Military Efforts Research Articles

Unpacking the Impact of External Support on Rebel Groups: Does it Fuel or Quell Violence Against Civilians?

ABSTRACT In civil conflicts, the relations of rebel groups with civilians are largely influenced by the rebels’ capabilities. Seeking external resources to enhance their military efforts and resilience, rebel groups’ access to those resources shapes their war strategies, including violence against civilians. Unlike the extant research drawing on highly aggregated designs, we argue that not every form of support affects rebels’ violent behaviour in the same direction. In this study, we test whether different forms of external support are associated with the level of rebel violence against civilians by using comprehensive data on foreign support to rebel groups in intrastate conflicts between 1989 and 2017. The findings support the need for disaggregation of foreign support to understand better the dynamics in this relationship. The results show that external support in the forms of access to infrastructure, from both state and non-state actors, and troops from non-state actors are associated with a decrease in civilian victimisation.

Anthropometrical and Physical Performance Profiles of Military Cadets from Angola

Military efforts must include different evaluations to prepare for battles around the world. This study aimed to characterize the body composition and physical performance levels of military cadets from Angola. Ninety military academy participants (males: n=48, females: n=42) aged 18-24 years old performed a battery of physical fitness tests to evaluate upper and lower limbs muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition. Significant differences between sexes were observed in all variables (p<0.05). Males and females, respectively, showed normal-range values in the body mass index (BMI) (23.32±3.95; 24.75±4.01 Kg/m2), body fat (9.09±6.17; 14.59±8.86 kg), push-ups (36.88±9.81; 20.67±6.62 repetitions), sit-ups (71.04±17.14; 61.95±19.05 repetitions) and medicine ball throwing (5.06±0.89; 4.00±0.84 m). However, countermovement jump (36.14±6.54; 23.53±7.62 cm), 80-meter sprint (13.08±1.90; 14.96±2.01 s), cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen uptake: 38.02±6.3; 33.18±6.49 ml/kg/min), and fat-free mass values (54.17 ± 8.06; 46.18 ± 6.9 kg) were considered low, specifically in females. Military cadets from Angola, especially females, presented low values of fat-free mass, cardiorespiratory fitness, and neuromuscular maximal performances (countermovement jump and sprint). This highlights a need for body composition and physical condition improvement to perform physical tasks with high military relevance.

Eastern Orthodox War Justification and Ecclesial Dilemmas Arising from the War in Ukraine

The escalation of ecclesial and religio-political conflicts since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has further complicated the convoluted ecclesial situation in Ukraine and has been addressed in a series of sermons, formal statements and documents issued by senior Russian and Ukrainian ecclesiastical figures. Their ideological and theological rhetoric demonstrates the active participation of senior Russian Orthodox clerics in the justification of the Russian military effort which represents some radical ruptures in Eastern Orthodox ecclesial involvement in war-making and mobilisation. The Moscow Patriarchate’s war-legitimisation stances and policies have major repercussions for the current debates on and reconceptions of the Christian just-war tradition in the frameworks of just peace, peacebuilding and reconciliation, as well as the potential key role of Christian religious actors in these processes.

ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ КОНЦЕПЦІЇ КОРПОРАТИВНОЇ СОЦІАЛЬНОЇ ВІДПОВІДАЛЬНОСТІ БІЗНЕСУ УКРАЇНИ В УМОВАХ ВОЄННОГО СТАНУ

This article analyzes corporate social responsibility (CSR) of businesses in Ukraine under martial law conditions. It explores the theoretical understanding and practical application of CSR in crisis situations, emphasizing the interaction of enterprises with society and their responsibility towards it. The aim of the research is to theoretically conceptualize corporate social responsibility of businesses and analyze the practical aspects of implementing the CSR concept by Ukrainian businesses during war. Research methods include the analysis of scientific literature, empirical methods, and content analysis of company websites, which allows for identifying and assessing the content of CSR initiatives. The results show that in wartime conditions, CSR takes on a more pragmatic and focused character, oriented towards supporting military efforts and infrastructure recovery, moving beyond conventional corporate reports and standards. The article defines CSR as an integral element of company management that integrates economic, ethical, ecological, and social standards into business development strategy on the basis of voluntariness and responsibility for the impact of actions on society and the environment, with the aim of ensuring sustainable development and the well-being of stakeholders. A comprehensive sociological survey of managers, employees, and consumers is proposed to determine the level of CSR in business as a whole, not just in large companies. Keywords: corporate social responsibility, martial law, social initiatives, community restoration, humanitarian demining.

Emerging Technologies in Conflict: The Impact of Starlink in the Russia – Ukraine War

Abstract This paper examines the role of technology on military communications, focusing on the impact of the commercial Starlink system on the battlefield. Utilizing the conflict in Ukraine as a case study, it will evaluate in detail how Starlink has influenced military actions, decision support, and the coordination of military efforts, offering a unique perspective on the transformation of communications in the context of modern conflicts. Furthermore, the study will analyze the essential role played by Starlink in supporting military morale and social resilience, highlighting how access to secure and rapid satellite communications has contributed to maintaining a positive mindset and cohesion under wartime conditions. By addressing these dimensions, the paper aims to capture the critical importance of emerging technologies not only in optimizing military actions but also in strengthening civil solidarity and social cohesion in times of crisis or war.

Financial hardship, positive financial behaviour, and behavioural health outcomes among U.S. soldiers

LAY SUMMARY Financial hardship, such as difficulty paying for expenses or having to borrow money from family and friends to pay for needs, is of concern for several reasons, including how it affects mental and physical health. The authors wanted to provide more detailed information on which aspects of health it affects and were also curious about whether positive financial behaviors affected the health of military personnel. This study found that service members who reported more financial hardship also reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, insomnia, and physical aggression, poorer general health, and less sleep. However, positive financial behaviors had little effect on any of the health outcomes. Findings suggest that focusing on reducing financial hardship will be more effective in improving mental health than encouraging positive financial behaviors. This research has implications for the ongoing military efforts to improve financial literacy and reduce financial hardship.

Mecca’s Cult and Medina’s Constitution in the Qurʾān: A New Reading of al-Māʾidah

Abstract The Qurʾān’s fifth sura denounces the killing of game during pilgrimage and decries the killing of innocent Believers. This juxtaposition reflects the intimate connection between right worship and proper social order, between cult and covenant, a connection that animates the entire sura. In particular, the sura suggests that if Jews and Christians have been generally unreliable allies, if they have been often reluctant to support the Believers’ military efforts against the Quraysh, and if they were even unwilling to requite violence against innocent Believers, it was because the People of the Book mostly had a negative view of the Meccan Sanctuary and its rituals. Specifically, they derided the central rite of ṣalāt, which may have been accompanied with sacrifices on certain occasions (such as Fridays). In the light of their opposition to the Meccan cult, the sura commands the Believers not to take Jews or Christians as covenantal partners. It is possible that the sura thereby ended the Believers’ alliance with some Jewish tribes of Yathrib as enshrined in the Constitution of Medina. What supports this possibility is that al-Māʾidah has significant thematic and terminological overlaps with the Constitution of Medina, as alliance with the Jews and deterring violent crimes through retaliation are central concerns to both documents. Still, and contrary to the interpretations of several scholars, it is doubtful that at the time of al-Māʾidah’s proclamation the Prophet had judicial authority over the People of the Book or that he sought to impose violent punishment against them.

Climate security and Japan’s new national security strategy: a policy analysis

Japan’s National Security Strategy makes it clear that the Government of Japan is more climate-security minded than before, although its overall tone is dominated by geopolitical and traditional security issues. The Government of Japan, and the Ministry of Defense in particular, should address climate security particularly in close cooperation with its international partners. Military-to-military cooperation should be accelerated mainly on the response and adaptation of the military forces to the impacts of climate change. Japan’s effort will contribute to the international efforts to build a new security architecture in the Indo-Pacific. The Ministry of Defense established its Response Strategy on Climate Change. This is important as it clearly shows the Ministry’s recognition that the effort to address climate change is compatible with national security efforts, including military efforts. As climate security is a truly global agenda, Japan’s international security cooperation to address climate change should be pursued globally. As it is quite new for Japan, there is much room for expansion in response, adaptation and reduction. Climate security should not be viewed as any political movement in disguise. Scientific integrity should be respected. Additionally, Japan’s international cooperation on policy study on climate security must be promoted to advance climate security policy in Japan.

Https://www.jippublication.com/leadership-agricultural-innovation-peace-and-order-among-the-residents-of-the-agricultural-development-of-a-province

This study investigates the impact of leadership, agricultural innovation, and peace and order on agricultural development in Lanao del Sur. Focusing on four municipalities—Taraka, Marantao, Ganassi, and Malabang—each with unique agricultural characteristics, the study aims to understand how these factors contribute to the region's agricultural progress. A total of 399 participants were surveyed using adapted and researcher-made instruments. Descriptive-correlational and causal research designs were employed to analyze the data through mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression. The results reveal that strong leadership in political, economic, and collective agricultural actions significantly enhances development. High levels of agricultural innovation, particularly in farming methods and infrastructure, were also observed. However, the persistence of "rido" (clan feuding) and lawlessness, despite ongoing police and military efforts, continues to challenge peace and order in the province. The study concludes that while leadership and innovation drive agricultural progress, sustained efforts to maintain peace are crucial for further development.

БАЛАНС МІЖ ПРОЗОРІСТЮ ТА БЕЗПЕКОЮ В УПРАВЛІННІ ДЕРЖАВНИМИ ЗАКУПІВЛЯМИ В КРИЗОВИХ СИТУАЦІЯХ

The article examines the intricate balance between transparency and security in managing public procurement processes during crisis situations, focusing on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Based on empirical data and theoretical foundations, the research explores the challenges and strategies associated with maintaining accountability while simultaneously protecting sensitive information. Key themes include the classification of procurement contracts, mechanisms for ensuring transparency and public oversight, and promoting fair competition under security threats. The findings shed light on best practices and policy implications for effective procurement management during crises, particularly in the context of national security and economic stability. Public procurement plays a crucial role during crises, serving as a mechanism for rapid mobilization and distribution of resources where they are most needed. This significance is heightened during crises such as the conflict in Ukraine, where the need for swift and efficient procurement of goods, services, and infrastructure is critical to supporting military efforts and humanitarian aid. The challenge lies in balancing the urgency of procurement with principles of transparency and security, ensuring that processes remain resilient to corruption and inefficiency while meeting pressing needs. Achieving transparency and security in public procurement requires a multifaceted approach. This includes establishing a robust legal framework, implementing advanced digital platforms that facilitate e-procurement, and adhering to strict security protocols. Public accessibility to procurement information, stakeholder participation, and mechanisms for contestation and dispute resolution are also vital components. These measures not only prevent abuse but also encourage broader participation in procurement processes, thereby stimulating competition and innovation. The analysis emphasizes the importance of electronic procurement systems, such as ProZorro, and the implementation of international standards and recommendations to achieve an optimal balance between transparency and security.

The Cost of Atrocity: Strategic Implications of Russian Battlefield Misconduct in Ukraine

AbstractSince commencing its illegal invasion in 2022, the Russian military and authorities have committed numerous war crimes against the people of Ukraine. These include the mutilation and execution of combatants; the torture, kidnapping, forced expulsion, rape, and massacre of civilians; and indiscriminate attacks on densely populated areas. In this essay, I evaluate the strategic implications of this misconduct, focusing exclusively on Western responses. I argue that war crimes can and often do negatively impact the strategic goals of the perpetrator, but whether and how this occurs is rarely governed exclusively by the offending action. Western perceptions of battlefield atrocity, shaped as they are by identity, race, and politics, may radically shift from one context to another. In the case of the Russia-Ukraine war, the status of both the participants and the conflict itself has helped inculcate a particular sensitivity among Western actors to the battlefield criminality of Russia. Drawing on evidence from the 2022 Bucha massacre and the ongoing bombing of Ukrainian civilians, I argue that Russian misconduct has consolidated Western support for the Ukrainian military effort, politically, diplomatically, and materially.

The Impact of Insecurity on the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria.

The state of insecurity in Nigeria is a major challenge in the efforts to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country. Every region is under one form of security challenge or the other resulting into large scale destruction of lives, property and infrastructure, particularly in the northern part of the country. Consequently, the prevailing insecurity has almost grounded socio-economic activities thereby risking the attainment of the sustainable development goals in the country. This paper takes a critical look at the possibility of attaining the Global Goals in 2030 in the face of mounting security challenges. Secondary sources – books, journals, magazines, newspapers and the internet were the sources of data. For the country to make appreciable progress on the Global Goals, the paper recommends the resolution of the root causes of conflict through effective and honest engagement with disaffected groups and the promotion of national reconciliation. The need to intensify the fight against criminal gangs and the ongoing military efforts against Boko Haran was also recommended.

To win the war is not the same as to ‘win the peace’: the coming constitutional moment in Ukraine

Russia’s continuing aggression against Ukraine is exceptional both in terms of its scale and its global implications. A peaceful and prosperous future for Ukraine, neighbouring states and indeed the entire continent, depends upon two interrelated factors. The first is Ukraine’s ability to win, with Western support, the war initiated against it by the Russian Federation under Putin. This would bring about a new global opening, ending the Moscow-Beijing anti-Western axis in world politics. The second factor is Ukraine’s ability to take advantage of the constitutional moment that will present itself as attention shifts from the military effort toward the process of state reconstruction. Presenting the situation of Ukraine in regional, historical, and global context, we draw attention to specific challenges and choices that state elites will face post-war. We explain the internal and external implications of these choices to show why Ukraine should seize its upcoming constitutional moment. Drawing on both political theory and real world examples of constitutional revolutions, we explain the factors involved in the effective exploitation of the constitutional moment. We suggest that, channelled to constructive purposes, the demands and aspirations of Ukrainian citizens may help propel the political and economic reforms needed to secure social trust and a stable future. We conclude that multi-level political and civic engagement in a new constitutional process will be indispensable for reconstructing the institutional foundations for peace, democratic governance and the rule of law in post-conflict Ukraine.

Political Dynamics in Ukraine After Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion

This study examines the intricate shifts in political competition during the period of martial law in Ukraine, with a focus on alterations in dynamics and their potential implications for the post-war political landscape. Employing data from reputable institutions, parliamentary voting records, and analyses of current events, this study aims to provide insights into the extent of changes in political competition and its infl uence on the upcoming party system configuration. The analysis reveals noteworthy patterns, such as the shift in legislative focus towards foreign policy and defence post-full-scale invasion, and the increased parliamentary support for the Ukrainian president’s initiatives, largely due to personal influence rather than party affiliations. The study also examines the evolving voting dynamics in parliament, characterised by two distinct periods, shedding light on the challenges of securing crucial votes for significant bills. In light of these findings, this study emphasises the importance of a well-thought-out action plan to restore the electoral process in post-war Ukraine, taking into account the challenges posed by the current electoral system and regional variations in voter turnout. The study concludes by highlighting the need for intensive support for Ukraine’s military efforts as the primary means of ensuring a quick return to the democratic electoral process.

From reluctance to reassurance: Explaining the shift in the Germans’ NATO alliance solidarity following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

ABSTRACT Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has led to a shift of public opinion in Germany on collective defense: reluctance towards the defense of NATO’s eastern flank has given way to majority support for military efforts to reassure NATO’s eastern members in the face of Russian aggression. Against the background of the war, which factors are driving this shift in peoples’ alliance solidarity? An in-depth analysis of representative population surveys from 2021 and 2022 shows that the perception of Russia as a security threat is the key factor, yet it is only part of a more complex explanation involving peoples’ strategic postures and issue-specific knowledge as well. Contrary to common belief, a free-riding mentality turns out to be irrelevant. The empirical findings shine light on Germany’s reaction to Russia’s war against Ukraine and add to our understanding of the societal foundations of alliance solidarity in Germany and other NATO countries.

Dream of European Army: Is It a Feasible Objective or Not?

The European Union’s (EU) defense initiatives have changed over time, reflecting both the pursuit of security and defense goals and the shifting dynamics of European integration. To improve defense cooperation and create a common defense strategy for the EU, several initiatives have been made. The EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), which strives to strengthen its capacity to handle security concerns and preserve stability, has a significant influence on defense-related operations. We have witnessed new security and military efforts from the EU in the first two decades of the 2000s, such as the European Security Strategy, EU’s Global Strategy and Security Compass. 2013 marked a turning point when the USA deployed its new nuclear weapons in Europe. The announcement of the creation of the European army was made on November 13, 2017. Europe should be able to act independently in areas of defense and security rather than merely relying on the US or NATO. Because of these kinds of reservations, desires to pursue more advanced capabilities on their own have been raised.
 There has been a lot of debate and analysis around the reasons for and against the formation of a European army. Numerous parties have expressed interest in and influence over the notion of a European army. The development of a European army has been heavily debated over the past several years. Why is the idea of a European army so heavily investigated? Is building such an army a realistic goal or not? What are the benefits, drawbacks, and challenges to achieving it? Who is in favor of and against building an army in Europe? These are the primary questions that we attempt to address in this article.

Optimizing combat readiness for military surgeons without trauma fellowship training: engaging the 'voluntary faculty' model.

Appropriate operative volume remains a critical component in mitigating surgical atrophy and maintaining clinical competency. The initiation of military-civilian surgical partnerships (MCP) has been proposed for addressing knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) metrics in order to address concerns over operational readiness and the low acuity experienced by military surgeons. This study investigates the first partnership for Navy surgical staff at a non-academic Military Treatment Facility (MTF) with a regional academic Army MTF and a civilian, non-academic level II trauma center devised to improve operational readiness for attending surgeons. We hypothesize that a skill sustainment MCP will allow military surgeons to meet combat readiness standards as measured by the KSA metric. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was initiated between the Navy MTF (NMTF), the Army MTF (AMTF), and the civilian level II trauma center (CTC). The single military surgeon in this study was classified as 'voluntary faculty' at the CTC. Total case volume and acuity were recorded over an 11-month period. KSA metrics were calculated utilizing the standard national provider number (NPI) and the novel case-log based method. 156 cases were completed by a single surgeon over the study period, averaging 52 cases per institution. Significantly more KSAs were obtained at the CTC compared to NMTF (5954 v 2707; p < 0.001). Significantly more emergent cases were observed at the CTC compared to the MTFs (X2 = 7.1, n = 96, p < 0.05. At a single site, AMTF, a significant difference in the calculated KSA score was observed between the NPI and case-log methods (5278 v 3297; p = 0.04). The skill sustainment MCP between NMTF and CTC increased surgical readiness and exposed surgeons to increased operative acuity. The 'voluntary faculty' model reduces direct litigation exposure and encourages clinical competency for military surgeons, while remaining a deployable asset to the global military effort. IV, Therapeutic/Care Management.

Ghost Citizens: Jewish Return to a Postwar City [Dom, którego nie było: powroty ocalałych do powojennego miasta

Ghost Citizens: Jewish Return to a Postwar City [Dom, którego nie było: powroty ocalałych do powojennego miasta

Rise or Recede? How Climate Disasters Affect Armed Conflict Intensity

Abstract Disasters play a key role in debates about climate change, environmental stress, and security. A qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) investigates how major climate-related disasters shape the dynamics of ongoing armed conflicts. Quantitative and qualitative data are presented for twenty-one cases across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. After climate-related disasters, 29 percent of these armed conflicts escalated, 33 percent de-escalated, and 38 percent did not change. Furthermore, only countries highly vulnerable to disasters experienced changes in conflict dynamics. Armed conflicts tend to escalate when the disaster induces shifts in relative power, whereby one conflict party (usually the rebels) subsequently scales up its military efforts. But if at least one conflict party is weakened by a disaster and the other lacks the capability to exploit this change, armed conflict intensity declines. Findings provide empirical support for a proposed power differential mechanism connecting climate-related disasters to armed conflict dynamics via short-term shifts in power relations between the conflict parties. Climate change can also act as a threat reducer by temporarily causing lower conflict intensity.

A disszimuláció haszna és használata

The dissimulation had become an essential element in the early modern period’s political communication, which concept meant the hiding or postponement of an ulterior motive. For this reason my aim is the interpretation of the communication between the Hungarian Palatine, Miklós Esterházy and the Transylvanian Prince, Gábor Bethlen, in the aspect of dissimulation and its lessons, shortterm consequences. This type of communication implied legitimation to Gábor Bethlen’s military campaign in 1626, on the other hand Miklós Esterházy could not use this method to impact on the prince’s military efforts. This study enucleates the importance of the appropriate use of political communication, which was a key factor in the political elite’s interactions at this time. The communicational mistakes extremely paid off and determined the quality of the local dignitaries relationship.