Regional Conflicts Research Articles

Typology of Land Conflicts in Special Region of Yogyakarta

Abstract: This paper identifies various structural land conflicts in the Special Region of Yogyakarta in the last 20 years. Using a literature review method, the various conflicts that occurred can be categorized into several typologies, (1) the issue of the transfer of land status from private and communal (village land) to sultanate/pakualaman land; (2) land acquisition for national strategic projects that displace people's managed areas; (3) investment and development in urban areas that displace or reduce the quality of life of the community; (4) various transfers of land use in coastal areas by local governments and the private sector through extractive industry investment, tourism or conservation; (5) ethnic politicization in discriminative land policies. The reading of the various typologies of conflict is produced from three different perspectives, namely the 'agrarian citizenship' approach, 'human rights', and 'politics of access’. These three perspectives also serve as a proposed roadmap to get out of the conflict. Keywords: Land conflict, Roadmap of conflict resolution, Special region of Yogyakarta, Typology

Application of Large Language Models and Assessment of Their Ship-Handling Theory Knowledge and Skills for Connected Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships

Maritime transport plays a critical role in global logistics. Compared to road transport, the pace of research and development is much slower for maritime transport. It faces many major challenges, such as busy ports, long journeys, significant accidents, and greenhouse gas emissions. The problems have been exacerbated by recent regional conflicts and increasing international shipping demands. Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASSs) are widely regarded as a promising solution to addressing maritime transport problems with improved safety and efficiency. With advanced sensing and path-planning technologies, MASSs can autonomously understand environments and navigate without human intervention. However, the complex traffic and water conditions and the corner cases are large barriers in the way of MASSs being practically deployed. In this paper, to address the above issues, we investigated the application of Large Language Models (LLMs), which have demonstrated strong generalization abilities. Given the substantial computational demands of LLMs, we propose a framework for LLM-assisted navigation in connected MASSs. In this framework, LLMs are deployed onshore or in remote clouds, to facilitate navigation and provide guidance services for MASSs. Additionally, certain large oceangoing vessels can deploy LLMs locally, to obtain real-time navigation recommendations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to apply LLMs to assist with ship navigation. Specifically, MASSs transmit assistance requests to LLMs, which then process these requests and return assistance guidance. A crucial aspect, which has not been investigated in the literature, of this safety-critical LLM-assisted guidance system is the knowledge and safety performance of the LLMs, in regard to ship handling, navigation rules, and skills. To assess LLMs’ knowledge of navigation rules and their qualifications for navigation assistance systems, we designed and conducted navigation theory tests for LLMs, which consisted of more than 1500 multiple-choice questions. These questions were similar to the official theory exams that are used to award the Officer Of the Watch (OOW) certificate based on the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers. A wide range of LLMs were tested, which included commercial ones from OpenAI and Baidu and an open-source one called ChatGLM, from Tsinghua. Our experimental results indicated that among all the tested LLMs, only GPT-4o passed the tests, with an accuracy of 86%. This suggests that, while the current LLMs possess significant potential in regard to navigation and guidance systems for connected MASSs, further improvements are needed.

Exploring the Evolutionary Characteristics of Food Security in China and the United States from a Multidimensional Perspective.

Against the backdrop of global warming, intensifying regional conflicts, deglobalization, and the spread of diseases, global food security is facing severe challenges. Studying the food security situation in China and the United States in depth can provide practical experience for formulating food security policies for countries around the world and promoting global food security governance. On the basis of a meticulous review of the evolving connotations of food security, this study adopts six dimensions-quantity security, quality security, circulation security, economic security, ecological resource security, and policy security-as breakthrough points to construct a framework consisting of food security evaluation indicator system comprising 29 specific indicators. The CRITIC-MEREC-MARCOS model is applied to evaluate the status of food security in China and the United States from 2000 to 2022, while the obstacle degree model (ODM) model is utilized to identify factors impeding food security between the two countries. The results indicate that the level of food security in China has shown slight fluctuations initially, followed by a steady upward trend. The gap with the United States is continuously narrowing. However, significant differences between China and the United States still exist in terms of economic security, ecological resource security, and policy security. Furthermore, due to the limited productivity of agricultural labor, scarcity of water and soil resources, and low efficiency in the use of fertilizers and pesticides, China's food security is subject to economic and environmental constraints. The restrictions imposed by economic security and ecological resource security on China's food security are showing an increasing trend year by year. For the United States, with the obstruction of grain exports and the increasing frequency of drought disasters, the impact of circulation security and ecological resource security on food security is becoming increasingly prominent. In the future, China and the United States should join hands to address challenges, actively promote international cooperation in food security, and drive sustainable development for humanity.

Platform kinship and the reshaping of political order in the Somali territories

Abstract Numerous studies show that digital technologies facilitate diaspora engagement in homeland affairs. However, communities in home countries also adapt digital platforms to harness diasporic support and drive socio-political change. Despite a rich literature on ‘digital kinship’, there remains a limited understanding of kinship's broader political and developmental impact, especially in (post)conflict regions. This article draws on fieldwork in the Somali territories to argue that a distinctive model of governance, platform kinship, is emerging as an alternative to existing state and international development programmes. Focusing on WhatsApp, it highlights how the platform's specific features are adapted to Somali segmentary clan structures, enabling kinship groups to bridge digital divides, preserve oral traditions and uphold egalitarian principles. Platform kinship has state-like effects. Through an ecosystem of WhatsApp groups, geographically dispersed kin mediate disputes, coordinate development projects, fund political campaigns, and respond to conflicts and crises. However, it also empowers new actors, including youth, politicians and business elites, while marginalizing elders. Furthermore, because platform kinship strengthens the clan as the central political unit, it can deepen divisions between kinship groups and undermine state-building projects and conceptions of national identity. This has important implications for policy-makers and academics working on digital governance, development and peacebuilding.

SAARC super smart grid: Navigating the future - unleashing the power of an energy-efficient integration of renewable energy resources in the saarc region

The major problems in the power system network of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region include the utilization of substantial fossil fuels, which leads to significant emissions of CO2. Moreover, due to the depletion of fossil fuels, it is very difficult to manage the demand requirement of the SAARC regions, which leads to significant power shortage issues. These problems would be resolved through the integration of the substantial amount of renewable energy resources (RERs) that are available in excess in the SAARC regions into the power system networks. This will provide a futuristic roadmap to a sustainable and green energy environment in the SAARC region. In this regard, the SAARC region has devised a new plan to transform its smart grid infrastructure into the super smart grid (SSG), which would connect the SAARC countries using the high voltage transmission lines utilizing each country's substantial RERs. To accelerate this ecofriendly effort, the key objective of this review study is to evaluate the potential of the SAARC SSG for demand management and emissions reduction. This study provides a comprehensive overview of SSG technology, covering its technical background, management, power flow improvement techniques, power stability techniques, simulation models, and future steps for development in the SAARC region. First, the regional conflicts, energy deficiency, and potential of the SAARC region have been discussed. Second, a potential architecture of the SAARC SSG has been simulated. Third, a novel Markov chain modeling has been presented for demand management in the SAARC regions. The results and discussions section presents findings from simulations and models. The paper also discusses CO2 reduction techniques, including methods for capturing, storing, and utilizing carbon in biofuel. The study also discusses futuristic optimization techniques in SSG, including blockchain, federated learning, reinforcement learning, the metaverse, digital twin technology, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. The SSG challenges and limitations section summarizes the challenges and limitations faced by SSG. Finally, a roadmap to a sustainable and green energy environment for the SAARC power grids has been identified to support the implementation of the futuristic SAARC SSG. The results exhibited that there is a good potential for successful demand management and emissions reduction through the SAARC SSG.

'Here we Punish, Here we Discipline': Forced Displacement, Silencing and the Multiple Faces of Violence in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique

Forced displacement and silencing are inextricably bound for communities who have experienced different forms of violence in different contexts. This article explores the narratives about the war that began on 5 October 2017 in the district of Mocímboa da Praia, on the coast of the province of Cabo Delgado, northern Mozambique, by a group of radical guerrillas locally known as mashababe. Since then, from isolated attacks on remote villages, violence has spread to more districts in the region, with kidnappings of civilians, looting of barns and houses, thus imposing the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of people in addition to an inestimable number of dead and missing people. This article combines the history and ethnographic work carried out between 2018 and 2021 with the homeless populations from conflict regions and hosted in the 'Nacaca Displaced Persons Camp' (Campo de Deslocados de Nacaca), built in the district of Montepuez, south of Cabo Delgado, a region previously considered safe. The aim of this paper is to analyse how the multiple faces of traumatic violence (physical, psychological and symbolic) are processed in which war victims are continually exposed through silencing imposed by different actors who frequent their new places of refuge.

An Analysis of Romania’s Energy Strategy: Perspectives and Developments since 2020

Earth’s climate cannot be ignored any longer. Policies are vital in order to mitigate the negative effects of climate change. The energy crisis created by the Russo-Ukrainian war in Europe and COVID-19 pandemic affected the EU and its member states. The focus is more than ever on its energy policies and independence. The EU revised the energy strategy in response to the regional conflict, and it sped up all the processes for energetic independence from other countries outside of the EU. This benefited the climate change policies the most, as all the measures involved reducing energy consumption and increasing renewables, thus contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As a member state of the EU, Romania is committed to complying with EU regulations. With a high degree of energy independence compared with the other EU members, Romania plans to become a regional energy provider and modernize the energy infrastructure internally as a response to the regional conflict. The measures that the EU and Romania implemented after the conflict started in 2022 have come to fruition, and the effects are becoming visible a year later. This study aims to study the energy strategy of Romania in correlation with the EU strategy in the turbulent period of pandemics and conflict between 2019 and 2023, with the latest available data.

The impact of detention on the health of asylum seekers: An updated systematic review: A systematic review.

The number of people fleeing persecution and regional conflicts is rising. Western countries have applied increasingly stringent measures to discourage those seeking asylum from entering their country, amongst them, to confine asylum seekers in detention facilities. Clinicians have expressed concerns over the mental health impact of detention on asylum seekers, a population already burdened with trauma, advocating against such practices. The main objective of this review is to assess evidence about the effects of detention on the mental and physical health and social functioning of asylum seekers. Relevant literature was identified through electronic searches of bibliographic databases, internet search engines, hand searching of core journals and citation tracking of included studies and relevant reviews. Searches were performed up to November 2023. Studies comparing detained asylum-seekers with non-detained asylum seekers were included. Qualitative approaches were excluded. Of 22,226 potential studies, 14 met the inclusion criteria. These studies, from 4 countries, involving a total of 13 asylum-seeker populations. Six studies were used in the data synthesis, all of which reported only mental health outcomes. Eight studies had a critical risk of bias. Meta-analyses, inverse variance weighted using random effects statistical models, were conducted on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. A total of 27,797 asylum seekers were analysed. Four studies provided data while the detained asylum seekers were still detained, and two studies after release. All outcomes are reported such that a positive effect size favours better outcomes for the non-detained asylum seekers. The weighted average SMD while detained is 0.45 [95% CI 0.19, 0.71] for PTSD and after release 0.91 [95% CI 0.24, 1.57]; for anxiety 0.42 [95% CI 0.18, 0.66] and for depression 0.68 [95% CI 0.10, 1.26] both while detained. Based on single-study data, the SMD was 0.60 [95% CI 0.02, 1.17] for depression and 0.76 [95% CI 0.17, 1.34] for anxiety, both after release. Three studies (one study each) reported outcomes related to psychological distress, self-harm and social well being. Psychological distress favoured the detained but was not significant; whereas both effect sizes on self-harm and social wellbeing indicated highly negative impacts of detention; in particular, the impact on self-harm was extremely high. The OR of self-harm was reported separately for asylum seekers detained in three types of detention: Manus Island, Nauru and onshore detention. The ORs were in the range 12.18 to 74.44; all were significant. Despite similar post-migration adversities amongst comparison groups, findings suggest an independent adverse impact of detention on asylum seekers' mental health, with the magnitude of the effect sizes lying in an important clinical range. These effects persisted beyond release into the community. While based on limited evidence, this review supports concerns regarding the detrimental impact of detention on the mental health of already traumatised asylum seekers. Further research is warranted to comprehensively explore these effects. Detention of asylum seekers, already grappling with significant trauma, appears to exacerbate mental health challenges. Policymakers and practitioners should consider these findings in shaping immigration and asylum policies, with a focus on minimising harm to vulnerable populations.

Politics, Chieftaincy and Violent Extremism: Case of Chereponi-Wenchiki in Ghana-Togo Border

This study examined three issues, namely politics, violent extremism, and chieftaincy issues, in the Ghana-Togo border communities to determine which variable(s) influenced the other. This paper examines the relationship between violent extremism, politics, and chieftaincy conflicts in Ghana's North East region. It attempts to see if there is any linkage or connection between or among the three variables in the context of conflict and security along the two West African countries' borders (Ghana and Togo). Edward Azar's (1990) Protracted Conflict Theory (PCT), later emphasized by Bat-Tal (2000), guided the study. This study posits that politics and chieftaincy conflicts are the primary causes of violent extremism. In this regard, the study seeks the opinions, views, and experiences of the people in the Chereponi district, especially the communities along the Ghana-Togo borders. The study adopted an exploratory research design with a blend of experts' and non-experts' perspectives in the North East Region of Ghana and a few communities in Togo. The experts are spread across five regions of Northern Ghana, whereas the non-experts are concentrated in the Chereponi district. Twenty (20) respondents were interviewed face-to-face. The study found that the two major political parties (NPP and NDC) in Ghana were more involved in promoting the interests of some chiefs for political expediency. It found no link between politics and chieftaincy, leading to violent extremism. The study concludes that there is a clear link between politics and the chieftaincy institution in Ghana, but it also establishes that the Ghana-Togo border is free of extremist activities. It recommends a strong collaboration between Ghana and Togo in the fight against insecurity and possible acts of violent extremism along their borders.

Reversing the gaze: understanding how community members are negatively affected by impact assessment

ABSTRACT This study addresses the persistent tensions in Impact Assessment (IA), which aim to balance public engagement with technical analysis. In this context, the IA process itself poses a significant risk to the individuals and communities involved in the impact assessment. The consequences of these risks, and whether they materialize, remain uncertain and depend on the specific context of each IA process. Drawing on the sociology of risk and broader IA literature, we present a case study of the Grassy Mountain Coal Project in southern Alberta, Canada. Instead of evaluating project-specific impacts within the IA process, we examine the impacts of the IA process on community members. By reversing our gaze, we aim to understand how IA processes impact communities and how these impacts manifest. Led by the results of the study, the impacts of the IA on community members are examined under three specific impact locations: (1) risk perceptions and anticipatory impacts, (2) procedural issues, and (3) community and regional conflicts. Our conclusions underscore the need to recognize these types of impact on communities and explore ways to minimize the costs of IA to communities.

Stubble burning: What determines this fire?

Despite the recognized impact of agricultural fires on air pollution and public health globally, with significant consequences observed in regions such as China, India, and Turkiye, there remains a critical gap in understanding their underlying causes. This study aims to identify the key factors influencing agricultural fires in Turkiye between 2012 and 2021. This research conducts a thorough district-level evaluation using extensive micro-level data, remote sensing datasets, and robust methodologies, including fixed effects and spatial panel data methods. The study finds that variables such as the cultivation of second-crop corn and regional conflicts positively correlate with fire occurrences. In contrast, factors like cotton cultivation, livestock presence, and forested areas are inversely related to fire incidents. These findings underscore the complicated relationship between agricultural practices, environmental factors, and socio-economic conditions influencing fire occurrences. The study's outcomes offer significant policy implications, highlighting the necessity for customized strategies to curb agricultural fires. These strategies encompass promoting alternative crop patterns, tackling socio-economic determinants, and accommodating regional specificities.

Konsep Moderasi Beragama Dan Relevansinya Dengan Pendidikan Agama Islam Dalam Perspektif Pemikiran K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid

This research aims to explore the concepts of religious moderation and Islamic education according to the perspective of K.H Abdurrahman Wahid, and their relevance in the context of Indonesia's rich diversity. Conducted through qualitative literature research using content analysis approach, the study found that Abdurrahman Wahid views education as a process that should adapt to contemporary developments, integrating classical and modern knowledge without losing the essence of Islamic teachings. He advocates for stimulating intellectual development among students while avoiding doctrinal approaches. Furthermore, religious moderation in Indonesia is seen to have achieved a balanced approach, although efforts are needed to strengthen harmony amidst conflicts in various regions. Abdurrahman Wahid also highlights the relevance of Islamic education to religious moderation, emphasizing values such as multiculturalism, liberation, humanism, and inclusivity. The significance of these concepts is considered logical and crucial for discussion in the context of an era increasingly emphasizing openness over exclusivity.

Private management of African protected areas improves wildlife and tourism outcomes but with security concerns in conflict regions

Protected areas can conserve wildlife and benefit people when managed effectively. African governments increasingly delegate the management of protected areas to private, nongovernmental organizations, hoping that private organizations' significant resources and technical capacities actualize protected areas' potential. Does private sector management improve outcomes compared to a counterfactual of government management? We leverage the transfer of management authority from governments to African Parks (AP)-the largest private manager of protected areas in Africa-to show that private management significantly improves wildlife outcomes via reduced elephant poaching and increased bird abundances. Our results also suggest that AP's management augments tourism, while the effect on rural wealth is inconclusive. However, AP's management increases the risk of armed groups targeting civilians, which could be an unintended outcome of AP's improved monitoring and enforcement systems. These findings reveal an intricate interplay between conservation, economic development, and security under privately managed protected areas in Africa.

The Tightrope of Individual Liberties amid Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Agenda

This doctrinal research article explores the nuances, pitfalls, and opportunities within this intricate landscape. This doctrinal research delves into the intricate balance between individual liberties and Pakistan's counter-terrorism agenda, navigating the complex terrain where security imperatives intersect with fundamental rights. As Pakistan grapples with persistent security threats from terrorism, its response has often entailed the implementation of stringent measures aimed at thwarting terrorist activities and ensuring public safety. However, these measures have raised concerns about their impact on civil liberties, including freedoms of expression, association, and privacy. Drawing upon legal frameworks, policy documents, and judicial precedents, this research critically examines the evolving landscape of counter-terrorism laws and practices in Pakistan and their implications for individual liberties. It scrutinizes the compatibility of counter-terrorism measures with constitutional guarantees and international human rights standards, assessing the extent to which security imperatives have encroached upon fundamental rights and freedoms. Furthermore, this research explores the role of judicial oversight, executive discretion, and legislative reforms in reconciling the tension between security concerns and individual liberties within Pakistan's legal framework. It analyses landmark court decisions, legislative enactments, and government policies to elucidate the legal and institutional mechanisms aimed at safeguarding individual liberties while countering terrorism effectively. Moreover, this research situates Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts within the broader context of regional security dynamics, highlighting the interconnectedness of domestic security challenges with regional conflicts, geopolitical rivalries, and transnational terrorist networks. It underscores the importance of regional cooperation, information sharing, and diplomatic engagement in addressing common security threats while respecting individual liberties across borders. By critically examining the tightrope walk between individual liberties and Pakistan's counter-terrorism agenda, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of the challenges and trade-offs inherent in balancing security imperatives with respect for fundamental rights.

A Review of Water Pollution in Israel and Palestine

Water pollution is a daily risk with a major impact on both populations and ecosystems. An analysis of water pollution types is essential to determine the affected regions and the magnitude of its impact on various components of the geosystem. This study aims to conduct a thorough analysis of water pollution in the Israel and Palestine, focusing on the three main types of pollution: physical, chemical, and biological. The methodology of this article is based on the critical review of 22 scientific papers published between 1972 and 2023, addressing various aspects of water pollution in the analyzed region, from generating sources to their impact. Most studies are authored by researchers affiliated with institutions located in the conflict region, with many samples collected directly from the field and processed in laboratories or GIS environments. The study results highlight chemical pollution often exceeding recommended limits for various analyzed parameters. Biological pollution subjects aquatic ecosystems to significant pressures, including eutrophication and harmful algal blooms. Wastewater is discharged into watercourses in the region, affecting their physical properties. Areas subject to water pollution include the Gaza Strip, the coastal zone, the northern aquifer in Israel, and lakes in the western part of the analysis region, posing potential risks to the health of the populations in Israel and Palestine.

Analysing Environmental Sustainability Issues and Conflict in Nigeria's Niger Delta Region

Analysing Environmental Sustainability Issues and Conflict in Nigeria's Niger Delta Region

Rising Chinese Influence in the Middle East: Implications for the Israel-Palestine Conflict

China’s interest in the Middle East region is not new yet the execution of initiatives, is. Chinese involvement in undertaking the Resource diplomacy in the midst of Eastern region outlines the healthy relationship of producer and consumer governments in the political cum economical arena. The strength of Chinese influence is based on "Non-interference" policy. In addition, Beijing has been successful in consciously positioning itself as a mediator in the conflict and crises prone region of Middle East. Further, the paper tries to establish how much Chinese influence can push, for the solution of Israel-Palestine conflict. (This research paper will analyze the potential impacts of an omni-potent China in the region. It will assess the various ways in which China's presence and involvement has changed the power dynamics of the region. Further, potentials and positive probabilities of greater Chinese involvement have been explored. Lastly, it will examine if the Israel-Palestine conflict could be affected by China's increased presence and influence in the Middle East)

REGIONAL SECURITY CHALLENGES IN THE CONTEXT OF CENTRAL ASIAN STATES’ COOPERATION WITH THE UNITED STATES: THE CASE OF UZBEKISTAN

The article examines the evolution of Uzbek-American relations, focusing on their collaborative efforts to enhance regional security and stability. The study explores the critical roleof Uzbekistan in the security dynamics of Central Asia, emphasizing its strategic pivot towards Western standards in military professionalism and education. Through a blend of content analysis , historical review, and case studies, the article illustrates the multifaceted challenges confronting Central Asian nations, including terrorism, regional conflicts, and international diplomacy. The research highlights the significant impact of Uzbek-American cooperation in addressing these challenges, showcasing thebilateral relationship as a model of strategic collaboration that contributes to the stability and security of the region. This partnership is portrayed as a testament to the shifting paradigms in global politics, where open, constructive international relations and strategic alliances are pivotal in maintaining global peace and stability. By analyzing the shifts in politics, the historical engagements, and the current geopolitical environment, the article provide s valuable insights into the importance of Uzbekistan's strategic orientation and its implications for regional and international security frameworks. This comprehensive study underscores the necessity of continued cooperation and strategic partnerships in navigating the complexities of contemporary international relations, especially in strategically sensitive regions like Central Asia.

Shattered lives, unbroken stories: journalists’ perspectives from the frontlines of the Israel–Gaza war

Abstract Purpose This study sheds light on the unprecedented complexities of the Israel–Gaza war, offering insights into the challenges that journalists face in this conflict zone. It employs the Hierarchy of Influences Model to analyze the factors influencing conflict reporting within the dynamic landscape of contemporary war journalism. Design/methodology/approach Rooted in the Hierarchy of Influences Model, the research is informed by interviews with 18 Palestinian journalists in Gaza. It examines the multifaceted influences on war coverage, encompassing individual, media routines, organizational, and societal factors, offering detailed insights from journalists’ firsthand experiences. Findings The research unveils semi-hierarchical influences within the model, illustrating the intertwined nature of micro and macro-level factors impacting war reporting. It sheds light on the complexities of journalistic practices amidst conflicts, underscoring the importance of safety, ethics, and the intricate relationship between personal experiences and professional duties as well as the evolving role of technology, acting both as a facilitator and a limitation in journalistic endeavors. Practical implications The study holds substantial implications for war journalism practices, providing valuable perspectives for educators, policymakers, stakeholders, and media practitioners engaged in conflict reporting. It highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the challenges faced by journalists in conflict regions to enhance the quality and accuracy of war reporting. Social implications By uncovering the challenges and influences affecting war reporting, this research contributes to the broader discourse on media ethics, safety protocols, and the societal impact of conflict coverage. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive support systems and ethical guidelines to safeguard journalists operating in volatile regions. Originality/value Bridging academic and practical perspectives on conflict reporting, this study offers unique insights into reporting complexities in the Israel–Gaza War. It emphasizes the critical role of journalistic practices in navigating hazards and limitations, amid evolving challenges for the media in portraying conflicts accurately.

Museomics help resolving the phylogeny of snowfinches (Aves, Passeridae, Montifringilla and allies)

Historical specimens from museum collections provide a valuable source of material also from remote areas or regions of conflict that are not easily accessible to scientists today. With this study, we are providing a taxon-complete phylogeny of snowfinches using historical DNA from whole skins of an endemic species from Afghanistan, the Afghan snowfinch, Pyrgilauda theresae. To resolve the strong conflict between previous phylogenetic hypotheses, we generated novel mitogenome sequences for selected taxa and genome-wide SNP data using ddRAD sequencing for all extant snowfinch species endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and for an extended intraspecific sampling of the sole Central and Western Palearctic snowfinch species (Montifringilla nivalis).Our phylogenetic reconstructions unanimously refuted the previously suggested paraphyly of genus Pyrgilauda. Misplacement of one species-level taxon (Onychostruthus tazcanowskii) in previous snowfinch phylogenies was undoubtedly inferred from chimeric mitogenomes that included heterospecific sequence information. Furthermore, comparison of novel and previously generated sequence data showed that the presumed sister-group relationship between M. nivalis and the QTP endemic M. henrici was suggested based on flawed taxonomy. Our phylogenetic reconstructions based on genome-wide SNP data and on mitogenomes were largely congruent and supported reciprocal monophyly of genera Montifringilla and Pyrgilauda with monotypic Onychostruthus being sister to the latter. The Afghan endemic P. theresae likely originated from a rather ancient Pliocene out-of-Tibet dispersal probably from a common ancestor with P. ruficollis. Our extended trans-Palearctic sampling for the white-winged snowfinch, M. nivalis, confirmed strong lineage divergence between an Asian and a European clade dated to 1.5 – 2.7 million years ago (mya). Genome-wide SNP data suggested subtle divergence among European samples from the Alps and from the Cantabrian mountains.