 pp.

Radicalization And The Use Of Social Media, Robin L. Thompson

Journal of Strategic Security

The use of social media tools by individuals and organizations to radicalize individuals for political and social change has become increasingly popular as the Internet penetrates more of the world and mobile computing devices are more accessible. To establish a construct for radicalization,the power and reach of social media will be described so there is common understanding of what social media is and how it is utilized by various individuals and groups. The second section will answer the question of why social media applications are the perfect platform for the radical voice. Finally, the use of social media and its …

Murder And Martial Justice: Spying And Retribution In Wwii America. By Meredith Lentz Adams (Kent, Ohio: The Kent State University Press, 2011), Millard E. Moon Ed.D.

Journal of Strategic Security

No abstract provided.

Rethinking Radicalization, Randy Borum

Journal of Strategic Security

No abstract provided.

Radicalization Into Violent Extremism I: A Review Of Social Science Theories, Randy Borum

Journal of Strategic Security

In discourse about countering terrorism, the term "radicalization" is widely used, but remains poorly defined. To focus narrowly on ideological radicalization risks implying that radical beliefs are a proxy—or at least a necessary precursor—for terrorism, though we know this not to be true.Different pathways and mechanisms of terrorism involvement operate in different ways for different people at different points in time and perhaps in different contexts. This article explores the problems in defining radicalization and radicalism, and suggests that radicalization—and more specifically, involvement in terrorism—might best be viewed as a set of diverse processes. It goes on to review several …

Radicalization Into Violent Extremism Ii: A Review Of Conceptual Models And Empirical Research, Randy Borum

Journal of Strategic Security

Over the past decade, analysts have proposed several frameworks to explain the process of radicalization into violent extremism (RVE). These frameworks are based primarily on rational, conceptual models which are neither guided by theory nor derived from systematic research. This article reviews recent (post-9/11) conceptual models of the radicalization process and recent (post-9/11) empirical studies of RVE. It emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between ideological radicalization and terrorism involvement, though both issues deserve further empirical inquiry.Finally, it summarizes some recent RVE-related research efforts, identifies seven things that social science researchers and operational personnel still need to know about violent radicalization, …

Disarming Youth Combatants: Mitigating Youth Radicalization And Violent Extremism, Alpaslan Özerdem, Sukanya Podder

Journal of Strategic Security

In the complex of motivating variables that define the push and pull factors behind recruitment and participation in civil conflict, "radicalization"—or "violent extremism"—is not conceived as a very strong motive, as is the case with studies on terrorism. As part of disarming youth combatants,the linkages between reintegration outcomes and possible rerecruitment into radical and extremist violence must be better understood to mitigate such risks. In our analysis, the policies guiding reintegration of child soldiers and youth should be better attuned to the relationship between recruitment motivations and reintegration outcomes, and must be approached from a political lens rather than a …

Radical Islamism And Migrant Integration In Denmark: An Empirical Inquiry, Marco Goli, Shahamak Rezaei

Journal of Strategic Security

It has been suggested that alienation and failed integration may be causes of "Homegrown Radical Islamism" in Western societies. Western countries often expect that migrants and their descendants residing there as citizens will embrace or support common democratic ideals as a predicate for—or consequence of—their societal integration. Conventional wisdom suggests: "The more you associate yourself with the cherished and established goals and means, the more you will disassociate yourself from Radical Islamism," and vice versa. We believe that, quite surprisingly, an empirical test of this idea is lacking. Based on a nationally representative sample of 1,113 youth (ages 15–30) in …

Radicalism Within The Context Of Social Movements: Processes And Types, Remy Cross, David A. Snow

Journal of Strategic Security

Drawing on work within the study of social movements and on conversion processes that is relevant to understanding radicalization, as well as on our own relevant research experiences and findings, especially on radicalism in right-wing and left-wing movements, we focus attention on the elements and dynamics of social movements, both intra-movement and extra-movement, that facilitate the grassroots development and maintenance of radical identities and enhance or diminish the prospect of engagement in radical action. In particular, we note the importance of free spaces to associate apart from the reach of control agents and adversaries,the development of affinity groups and a …

Four Lessons From The Study Of Fundamentalism And Psychology Of Religion, Sara Savage

Journal of Strategic Security

What lessons can the study of fundamentalism and the psychology of religion teach the newer field of Radicalization and Involvement in Violent Extremism (RIVE)? Four lessons and an intervention are offered in this article: (1) Religion is a robust human experience and cultural product that adopts a defensive shape when its worldview is threatened. (2) This does not mean that all "fundamentalisms" or radical versions of religion are somehow linked or perform similar functions; rather, they reflect the limited human repertoire to threat, yet within different cultural and historical contexts. (3) Causal explanations on the level of the individual are …

Gangs, Terrorism, And Radicalization, Scott Decker, David Pyrooz

Journal of Strategic Security

What can street gangs tell us about radicalization and extremist groups? At first glance, these two groups seem to push the boundaries of comparison. In this article, we examine the important similarities and differences across criminal, deviant, and extremist groups. Drawing from research on street gangs, this article explores issues such as levels of explanation,organizational structure, group process, and the increasingly important role of technology and the Internet in the context of radicalization. There are points of convergence across these groups, but it is important to understand the differences between these groups. This review finds little evidence to support the …

The Development Of British Defence Policy: Blair, Brown And Beyond. By David Brown, Ed. (Burlington, Vt: Ashgate Publishing Company, 2010), Edward M. Roche

Journal of Strategic Security

No abstract provided.

Friction: How Radicalization Happens To Them And Us. By Clark Mccauley And Sophia Moskalenko (New York: Oxford University Press, 2011), Robin L. Thompson

Journal of Strategic Security

No abstract provided.

Cover & Front Matter

Journal of Strategic Security

No abstract provided.

Unmas 2010 Annual Report, Unmas

Global CWD Repository

Our work in helping to protect and empower local communities contributes to wider humanitarian, peace and development dividends, and delivers concrete and measurable results. Our success stories are the product of the generous support provided by UN Member States’ funds allocated by the UN General Assembly for the mine action components in seven peacekeeping operations, and by donors’ considerable extra-budgetary funding support. Despite challenges, 16 donor governments, the European Union (EU), the Common Humanitarian Trust Fund for Sudan (CHF) and students from Pace University in New York contributed to the Voluntary Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Action (VTF). The …

Geneva International Centre For Humanitarian Demining 2010 Annual Report, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

Annual report on the work of the GICHD for 2010.

Apopo Annual Report 2011, Apopo

Global CWD Repository

A landmine survivor recently said of APOPO’s work in Mozambique: “There is happiness our land has been returned to us, freedom of grazing for livestock, no restrictions on where we walk. The mines have been a serious problem but we have already seen a reduction in people losing their lives. We are very happy.”

This, in a nutshell, is why we do the work we do. Hearing the feedback of villagers in affected regions – whose lives have changed for the better as a result of our humanitarian actions – verifies how immensely important our mission is.

The success of …

Norwegian People's Aid Annual Report 2011, Npa

Global CWD Repository

Collaboration with old and new supporters in 2011 was very productive for Norwegian People’s Aid. t has not only brought in important income for our work both at home and abroad but has also given our work greater impact and weight. We look forward to continued collaboration with our supporters in the time to come.

Handicap International Impact Report 2011, Hi

Global CWD Repository

In 2011, Handicap International responded to complex crises in Libya, Pakistan, Haiti, and other countries with speed, efficiency, and life-saving results. In developing countries our teams ensured that people who are otherwise excluded had access to the services, education, and employment opportunities. In 60 countries, 4,000 staff members put their expertise into action, helping Handicap International reach more than 1 million beneficiaries.

It was a source of great pride to receive the 2011 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize in March. This coveted prize celebrates the achievements our staff and volunteers realize in the face of conflict, disaster, poverty, and famine …

Risk Taking And Force Protection, David Luban

Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works

This paper addresses two questions about the morality of warfare: (1) how much risk must soldiers take to minimize unintended civilian casualties caused by their own actions (“collateral damage”), and (2) whether it is the same for the enemy's civilians as for one's own.

The questions take on special importance in warfare where one side is able to attack the other side from a safe distance, but at the cost of civilian lives, while safeguarding civilians may require soldiers to take precautions that expose them to greater risk. In a well-known article, Asa Kasher and Amos Yadlin argue that while …

Peacetrees Vietnam 2011 Annual Report, Peacetrees Peacetrees

Global CWD Repository

PeaceTrees Vietnam is a Seattle-based humanitarian §501(c)(3) organization working in Central Vietnam to assist those whose lives and livelihoods are threatened by the explosive remnants of war. Founded in 1995, PeaceTrees was the first international non-governmental organization given permission to engage in humanitarian demining work in Vietnam after the war.

Quang Tri Province, where our work is focused, is one of the poorest and most war-torn provinces of Vietnam. Over the last thirty five years, more than 10,800 people in the province have been killed or maimed by landmines and unexploded ordnance. In one out of every five cases, the …

Marshall Legacy Institute 2011 Annual Report, Mli

Global CWD Repository

This past year has been one of accomplishment and growth for the Marshall Legacy Institute. We provided critically needed assistance to some of the most landmine-affected regions of the world. Our Mine Detection Dog Partnership Program (MDDPP) put 22 lifesaving dogs into service in Afghanistan, Angola, and Sri Lanka. Our Children Against Mines Program (CHAMPS) engaged thousands of American schoolchildren on an important global humanitarian issue and linked them with their peers in mine-affected communities. Dozens of landmine survivors received medical assistance and vocational training through our Survivors’ Assistance programs in Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam, and Yemen, while at-risk populations in …

Decision-Making Under Uncertainty: Using Case Studies For Teaching Strategy In Complex Environments, Volker C. Franke

Faculty Articles

Decision-makers today respond to a security environment characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. Decisions cut across a wide range of social, political and cultural domestic and global issues and demand cognitive flexibility, adaptability and the ability to make decisions “on the fly.” While the U.S. military excels in preparing its soldiers and officers for the operational demands and tactical requirements of a wide array of increasingly complex contingency missions, a number of observers have pointed to the need for teaching strategy more effectively as part of professional military education. The purpose of this article is to analyze some of …

Achieving Community Preparedness Post-Katrina, Christine G. Springer

Public Policy and Leadership Faculty Research

Improving disaster response capabilities within this country requires better coordination not only within the Department of Homeland Security, but also across the federal government as well as with state and local governments, private and non-profit sectors. To do so, according to more than 150 state and local stakeholders that I surveyed in April, 2009 and again in April, 2010, requires that FEMA improve its capacity to fully support state, local and tribal stakeholders … that it improve its internal business practices so as to better implement federal policies and guidance…that it find a way to use thematic goals and transition …

Delayed-Bang Approach Towards More Sustainable Critical Infrastructure Risk Management, C. Ariel Pinto, Michael K. Mcshane, Abhishek S. Pathak

Finance Faculty Publications

This article describes the Delayed Bang Approach for determining the value of risk management alternatives in critical infrastructure security. The discussion includes (1) the need for sustainable risk management (2) the importance of time valuation in evaluating competing loss prevention and loss reduction alternatives, (3) the convergence of deterministic engineering economics, survivability analysis, and probabilistic analysis, and (4) hypothetical examples of the Delayed-Bang Approach and significance towards more sustainable risk management.

Donald W. Jackson On Prisoners Of America’S Wars: From The Early Republic To Guantanamo. By Stephanie Carvin. New York: Columbia University Press, 2010. 336pp., Donald W. Jackson

Human Rights & Human Welfare

A review of:

Prisoners of America’s Wars: From the Early Republic to Guantanamo. By Stephanie Carvin. New York: Columbia University Press, 2010. 336pp.

American Muslim Minorities: The New Human Rights Struggle, Ashley Moore

Human Rights & Human Welfare

The ramifications of the attacks of September 11, 2001 are felt throughout the United States. However, no minority community is as deeply affected as the American-Muslim minority. Since the attacks on the World Trade Center, Muslims residing in the United States have experienced violations of economic and political liberties, as well as ongoing social discrimination. Media stereotypes and government legislation continually exacerbate these human rights abuses and entrench institutional, social, and economic discrimination deeper in American society. At the heart of this discrimination are clear misunderstandings about Islam and those who practice the faith. In an effort to combat these …

Selling Sin: How Culture Influences The Sale Of Firearm Suppressors In Australia And New Zealand, Martin Maccarthy, Martin O'Neill, Helen Cripps

Research outputs 2011

This paper is a summary of a 2011 academic study commissioned by the New South Wales Government (Game Council) investigating the possible legalizing of firearm sound moderators for hunting and shooting. The study examined the pragmatic advantages and disadvantages of this product in the event it could be made available to the general public in Australia. A comparison between Australia and New Zealand vis-à-vis public access to sound moderators highlights not only the opposite ends of the continuum adopted by two similar countries, but also the arbitrary nature of how attitudes influence product acceptability and availability. Advantages of de-criminalisation in …