Social Capital, the Reintegration of Ex-Combatants, and Peacebuilding in Post-War Liberia
Social capital—in the form of trust, norms, and networks—is central to how the reintegration of ex-combatants has played out in post-war Liberia but also is itself a key product of these reintegration processes.
When Do Nonviolent Uprisings Prompt Mediation?
Nonviolent uprisings with radical flanks have a higher mediation rate—35%, as opposed to 14% for those uprisings without radical flanks—suggesting that movements with radical flanks may create greater incentives for mediation due to the “greater risks of negative externalities.”
When Countries Import More Weapons, Are They More Likely to Go to War?
In high-risk countries, an increase in weapons imports can significantly increase the likelihood that armed conflict will break out.
Towards Global Abolition: Nuclear Weapon Free Zones and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
Nuclear Weapon Free Zones (NWFZs) have advanced the global movement against nuclear weapons by requiring—in at least one case—commitments from nuclear-armed countries to never use, test, or store their weapons within the NWFZ region.
Financing War Through Taxes Reduces Social Inequality and Public Support for War
Borrowing money to pay for war leads to greater social inequality and allows governments to shield the public from direct costs of war-leading to higher war support and approval ratings, and less budget oversight.
For Genuine Impact, Research Must Be More Accessible
The slow migration of academic knowledge into practical application limits a field’s growth, impact, and the overall effectiveness of its practitioners. Open access journals make research more accessible by eliminating expensive paywalls and subscription fees.
Critical Feminist Insights on Security, Militarism, and the Inclusion of Women in the Military
A critical feminist perspective is necessary to a more accurate understanding of problems around gender and militarism, security, warfare, and militaries themselves. All of these depend on gender hierarchies—the privileging of masculinity and its associated traits over femininity and its associated traits—and “gendered myths and images” to function.
“Women Make Peace Stick”
Women continue to be underrepresented in peacebuilding processes. Peace Science consistently shows that female inclusion is vital to the success and longevity of peace agreements.
The U.S. Lifts Suspension of “War Games” With South Korea
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis indicated this week that the U.S. will lift a suspension of joint military exercises with South Korea. This announcement, in addition to President Trump’s recent cancelation of his State Department’s visit to Pyongyang, goes against what Peace Science tells us about the importance of granting concessions and avoiding provocations during intense negotiations.
Civil Society’s Important Peacebuilding Role On The Korean Peninsula
The United States has downplayed the importance of including civil society in the peace talks between North and South Korea. However, civil society has a proven track record in this area: history and research show that by including civil society in negotiations, the strength and longevity of peace agreements are increased.
Poland Wants To Increase Defense Spending & More U.S. Troops
The Polish President has recently expressed a desire to increase the country’s military spending and has been petitioning Washington for a permanent U.S. base and more troops. Peace Science has identified the unfortunate concessions countries often make in the name of “security”.
