International Relations Commons^™

In Defense Of Space Offense, Alexander R. Kleitz

Space and Defense

This article argues that in the unique physical and operational environment of outer space, offensive operations hold intrinsic advantages over defensive ones. Drawing upon classical military theorists such as Clausewitz and Corbett, the author contends that the traditional dominance of the defensive form of war—rooted in terrestrial conditions—does not extend to celestial conflict. The transparency and remoteness of the space domain neutralize key defensive benefits, such as proximity to supply bases, concealment, and fortified positions, while also diminishing the factors that typically cause terrestrial offensives to culminate. Consequently, space conflict favors the side that seizes and maintains the initiative through …

Raising Public Awareness On Space Themes: Analysis Of Brazilian Space Policy Using Data From Google Trends, Andrea Felippe Cabello, Michele Melo

Space and Defense

This study examines whether Brazil’s national space policy goal of increasing public awareness of space activities has been met, using Google Trends data as a proxy for public interest. While public perception surveys are scarce outside the United States, web-based data provide a cost-effective and timely alternative for gauging public engagement. The authors analyzed two decades (2004–2024) of Brazilian search activity related to space topics, institutions, technologies, companies, and missions. Results show no clear upward trend in public interest, suggesting that Brazil’s stated policy objectives of raising awareness have not yet translated into measurable outcomes. Although searches related to government …

Costly Signals In Space: Increasing Credibility Via Strategic Disclosure, Wendy N. Whitman Cobb

Space and Defense

As space becomes an increasingly vital domain for national security, debates persist about how much secrecy should surround U.S. military space programs. This article argues that the strategic declassification and disclosure of selected space capabilities can strengthen U.S. deterrence by enhancing the credibility of deterrent threats. Drawing from theories of costly signaling and audience costs, the paper introduces strategic disclosure as a novel form of costly signal. Such disclosure imposes bureaucratic and operational costs while exposing capabilities to potential adversary countermeasures—thereby demonstrating resolve and seriousness of intent. In tandem, greater public transparency about space programs cultivates informed domestic audiences capable …

Space And Defense Vol. 16 No. 2 Editor's Note, Damon Coletta

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Space And Defense Vol. 16 No. 2 Table Of Contents, Editors Space And Defense

Space and Defense

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Space And Defense Vol. 16 No. 2 Front Matter, Editors Space And Defense

Space and Defense

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Space & Defense Volume 16 Issue 2 Fall 2025 (Whole Issue), Editors Space And Defense

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Review Of Sheila A. Smith, Japan Rearmed: The Politics Of Military Power, Timothy C. Hebb

Liberty University Journal of Statesmanship & Public Policy

Sheila Smith, a long-time political scientist focused on Asia-Pacific studies and an expert on Japan specifically, would publish possibly her most influential work in 2019: Japan Rearmed: The Politics of Military Power. In this well-researched work of hers, she gives the reader an in-depth yet concise look at the reasons for Japan’s rearmament, the history of their Self Defense Force, and the challenging political situation that was built in the wake of a world war that still affects them today. This book goes over much of what is needed to understand why Japan’s military is in the shape it is …

Chinese Communist Party Infiltration Of U.S. Pacific Islands: Protecting American National Security Through Defending Strategic Pacific Assets, Contessa Amedore

Liberty University Journal of Statesmanship & Public Policy

Many Americans picture the U.S.’s Western most border to be the coast of California. However, when threats have historically formed in the Pacific, U.S. Pacific Island territories have served as the nation’s first line of defense. Today, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have slowly but ambitiously deployed new age or ‘unrestricted’ warfare tactics against the United States and allies in their long awaited plan to assume global hegemony. Their illegal infiltration and psychological operations have gone past Taipei and reached American soil in Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. This paper examines how the (CCP) uses unrestricted warfare …

Analyzing The Role And Impact Of Energy Resources On The South China Sea Dispute, Adam Opp

Liberty University Journal of Statesmanship & Public Policy

The South China Sea is a critical but contested body of water that has been the source of much international debate and focus. The sea is a strategic maritime route and one of the most important waterways for regional and global trade. The South China Sea features rich natural resources such as fisheries and hydrocarbons, especially unknown amounts of oil and natural gas remaining untapped throughout the sea. Geological surveys estimate extremely lucrative quantities of oil and natural gas in the South China Sea, which drives the conflict, as nations with competing territorial claims seek to control not just the …

Securitizing Kinmen: China’S Gray Zone Strategy And The Evolution Of The Kinmen Model, Ian Murphy

Political Science & Geography Faculty Publications

This paper examines the evolving dynamics of cross-strait relations through the lens of securitization theory, focusing on China’s strategic deployment of what it calls the Kinmen Model and its implications for regional security. While existing discourse predominantly concentrates on a potential full-scale invasion of Taiwan, this study shifts attention to the strategic significance of the outlying islands and the nuanced employment of securitization to exert indirect control. Utilizing Vuori’s (2008) framework for analyzing securitization in non-democratic contexts, this research conducts a discourse analysis of nineteen Chinese language media sources to dissect the speech acts employed by Chinese media and their …

Heutagogy In Education: Transforming The Learner Experience, Andrej Iliev, Nevena Serafimova, Anita Ilieva Nikolovska, Dimitar Bogatinov, Aleksandar Petrovski, Biljana Karovska

Journal of Peace, Conflict, and Security Studies

Heutagogy (pronounced hyoo-tuh-goh-jee), derived from the Greek word "heureske," meaning "to discover," is closely related to heuristic learning. Coined by Hase and Kenyon in 2000, heutagogy refers to self-determined learning that operates independently of traditional teaching structures. Unlike pedagogy and andragogy, which emphasize teacher-directed instruction, heutagogy shifts the focus to learner autonomy, allowing students to choose what and how they learn.

Heutagogy represents a shift from teacher-centered to learner-centered education, grounded in two key philosophical approaches: humanism and constructivism. Humanism places the learner at the center of the educational process, while constructivism emphasizes active, self-determined learning. Although andragogy, which focuses …

Curriculum Insertion Proposal For The Academic-Military Education: The Rising Of Unmanned Aerial Systems (Uas/Drones) In Modern Combat, Tiago Marques Dos Santos Filho

Journal of Peace, Conflict, and Security Studies

The use of drones in the latest generation of combat has revolutionized military operations, offering new tactical and strategic-operational capabilities. Based on the author's practical experience and reference literature, using UAS in urban combat, peacekeeping missions, and jungle operations has proven to be extremely effective, providing significant advantages in terms of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and air support. Equipped with high-resolution cameras and advanced sensors, drones allow the collection of real-time critical information, assisting quick and accurate decision-making. This background raises the question of whether it is relevant to formally address this topic in academic-military undergraduation. The main hypothesis, that the …

The Potential Impact Of Simulation Based Learning In The Kosovo Security Force, Brikena Avdyli, Arbesa Zenuni

Journal of Peace, Conflict, and Security Studies

As the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) undergoes a strategic transformation into a fully operational military force, the need for modern and adaptive training methods has become increasingly urgent. While recent investments have focused on personnel growth, weapon procurement, and defense infrastructure, the integration of simulation-based learning (SBL) into training programs has not yet been considered. This study explores the potential of SBL - particularly virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and wargaming - as a tool for enhancing the readiness and adaptability of KSF personnel. Drawing on existing literature, the study evaluates the benefits and challenges of each technology in …

Itegration Of Emerging Technologies In Cybersecurity Education, Dimitar Bogatinov, Nevena Serafimova, Aleksandar Petrovski, Andrej Iliev, Biljana Karovska

Journal of Peace, Conflict, and Security Studies

Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR) are revolutionizing cybersecurity education by offering immersive, interactive learning experiences tailored to the tech-savvy Generation Z and Alpha learners. Traditional educational methods are increasingly inadequate for preparing students to navigate the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape.

Virtual labs, AI-driven tutors, and cyber training environments create dynamic learning opportunities where students can engage in realistic simulations to develop critical skills in threat detection, response, and mitigation. However, challenges such as high implementation costs, rapid technological advancements, and a shortage of qualified instructors complicate the integration of these technologies.

Despite these challenges, …

Simulation-Based Learning In Security Studies: A Rubric-Guided Approach To Nato–Russia Dynamics On The Korean Peninsula, Travis Morris, Yangmo Ku, Maggie Mitchell

Journal of Peace, Conflict, and Security Studies

This article examines the implementation and efficacy of a team-taught simulation-based learning series designed to deepen students’ understanding of NATO–Russia interactions on the Korean Peninsula. Drawing on the principles of Bloom’s Taxonomy and guided by a comprehensive rubric, this framework provides a structured, progressive approach to developing learners’ analytical, evaluative, and creative competencies. Through six sequential simulations using the SEERIST platform—culminating in strategic policy recommendations—students enhance their ability to recall foundational knowledge, apply complex concepts, analyze multifaceted scenarios, evaluate diverse outcomes, and propose innovative solutions. The article discusses theoretical underpinnings, the design and implementation of the simulation series, the associated …

Modernizing Military Education In Kosovo: From Theory To Practice Through Innovation And Technology, Linda Ziberi, Dardan Syla

Journal of Peace, Conflict, and Security Studies

This paper examines the need for Kosovo's Military Academy (KMA) to modernize its education system, particularly its necessity to transition from a theory-based methodology to more modern and innovative teaching and training approaches that incorporate advanced technology. Despite ongoing institutional development, the Kosovo Military Academy continues to rely on traditional teaching methods, which limits its capacity to prepare cadets for the demands of modern military operations. Barriers such as limited funding, outdated infrastructure, and resistance to pedagogical change further complicate efforts to modernize.

To address these challenges, the paper advocates for the adoption of modern, learner-centered strategies, including Simulation and …

The Greatest Victory: Teaching Strategy And Peace Through Negotiation, W. Chad Austin

Journal of Peace, Conflict, and Security Studies

This article examines how structured negotiation instruction, centered on the Circle of Value framework, enhances the critical and strategic thinking skills of cadets at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). Drawing on experiential learning, role-play simulations, and case studies—such as U.S.-China tensions over Taiwan—the article demonstrates how cadets apply integrative negotiation techniques to real-world geopolitical scenarios. The Circle of Value framework emphasizes interest-based negotiation, objective criteria, creative option generation, and the development of mutually beneficial outcomes. Through written analysis, live negotiation exercises, and reflective feedback, cadets build key competencies in communication, decision-making under pressure, and conflict resolution. The paper …

Language Alignment And Career Outcomes In International Military Education: A Study Of United States Military Academy Graduates, Erin Lemons

Journal of Peace, Conflict, and Security Studies

Host country/sending country language alignment is an understudied topic within the field of international military education. While individual-level language barriers are recognized, this study asks how national-level language proficiency levels can influence international military graduates’ retention. International cadets from countries with lower proficiency in the host nation’s language may be selected primarily for their language skills rather than their military potential. Moreover, the acquisition of the host nation’s language and culture during international cadets’ studies may increase the attractiveness of private-sector opportunities upon their return home. At the same time, countries with lower proficiency levels in the host language may …

In Extremis: An International Perspective On Military Leadership Training In Extreme Situations, Sarah Von Felten

Journal of Peace, Conflict, and Security Studies

This comparative study explores how military leadership is developed and executed in extreme situations across diverse national contexts, including Switzerland, South Africa, India, Israel, and Canada. Each country adapts its leadership training and doctrine based on historical experiences, operational demands, and institutional culture. While some militaries, like Canada, emphasize values-based leadership aligned with democratic principles, others, such as India, prioritize cultural ethos and leading by example. Conscription-based systems like Israel’s and Switzerland`s rely heavily on early, experiential leadership, while professional forces like South Africa focus on psychological resilience and adaptability. Training approaches range from academic and doctrinal frameworks to immersive, …