China’s ADIZ: A New Phase of the Pacific Arms Race
This paper offers an in-depth analysis of the history, status, and implications of the recent air defense identification zone (ADIZ) disputes in Northeast Asia involving China, South Korea, Japan, and the United States. The interests and actions of all parties are considered in light of the larger political and economic trends in the region, as well as the legal basis for claiming an ADIZ. Strategies to re-frame and deescalate the conflict and avoid military confrontation are suggested.
Disunity in Palestine: Its History and Implications for the Peace Process
Mahmoud Abdou explores the history and implications of political disunity among Palestinian leadership, arguing that a united Palestine is an essential step toward peace for everyone in the region.
Morality in Development Aid
This paper addresses the wide gap between the good intentions of development aid and its actual consequences for the world’s poor. The analysis hinges on the central question of what role morality plays in the political and economic strategies underlying the provision of development aid.
Landmarks in the Historical Development of Human Rights Theory: A Synoptic View
This essay touches on conceptual debates around theories of human rights, particularly as they apply to language and universality, before presenting a narration of philosophical development towards the contemporary understanding of human rights through Greek and Roman thought, Mediaeval Europe, liberal and revolutionary individualism, and the creation of the UN system after WWII.
Interview with Mary King
ASHOK PATNAIK, a journalist working mostly on the Indian sub-continent, questions Professor Mary King, peace activist, academic, authority on non-violence and author of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr: The Power of Nonviolent Action, which is about to be reissued in India and elsewhere. Professor Mary King is currently professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at UPEACE where, amongst other duties, she advises the Rector on the development of the Africa programme.
On the 60th anniversary of the Korean War armistice agreement
Though the combat phase of the war is over, the Korean peninsula is still without a lasting peace.
The Prospects of the African Mechanisms for Preventing, Managing and Resolving Conflict
This article discusses the potential of African mechanisms for peace, especially the African Union’s Peace and Security Council, to prevent, manage, and resolve violent conflict on the continent, both within and between states. While various criticisms and challenges are discussed, the author ends on an optimistic note and makes a series of practical recommendations for AU member states, pointing a way forward, toward a peaceful and prosperous Africa.
A Reminder of the Costs of the Iraq War and the War on Terror
As tensions escalate again in Iraq and the United States considers further involvement, Andrew Syrios recommends that the American people take a moment to acknowledge the significant costs that the “War on Terror” has already incurred.
Kirkuk Conflict: The Underlying Energy Dimension
This paper offers a different perspective on the conflict within Kirkuk Governorate vis-à-vis the commonly held view of it being principally an ethno-national conflict based on territorial claims of Kurdish nationalism. The foundation of this analysis is the recognition that the local politics of the energy rich Kirkuk region are increasingly connected with the national and regional energy geopolitics, which are responsible for many of the defining characteristics of the conflict today. After reviewing the positions and interests of various stakeholders, this paper lays out certain recommendations that can be considered by relevant parties in resolving the conflict.
Is Cyberwar Really War?
Is cyberwar inevitable? Is it even war? What about cyberpeace? This article reviews the ongoing cyber debate among security analysts.