What’s a tiny Pacific island to do?
“Small island communities are among those most vulnerable to the security risks of climate change,” writes Larson. The rising oceans create a host of problems, including destruction of farmland, salination of water tables, and coastal erosion. But these individual island communities are teaming up, and “As ‘low-power’ actors, [they] are intentionally confronting the powerful industrialized countries responsible for climate warming.”
Georgia-South Ossetia-Russia: Proposals for Immediate Steps to be taken to End Hostilities and Address Humanitarian Impacts
Kai Brand-Jacobson outines some recommendations for various actors and interest groups, including the Joint Control Commission, the EU, the US, the UN, and the Media. Rather than escalating and intensifying this conflict, these groups must realize that a peaceful resolution and a return to dialogue is in everyone’s best interest.
Rods from who?
A recent U.S. Air Force proposal suggests militarizing space. But why even consider opening up this can of giant, planet-orbiting, laser-firing worms?
Defining Conflict Transformation
Defining Conflict Transformation Author: Originally Published at Peace and Conflict Monitor on: 08/23/2006 Category: Book Review Defining Conflict Transformation By John Paul Lederach Author of The Little Book of Conflict Transformation I propose the following definition: Conflict transformation is to envision and respond to the ebb and flow of social conflict as life-giving opportunities for […]
The New Transporters of Weapons of Mass Destruction
Small arms and light weapons move swimmingly into war torn areas across the global South. Beyond the reach of border patrols (if they are present) former Eastern European pilots swoop in to make their deliveries on behalf of private company profiteers. Hugh Griffiths provides an inside look.
Nukes Worldwide: Disarmament, Iran, and New Military Doctrines
Jayantha Dhanapala, former Under Secretary General for Disarmament Affairs of the United Nations, says that there is a need for political solutions to resolve the nuclear proliferation in recent times.
Dhanapala is now the Secretary General of the Secretariat for Coordination of the Peace Process in Sri Lanka. He has also served as a Commissioner in UNSCOM and the Head of the Special Group visiting the Presidential Sites in Iraq in addition to his duties as Under-Secretary General for Disarmament Affairs.
In 2006 he will likely be Asia’s candidate for the post of the United Nations Secretary General.
Dhanapala feels passionately about disarmament. He spoke to Ravi R. Prasad at his office in Colombo.
The management of the Spratly Islands conflict: Success or failure?
The management of the Spratly Islands conflict: Success or failure? Author: Sopheada Phy Originally Published at Peace and Conflict Monitor on: 06/02/2009 Category: Analysis II The Spratly Islands are situated in the South China Sea, one of the largest continental shelves in the world, which is abundant in resources such as oil, natural gas, minerals, […]
The Little Children
Then They Started Shooting breaks stereotypes about “traumatized war children” by talking about children’s resilience in dealing with war hardship. In the aftermath of the Bosnian conflict, very few children showed lasting signs of trauma; instead, thoughts of their personal futures filled their minds. In her analyses of individual psychological health, Jones points out that children who avoided searching for explanations for past events have better psychological health than those who did not. Truly, distancing oneself from the past can be protective, but it can also cost the community as a whole. In the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it seems that ignoring the past and lacking the will to deal with it can reopen the wounds that never properly healed.
The state of the field. An interview with Christopher Mitchell
The state of the field. An interview with Christopher Mitchell Author: Ross Ryan Originally Published at Peace and Conflict Monitor on 09/19/2008 Christopher Mitchell is currently Professor Emeritus at theInstitute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, Virginia, where he was the Drucie French Cumbie Professor of Conflict Analysis for fifteen years. Previously, […]
CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN ASSAM: IS ENDGAME NIGH?
Rupakjyoti Borah reviews the conflict in Assam, India in light of recent developments including the arrest of ULFA commanders. Although peace talks and other attempts to resolve the conflict have been less than successful in recent years, Borah reports that there is renewed optimism for peace in the region, provided that Assam’s burning issues are addressed and political leaders are willing to negotiate.