Military Objectives Research Articles

The Antigonids and the Illyrians in the Late Third Century

During the 220s and the early 210s, the Antigonid and the Illyrians cooperated politically and militarily more than once: they fought together against Kleomenes of Sparta during the reign of Antigonos Doson and against the Aitolians during the reign of Philip V. The Illyrians proved to be valuable allies for the latter Antigonid because they provided not only well-trained infantry but also offered naval support to the Macedonian campaigns. However, by 211, Philip V had conquered the lands that had belonged to the Ardiaei dynasty of Illyria and controlled the Balkan peninsula from east to west. The only cities that were not under his rule were the Greek cities of the coast: Orikos, Apollonia, and Epidamnos. The Illyrian tribes under the defeated king Skerdilaidas were confined in the north. This study investigates the circumstances that led the Antigonids to go from friends to enemies of the Illyrians. It shows that Philip’s relationship with the Illyrians was initially prompted by his philos, Taurion, who fostered cooperation between Macedonia and the forces of the Ardiaei. However, Demetrios of Pharos’ arrival at the Antigonid court changed the political scene completely. By analyzing Polybius and Justin’s account, the paper highlights the role Demetrios of Pharos played in Illyrian foreign relations with Macedonia and the dramatic impact of his relationship with Philip V on Hellenistic events. Demetrios’ advice to the king on rethinking his military tactics and objectives was conducive to the Macedonian successes in the Social War. However, the real agenda of Demetrios became clear with time: Demetrios hoped to restore his leadership position in the Illyrian basileia as a local ally of Macedonia at the expense of his rival Skerdilaidas, a friend of the Romans. Although Demetrios’ death compromised the project, it brought unwanted Roman attention to Macedonia.

The Bonny Landing: The anatomy of Black Africa’s first amphibious operation, July to September 1967

The amphibious landing of troops at Bonny during the Nigerian Civil War is often described as a landmark feat accomplished by the military of a modern Black African state. It was the first of five landings which along with the instituting of a naval blockade formed the basis of the encirclement and eventual defeat of secessionist Biafra. This article captures the transformation of an erstwhile civilian marine department into a naval force which endured sabotage and defection prior to successfully transporting, landing, and affording covering fire for the federal Third Infantry Division. The article explains the military and political objectives, and also reveals the pivotal role played in its planning and execution by James Rawe, an expatriate British naval officer who was a veteran of the Normandy landings.

Urbicide the City of Gaza

At 7 October Gaza city is being subjected to genocide as a result of the angry reaction, with most of the victims were childrenand women. South Africa submit a request to the International Court of Justice in a case entitled “Application of theConvention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel)”.Acceptance indicates the validity of the request. Urbicide the city is one of the methods used by the colonial authorities toredesign the urban environment, by demolishing homes, public buildings, infrastructure, hospitals, open spaces and evenzoos, which would be a reformulation of the Palestinian narrative from the Israeli perspective. The study methodology isbased on analyzing the Urbicide concept . which is done through understanding the phenomena, analyzing them, andcomparing them with similar cases. This is done by analyzing some of the military objectives carried out during the war onurban, architectural, historical, governmental and community sites in Gaza. The place was destroyed, the population wasdispersed, the features of the city changed, the infrastructure disappeared, and hope became a mere mirage. The extent ofthe interrelation between the urbicide and genocide is become clear.

Targeting Russian Oil Refineries

Abstract In March 2024, Ukraine significantly intensified its assaults on Russian energy infrastructures, deploying a multitude of long-range drones to hit Russia’s largest refineries. This led to a temporary halt in production at several of these facilities. The primary objective of these assaults was to diminish Russia’s military capacity. On the other hand, these actions inflicted damage on the Russian economy. Targeting refineries and oil depots has emerged as a contentious issue. The classification of refineries and oil depots as military objectives is legally not precise. These facilities are seen as essential infrastructure for the nation’s economy and machinery of war. Targeting oil depots or works and installations containing dangerous forces during an international armed conflict could result in significant environmental damage, raising questions about the principles of military necessity, distinction and proportionality. An attack must not cause excessive incidental civilian damage relative to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated. This essay will explore the legal issues regarding targeting refineries and oil depots and a comprehensive analysis of the situation within the framework of International Humanitarian Law.

Principle of Distinction in Cyber Warfare

Abstract Principle of distinction, one of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law dictates, that participants in hostilities at all times distinguish between civilian objects and military objectives, as well as between civilians and combatants. This article addresses the adequacy of the protection offered by the principle in the cyber domain. Great reliance of militaries on civilian cyberinfrastructure expands the range of military objectives to the systems which key civilian activities depend on. There are many unknowns in fulfilling even the simple conditions for the combatant status, as well as in regulation of civilian direct participation in hostilities.

Determinations of the Strategic Military Actions on Economic Actions in the Conditions of Information Technology and Nonlinear Warfare

Abstract In this article, we refer to the impact of strategic military actions on the economic domain, in the context of nonlinear warfare, hybrid warfare, and the use of information technology, focused and based on the conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, triggered in February 2022. Initially, the war seemed to be a blitzkrieg strategy, but in reality, the special military operation of the Russian Federation was a secondary component of the generalized economic warfare led by the BRICS countries against Western economies. Thus, the military action is essentially attrition-based with limited military objectives and more spatial conquests in the critical infrastructure zones of maritime and energy transport. It interesting and represents a novelty the comparison between the classical theory of war of the Prussian general Carl von Clausewitz and the doctrine of nonlinear warfare of the Russian general Valery Gerasimov, which highlights the transition from classical and conventional kinetic warfare to other modern forms of unconventional conflict (economic, political, diplomatic, psychological). The concept of fourth-generation warfare emphasizes the use of technique and technology, promoting flexibility and adaptability on a large scale, while the fifth-generation war, currently ongoing between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, is a continuation at another level and focuses on indirect actions and strategic economic objectives, expanding the battlefield much more into the virtual and psychological space. The article offers a comprehensive analysis of how modern warfare combines different domains to achieve strategic objectives in an increasingly interdependent world and provides an integrated perspective on its evolution, emphasizing the need for complex and multidimensional approaches.

Typology of Hypocrites’ Behaviors during the Expedition of Tabūk based on Sūrah al-Tawba

A significant event in the final years of the life of the Prophet Muḥammad was the Expedition of Tabūk. This has been reflected in the Holy Quran and historical texts by including its particular circumstances. In the Expedition of Tabūk, the behaviors and actions of the hypocrites ran counter to the sacrifices and persistence of Prophet’s companions. In response to this situation, the Quranic verses of Sūrah al-Tawba reveal the hypocrites’ intentions, expressing the actual reasons for their lack of cooperation. Given the influence of this group of people on the religious community, it is necessary to elucidate the behaviors and intentions of the hypocrites. This study presents the typology of hypocrites’ behaviors during the Expedition of Tabūk based on the verses of al-Tawba by using qualitative and quantitative methods, and analyzes the causes of these behaviors. The statistical reviews of 39 verses dealing with the hypocrites’ actions revealed that 84% of these actions were sociopolitical and religious, while the remaining 16% were economic. The particular focus of the verses of al-Tawba on the behavior of the companions of the Prophet in the Expedition of Tabūk and disregarding its military objectives elucidates the main goal of the Expedition of Tabūk. This Expedition did not pursue military goals; rather, it was a test of Muslims to reveal the intentions of the companions of the Prophet. It seems that the diversity in the hypocrites’ behaviors is rooted in their attitudes towards religious values and the conflict between the values of the Islamic society with their ideas and purposes.

Twisted Narratives: The Neoconservatives’ Pursuit of War for Oil in the 1970s

Abstract Following the oil crisis of 1973, President Nixon and other American officials made statements on the possibility of resorting to force in the event of OPEC’s actual “strangulation of the West” (Oil Fields as Military Objectives 1). Such statements were followed by a set of articles that rationalized taking military action to seize the oil fields in the Middle East. This paper argues that academics, political advisers, and news commentators who later became known as neoconservatives were the leading voices behind these calls for war. Their arguments and detailed plans of attack initiated a serious discussion of the military option in various decision-making circles and in different media outlets. By revisiting these articles and analyzing their narratives, this essay draws a connection between the neoconservatives’ war rhetoric in 1973–1975 and their war rhetoric in the aftermath of 9/11 attacks. The essay contends that in the effort to maintain US hegemony and dominance over a volatile and strategically vital region, neoconservatives reemployed an orientalist discourse that transformed the Middle East and its “natives” into the West’s cultural Other, namely, an opponent to democracy, modernity, and liberalism that can only be dealt with through the use of force. (RA)

Reintegration of cyber veterans: challenges and strategies for post-war transition.

Battles in the cyber domain often lack visibility compared to the physical domain, which can lead to insufficient appreciation of its actors' achievements by the general public and society. Nonetheless, it has become a crucial area of modern warfare in which cyber professionals defend the nation's critical infrastructure, support other military operations and achieve military objectives that could not be attained in other domains. Although cyber combatants might not have as high a risk of injury or death as those on the front lines, they still can face traumatic events and suffer from the same types of issues after the war as any other veteran. Earlier studies on war veterans have shown they have elevated risks of mental health issues, substance use, social problems and financial difficulties which might push some individuals towards a path of crime. The cyber domain is also not limited by time or place, which has given rise to cyber volunteerism in which skilled individuals around the globe decide to assist their own country or friendly nations. This publication aims to identify the challenges cyber veterans might face when transitioning back to civilian life and develop appropriate strategies to facilitate their reintegration. It also raises the awareness of the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who can develop similar problems after the war. Without proper awareness, support and dialogue, some of these individuals can also drift towards harmful social implications such as cybercrime.

IS THE CONTEMPORARY RUSSIA-UKRAINE CONFLICT “CONVENTIONAL”?

One of the biggest European conflagrations after the World War II constitutes Russian’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine which begun in 2014 and evolved in a full scale war in February 2022. Despite the fact that it represents an armed conflict between two actors, it is difficult to classify it as pure conventional or unconventional war. The main goal of the paper is to reveal the extent to which conflict can be classified as conventional since both sides have been using a long range of elements of unconventional war. Using the historical and analytical method, the paper emphasizes that the conflict cannot be classified fully conventional or unconventional as the actors use a mixture of both to reach their military and political objectives. The scope of our paper limits the research to the Russian military interventions unfolding during the last two decades.

Nuclear Disarmament in Latin America: Unveiling the Impact of Humanitarian Perspectives and Advocacy Campaigns on the TPNW

This essay explores the evolution of the humanitarian disarmament initiative toward the TPNW and the links and influences from Latin America civil society efforts. Shifting away from traditional military objectives, humanitarian disarmament integrates civil society organizations, prioritizes Human Security over State security, and emphasizes the humanitarian impact of weapons. The paper examines key campaigns, including the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), the Control Arms Campaign, the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC), and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), elucidating their advocacy strategies. It highlights the unique features of humanitarian disarmament, stressing obligations beyond elimination, addressing challenges in multilateral forums, and presenting Latin America’s distinct approach. The essay concludes by discussing the status of nuclear disarmament in the region, emphasizing universalization efforts and contextual challenges, including the rise of alt-right movements and the region’s historical commitment to nuclear disarmament.

Artificial Intelligence in Indo-Pacific

The use of Artificial Intelligence in the military is like two sides of a coin. It can provide convenience and aid in military operations but has the potential to hinder military operations. Dangerous and potentially catastrophic for humanity will be inevitable as no restrictions on its use. The United States, China, Australia, Japan, and India are examples of nations whose militaries have developed artificial intelligence technology. Geographically, Southeast Asia, which is located in the middle of these nations, will experience a significant impact due to its tight maritime borders if there is no international consensus on the military application of artificial intelligence technology. An autonomous or autonomous system to operate this technology will reduce the amount of human control and allow it to operate without any human intervention. It will be a threat to the application of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, such as the distinction principle, and proportionality principle. Where these principles are tightly intertwined with human command and control in making decisions regarding the execution of attacks. The article employs normative legal methodology. Furthermore, this paper endeavours to assess the pertinence of principles in international humanitarian law during the era of the artificial intelligence arms race. It also delves into the contribution of ASEAN in upholding stability, peace, and security in the Southeast Asia region, thereby reinforcing the importance of this research. This research emphasises the importance of aligning the progress of artificial intelligence in military contexts with core principles of international humanitarian law. It underscores the need for ASEAN to safeguard regional peace and security by establishing a novel regulatory framework that outlines restrictions on the development and deployment of artificial intelligence for military objectives.

Strategic Communications in the Global Security Environment: StratCom’s Shift of the Balance of Power

The public-facing aspect of national defence communications is a lesser understood organizational function of militaries around the world. Though conventional propaganda and diplomacy efforts date back centuries, the modern approach to military Strategic Communications (StratCom) is a murky, fast-evolving discipline that is not well understood by the public. As such, the topic bears further examination due to its vital importance in achieving defensive and strategic military objectives. Through defining StratCom’s function and the contexts that led to its inception, this paper gives an overview of how StratCom has been useful for the U.S. and its Western allies in their navigation of a tense, nuclearized global security environment. Thereafter, through examining the new ways these strategies are employed in our hyper-connected world, this paper demonstrates that the West’s adversaries have leveraged StratCom to tip the scales of hard power in the contemporary hybrid war environment.

Redefining doubt in cases of uncertainty: an analysis of the 2023 US DoD Law of War Manual revision to the presumption of civilian status in armed conflict

The third edition of the United States (US) Department of Defense Law of War Manual, updated in December 2016 (2015 DoD Manual) states that “[u]nder customary international law, no legal presumption of civilian status exists for persons or objects”. The 2015 Manual received general support from military circles, but some experts believed that rejecting the customary international law (CIL) status of the presumption of civilian status in instances of doubt was an apparent mistake or important error. The 2023 US DoD Law of War Manual (2023 Manual) has now been promulgated with a revision to the doubt rule. Doubt regarding the character of persons or the nature of dedicated civilian objects results in a “presumption” of civilian status “unless the information available indicates that the persons or objects are military objectives”. The 2023 Manual attracted criticism, with some experts, especially those with military experience, arguing that it is counterproductive to incorporate exponentially legalistic or complex, nuanced judgements about status determinations, presumptions and the sufficiency of rebuttal evidence in practical matters such as targeting decisions. The article evaluates the substance and implications of the revision to the doubt rule in the 2023 Manual. The article further considers whether the doubt rule regarding the civilian character of persons and the nature of certain objects has acquired customary international humanitarian law status. Ultimately, the article concludes that is not realistic to include a presumption for application in targeting decisions due to the complexities of applying legalistic concepts during armed conflict.

Civil Resistance in Ukraine: Exploring the Dynamics and Impacts of Social Emancipation Forces to Counter the 2022 Russian Invasion

This essay examines the role of nonviolent civil resistance in Ukraine during the 2022 Russian invasion. Drawing from the notions of nonviolence strategy, resilience and people’s power, it illustrates how nonviolence can undermine an aggressor’s military and political objectives while strengthening the social emancipation forces. The essay is based on the analysis of 235 varied nonviolent actions from February to June 2022, seeking to understand key drivers, dynamics, and their influence in the Ukrainian context. It also emphasizes the impact of non-cooperation in occupied territories to prevent the institutionalization of repression and the importance of culture in safeguarding the value system of Ukrainians. The paper concludes that nonviolent strategies have significantly impeded Russian military objectives during the first phase of the invasion, contributing to the liberation of Kherson and strengthening Ukrainian social cohesion and national identity, thus contributing to the democratic state- and nation-building process.

무력충돌시 문화재 파괴 행위에 대한 국제형사책임의 과제

Since the 1990s, situations in which culturally significant heritage sites serve as symbolic targets for intentional attacks, leading to the 'destruction of enemy communities,' have frequently occurred. The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), established to prosecute serious violations of international humanitarian law within the former Yugoslav territories, addresses prominent cases of intentional attacks and destruction of cultural property during the armed conflict, specifically targeting the annihilation of ethnic identity. This article examines the implications and limitations of international legal norms regarding the protection of cultural heritage during armed conflicts, focusing on the Dubrovnik Old Town shelling incident, a representative case of cultural property destruction prosecuted by the ICTY. Firstly, the intentional destruction of cultural heritage is undeniably a significant violation of values that the international community must protect. The pursuit of individual criminal responsibility for the destruction of cultural heritage within the international criminal tribunal signifies a substantial advancement in international efforts to protect cultural heritage during armed conflicts. The negative impact of the intentional destruction of cultural property on human dignity and universal human values is undeniable. However, ensuring effective protection of cultural property in the current normative context, where attacks on cultural property for military purposes may be justified, remains challenging. Secondly, military necessity, rooted in customary international law, limits attacks on enemy forces to military objectives, focusing on the centralization of enemy forces, balancing the military necessity of concentrated attacks on enemy forces with humanitarian considerations to protect civilian objects. However, determining what qualifies as a military objective can be challenging, as it depends on the circumstances of combat and operations. Regardless of whether the principle of proportionality is applicable, evaluating the military necessity from the perspective of cultural heritage protection is crucial. ICTY recognizes that even when military necessity justifies attacks on civilian objects, the intentional destruction of cultural heritage can have a significant impact on the psychological well-being of civilians and may upset the balance with military superiority. Thus, careful consideration is necessary when assessing the military necessity in cases where the protection of cultural property, with a higher need for protection than general civilian objects, is involved. Moreover, even if a target has dual-use, being considered a military objective, evaluating proportionality in the attack is essential to prevent harm to civilians, in accordance with the principle of proportionality. In conclusion, the intentional destruction of cultural heritage should be treated as a threat to the common values of the international community, necessitating appropriate legal and policy responses in line with the actual circumstances of the armed coflict. Military commanders should not only view attacks on cultural heritage as inevitable collateral damage but also recognize the gravity of such acts as war crimes and consider them strategically within military operations.

Valuing the Hong Kong Northern Metropolis

The transformation of socialist cities during the lengthy 20th century was closely integrated with the overall economic activities of the state and operated within a system where the means of production were nationalised and central governments were responsible for decision-making, be it spatial arrangement of the economy and political or military objectives of the country. At the same time, the transformation of cities during this period ideologically attempted to promote egalitarian society where access to assets and amenities, and allocation of commodities was consistent and equal to all. Somewhat surprisingly, as the topic has been relatively less discussed in previous literature, urban planning during the socialist era uncovers arguments for sustainable development. Yet, notions of priority during socialism also existed and this indicates some major constraints and dysfunctions in the transformation of cities under the centrally planned system of state socialism. This overview of the book “planning during socialism: views from the periphery” (2024 Routledge) offers some fresh support points to unpack the unfinished research challenges of studies of urban space of socialist cities through transversalities of political, economic and social phenomena that contribute to diverse spatial configurations.

The unfinished project for the socialist city and the legacy of its multiple ecologies

The transformation of socialist cities during the lengthy 20th century was closely integrated with the overall economic activities of the state and operated within a system where the means of production were nationalised and central governments were responsible for decision-making, be it spatial arrangement of the economy and political or military objectives of the country. At the same time, the transformation of cities during this period ideologically attempted to promote egalitarian society where access to assets and amenities, and allocation of commodities was consistent and equal to all. Somewhat surprisingly, as the topic has been relatively less discussed in previous literature, urban planning during the socialist era uncovers arguments for sustainable development. Yet, notions of priority during socialism also existed and this indicates some major constraints and dysfunctions in the transformation of cities under the centrally planned system of state socialism. This overview of the book “planning during socialism: views from the periphery” (2024 Routledge) offers some fresh support points to unpack the unfinished research challenges of studies of urban space of socialist cities through transversalities of political, economic and social phenomena that contribute to diverse spatial configurations.

Russia’s Strategy of Outsuffering and the War in Ukraine

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, but it has failed to attain its political and military objectives. Since then, Russia has doubled down on its war effort. This article claims that Russia’s decision to continue the war despite initial setbacks and a high number of casualties is the result of using the strategy of ‘outsuffering’ its adversaries. This article explains the origins and instrumentalization of this strategy by Vladimir Putin, as well as its implications for Russia’s war in Ukraine, Russia’s foreign policy more generally, and Russia’s domestic politics. The article concludes that although insensitivity to costs can be an important advantage when states pursue confrontational foreign policy strategies, Russia’s attempts to outsuffer its adversaries in a war of attrition raise questions about the viability of this strategy. Thus, the strategy’s ominous promise for Russia is suffering without end.

International Humanitarian Law and the Use of Starvation as a Method of Warfare: Positive Duties on the Parties to the Conflict

Starvation is one of the numerous humanitarian consequences following armed conflicts as a result of the obstruction in the chain of production and distribution. However, the situation becomes worrisome when starvation isemployed by the parties to a conflict as a method of warfare. This trend was obvious in a number of contemporary armed conflicts such as Russia-Ukraine war, Syrian war, Ethiopia-Tigray war, and Yemeni war, to mention but a few. These were all characterized by the destruction of objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population and in some casethe obstruction of humanitarian access to civilians in need of humanitarian assistance. Against this background, the paper focuses on examining the rules of International Humanitarian Law regulating the use of starvation as a method of warfare, with a view to identifying the positive obligation of the parties to conflict towards strengthening these rules. The study adopted the traditional doctrinal method of legal research combined with qualitative approach. It is the finding of this paper that deliberate attacks against objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population; and the obstruction of humanitarian access to civilians in need of humanitarian assistance are the major ways through which civilians are starved in situations of armed conflicts. To tackle this problem, the paper recommended among other things, the use of the distinctive emblems to enhance the distinction between civilian objectives and military objectives; and the facilitation of the passage relief materials particularly foodstuff for civilians in need of humanitarian assistance.