Peace and Conflict Studies Commons^™

Local Is Possible: An Analysis Of Hma Localization Efforts And A Proposed Pathway For Future Projects, Mark Wilkinson Ph.D., Lisa Mueller-Dormann, Camilla Roberti, Lene Rasmussen

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This paper aims to address the relevance of localization in humanitarian mine action (HMA), delineating principles, challenges, and advocating for increased attention. Drawing upon evidence from localization initiatives from DanChurchAid (DCA) and Danish Refugee Council (DRC) programming, we list tenets we believe should guide future project design and development. Contrary to the perception that localization offers limited value in mine action, this paper argues that applying it to HMA projects is both urgent and highly beneficial. As discussions on localization in the humanitarian sphere progress, so too should the implementation of localized approaches in HMA, driven by the evolving landscape …

Angola: Hidden Danger, Sean Sutton

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Lucala-2 is a small village located in the northern part of Angola, with 750 residents situated by a bridge crossing the Lucala river. This area gained strategic importance during the Angolan Civil War (1975–2002), particularly due to the Lucala bridge, which served as a critical crossing point. Throughout the war, minefields were strategically laid at all four corners of the bridge, illustrating the extensive use of landmines that has continued to impact Angola. These mines remain a harrowing legacy, contributing to ongoing casualties and significantly hindering development efforts long after the war's conclusion. The community explained how they have been …

Navigating The Unintended Consequences Of Language, Imagery, And Meaning Has Never Been More Difficult Or More Important, Jon Brown

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Words matter. The imagery we use matters. When we tell the wrong story (or the right story in the wrong way), it damages us as organizations, damages us as a sector, and, most importantly of all, causes distant but lasting harm to the very communities we exist to serve and of which we are a part of. Let’s be clear: we at Mines Advisory Group (MAG) are certainly as guilty as the rest of the sector in getting things wrong, but we are putting steps in place to try to get it right.

The world has moved on from the …

What Can Artificial Intelligence Offer Humanitarian Mine Action?, Russell Gasser Ph.D.

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Would you walk on land declared safe by an unproven technology, developed by enthusiastic proponents who do not have long experience in the world of mine action? What if the system for locating hazards will be tested in only one or two trials, even though the type of machine learning system they are using is known to sometimes give false but completely plausible results (so-called hallucinations1)? Furthermore, in the proposed machine-learning system there will be no audit trail for analysis if a serious error occurs, and no way of knowing for sure how to prevent its repetition.

There is dangerously …

Preventing Arms Diversion In Wartime Ukraine: A Brief Overview, Olena Kryzhanivska Ph.D.

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Ukraine has entered its third year defending against Russia’s full-scale invasion, and despite emerging as one of the largest importers of weapons, it manages to prevent their major diversion. Experts evaluate the current arms control and weapons and ammunition management efforts by Ukraine and its allies with cautious optimism. Although obtaining detailed information about the intricacies of weaponry management in Ukraine is challenging, open sources allow us to glimpse some of the current measures taken during wartime. This article presents a brief overview of Ukraine's counter-diversion efforts and those of its partners, encompassing monitoring and control of international military aid, …

The Prioritization Of Survey Through Open-Source Research In Ukraine, Anda Riza, Andro Mathewson

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

With the increasing quantity of available and relevant open-source information online, the mine action sector is well poised to take advantage of its accessibility for conducting research, analysis, and investigations. In current conflicts, such as in Ukraine and Yemen, online sources are a rich repository of information which can be leveraged for survey and clearance operations. Humanitarian mine clearance actors can harness this vast quantity of information to map conflicts and their effects, including the location of landmines and other explosive remnants of war (ERW). In turn, this can be used to help prioritize survey efforts, especially in contexts where …

Securing Land To Contribute To Food Systems: Preliminary Findings On Humanitarian Mine Action Cumulative Effects On Food Security In Lebanon, Riccardo Labianco Ph.D., Myriam Rabbath

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In a country or region affected by explosive ordnance (EO), the related contamination and, when present, humanitarian mine action (HMA), should be considered as part of the country’s food systems. Accordingly, understanding the cumulative effects of HMA on food security can be better appreciated by considering the whole food system and how local citizens view the impact of contamination. Through a preliminary series of community-level interviews in southern and northeast Lebanon from August to September 2023, Mines Advisory Group (MAG) started a research project on the impact of EO contamination on people’s ability to produce and procure adequate food and …

The Journal Of Conventional Weapons Destruction Issue 28.2, Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

No abstract provided.

Studying The Effects Of Aging On Ammunition Under Water, Nicole Neitzey, Colin King

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The world’s oceans and waterways contain untold amounts of munitions, whether dumped or fired, and the sometimes-harsh underwater environment can make their clearance difficult. Yet we are approaching a time when we will have to face the reality of removing them to continue enjoying the planet’s most abundant natural resource. Much of the ammunition in areas from the Baltic Sea to the rivers of Cambodia to the Gulf of Mexico has been immersed for decades, subject to a variety of underwater influences. Many studies have examined the impacts of degrading explosives on the surrounding environment, but few look at what …

Defending An Achilles’ Heel: Evolving Warfare In The Philippines, 1941–1945, Robert S. Burrell

Joint Force Quarterly

The Pacific War during World War II provided valuable lessons in military strategy and the importance of unconventional warfare. Japan’s aggressive expansion in the 1930s and 1940s left to a major conflict with the United States over control of the Philippine Islands. Japan’s advancements in naval technology, including the largest battleships and superior night combat tactics, allowed them to invade the Philippines in December 1941. Filipino resistance against Japanese occupation grew, with various local groups using guerilla warfare tactics to fight back. These resistance movements played a crucial role in opposing Japanese forces. Intelligence operations were also vital. U.S. submarines …

The New Makers Of Modern Strategy, Walter M. Hudson

Joint Force Quarterly

This book offers 45 essays that explore the evolution of strategic thinking from ancient times to today. The book is divided into five sections, each covering a different historical period. This volume brings together military history, political science, and international relations to discuss key strategic ideas and figures, from early strategic thinkers to modern-day challenges like nuclear strategy. It focuses on the importance of nation-states and their ongoing competition. It emphasizes the lasting importance of strategic thinking. The book provides valuable insights for today’s policymakers and strategists.

Seeking The Bomb, Tobias Bernard Switzer

Joint Force Quarterly

After nearly 80 years of scholarship on nuclear weapons, one might understandably believe that all the important issues have been addressed, if not settled. However, Vipin Narang, professor of political science at MIT, has a knack for asking and answering questions that other nuclear strategy researchers have overlooked. Whereas most academic work looks at superpowers, Narang’s book Nuclear Strategy in the Modern Era: Regional Powers and International Conflict (Princeton University Press, 2014) examines how the strategic deterrence postures of non-superpower nuclear states differ from those of superpowers. And now, in his latest, Seeking the Bomb, he extracts insights from studying …

Beyond Ukraine, Dwight "Buzz" Phillips

Joint Force Quarterly

This book is a collection of essays by leading defense theorists, exploring warfare's future due to recent conflicts and technological advancements. The book is divided into four topics: the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war, future war landscapes, military innovation, and the nature of future conflicts. Authors tackle questions about war’s nature and the evolving character of warfare. This highlights the necessity of broad, interdisciplinary thinking to grasp the complex and changing nature of war.

Commander’S Critical Information Requirements: Crucial For Decisionmaking And Joint Synchronization, Christopher R. Bolton, Matthew R. Prescott

Joint Force Quarterly

Effective decision-making in modern joint military operations demands timely access to critical information. Commander’s Critical Information Requirements (CCIRs) address this challenge by identifying and prioritizing essential information for operational decisions. This article proposes enhancing CCIR development aligned with decision points across planning horizons using a backward-planning methodology supported by tools like the Decision Support Matrix (DSM). It also explores integrating CCIRs within the intelligence collection and analysis cycle to align intelligence efforts with operational goals across Joint Planning Process (JPP) phases. This article aims to strengthen decision-making processes and enhance operational outcomes in joint military operations.

Mission (Command) Complete: Implications Of Jadc2, Joseph M. Mcgiffin

Joint Force Quarterly

Command and control (C2) is crucial in military operations, guiding how authority directs missions. As warfare evolves with AI, hypersonic weapons, and autonomous platforms, the U.S. military is advancing its Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC) initiatives. This effort aims to unify military networks for better decision-making. This article explores challenges in adapting Joint C2 networks for JADC2. It compares new technologies with current military practices, highlighting where changes are needed. Key areas include strategic planning, tactical operations, and how JADC2 affects mission command. Recommendations focus on improving readiness for future conflicts by enhancing interoperability and decision-making across military branches.

The Ppwt And Ongoing Challenges To Arms Control In Space, Brian Britt

Joint Force Quarterly

On January 11, 2007, China tested an anti-satellite (ASAT) missile, destroying a weather satellite and creating about 35,000 pieces of orbital debris, the largest debris event in history. This highlighted the vulnerability of space assets and the need for effective space arms control. Despite proposals like the 2008 PPWT by China and Russia, effective agreements are hindered by verification challenges and diverse ASAT technologies. The 2014 EU Code of Conduct failed to gain consensus. The 2022 U.S. ban on direct-ascent ASAT tests is a positive step but doesn’t address all threats. The UN’s guidelines for the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer …

The Other Arctic: Competition, Cooperation, Or Coexistence?, John B. Kelley, Christopher J. Sarton, Scott A. Curtice, Charles C. York Iii

Joint Force Quarterly

In Antarctica, the United States must mitigate risks stemming from competitive influences working to alter the current paradigms, but it also should seize the opportunities that Antarctica’s unique status affords. As climate change continues to open new opportunities in polar regions, international concern has grown over the potential for the future irresponsible use of the area by actors more concerned with military and economic advantage than conservation efforts. Apprehension over the People’s Republic of China (PRC)’s activities raises more significant concerns that Antarctica may become a region of military competition instead of global cooperation. This apprehension is well-founded but not …

The New China Model: Combating Economic And Political Order, Jack R. Swords

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

Contemporary world politics centers around the actions of the two largest powers on Earth, the United States and China. They are both each other’s greatest adversary yet at the same time are each other’s largest trading partners. This thesis explores the nature of China’s economic climate that has seen it grow to one of the world’s foremost powers. However, the East Asian Nation faces economic challenges centered around the three D’s: Debt, Deflation, and Demographics. This thesis analyses what the nature of these challenges are and how China is responding to them within the ever-advancing world of economic and political …

Culture Or Power: The Eruption Of The Anglophone Crisis In Cameroon, Danielle Tagakou Talla

Dissertations and Theses

Located in Central West Africa, Cameroon has been the stage of a protracted conflict since 2016. The conflict called the "Anglophone crisis" is rooted in Cameroon colonial history. This is reflected in the composition of its population with a large majority of Francophones and only 20 percent of Anglophones. The subsequent thesis aims to examine the crisis between 2016 and 2022 and understand the shift in focus that happened in the early years of the conflict. Using a qualitative methodology, journal articles, books and recorded interviews will provide substantial sources to decipher the change from cultural focus to one of …

Dod’S Need For A Transportable Energy Solution: The Promise Of Nuclear Power, Aaron Horwood, Juan Vitali, Ruddie Ibanez, Travis Knight

Joint Force Quarterly

Following Hurricane Maria in 2017, the Federal Government’s use of diesel generators exposed the limitations of renewable energy for large-scale operational needs of the Department of Defense (DoD). Solar and wind are impractical and costly for such demands, and green and synthetic fuels face significant supply chain challenges unless produced on-site. Transportable nuclear reactors, proven effective by the Navy, can produce large quantities of synthetic fuel and reduce reliance on vulnerable supply chains. Expanding the DoD’s nuclear capabilities offers reliable, transportable energy, enhancing military logistics, reducing costs, and supporting emissions reduction efforts.