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Full-Text Articles in Peace and Conflict Studies
Can The Organization Of Islamic Cooperation (Oic) Resolve Conflicts?, Ibrahim Sharqieh
Can The Organization Of Islamic Cooperation (Oic) Resolve Conflicts?, Ibrahim Sharqieh
Peace and Conflict Studies
This article examines the potential of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to contribute to mediation of conflicts in the Muslim world. Based on interviews with OIC senior officials and government officials from Iraq and the Philippines, as well as research involving other primary and secondary sources, the author analyzes four cases in which the OIC participated in mediation efforts: the Philippines, Thailand, Iraq, and Somalia. The article concludes with an assessment of the advantages and challenges of including the OIC in such mediation efforts, as well as recommendations related to capacity-building and inter-organizational partnerships that might enhance the potential …
Armor All: The Self-Conception Of Private Security Contractors, Volker Franke
Armor All: The Self-Conception Of Private Security Contractors, Volker Franke
Peace and Conflict Studies
Whereas the values, attitudes and motivations of soldiers serving in their countries’ armed forces have been widely studied, to date we know very little about the motivations and self-conception of individuals working for the private security industry. Using data obtained through an online survey, this article explores the values, attitudes and identity of more than 200 private security contractors with law enforcement backgrounds and operational experience with a security firm in Iraq. Contrary to media dominating images of ruthless, money-grabbing mercenaries, respondents in this sample adhered to attitudes and values very similar to those of professional soldiers serving in Western …