Weapons Of Mass Destruction Research Articles

Dracarys: Unleashing the Lessons of Nuclear Conflict from House of the Dragon

Given increasing nuclear-related dangers in the real world, which pose an existential threat to humanity, teaching nuclear theory to students is critically important. I argue that the hit TV show House of the Dragon can be utilized to educate students on the nuances of nuclear theory in a fun and engaging—but also surprisingly rigorous—way. In particular, the fire-breathing weapons of mass destruction in the Game of Thrones prequel show illustrate five key lessons about nuclear conflict dynamics. First, nuclear war is incredibly destructive and causes significant psychological trauma to survivors of nuclear attacks. Second, nuclear weapons can induce caution in leaders and deter major war. Third, while a powerful force, nuclear deterrence can fail due to irrational leaders, principle-agent problems, and accidents. Fourth, nuclear compellence is harder than nuclear deterrence and can backfire. Fifth, nuclear superiority beyond a secure second-strike capability provides little strategic benefit. In sum, House of the Dragon offers a more modern option than classics like Dr. Strangelove to teach about nuclear theory.

National sovereignty in light of international intervention

The Charter of the United Nations prohibits the use of force and stipulates two principles in international relations, namely the sovereignty of States and non-interference in the internal affairs of States. Intervention is illegal. In fact, the principle of non-intervention poses problems, especially when it comes to human rights, intervention in order to spread or protect democracy, intervention to confront the spread of weapons of mass destruction and international terrorism, or in order to change political regimes or liberate peoples and others. Accordingly, the sovereignty of states under international intervention is threatened by a number of dangers, and it is feared for the future of national sovereignty, especially after being overruled by the international institutions that sponsor international legitimacy. Sovereignty is the legal basis of the state, which by violating it, the role of the nation-state dissolves, and national loyalty to other concepts is affected, as well as its inability to control its economic resources and the decline of social justice.

AZERBAIJAN'S NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY IN THE SYSTEM OF MODERN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

With the end of the Cold War, the political situation in the world has changed dramatically. The emergence on the world stage of new independent states, non-governmental organizations, transnational companies and threatening the world at the regional and global levels, such as ethnic conflicts, the spread of political and economic instability, imbalance, weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, the struggle for natural resources, etc. contributed to the transformation of international relations. As a result of the process, also accelerated by globalization, the state’s perception of security has changed in parallel with the increase in the types and scale of risks and threats.

Multidimensional conflicts over disarmament and international security: analyzing speeches in the First Committee of the UN General Assembly

Abstract In this article, we explore the rhetorical space structuring the debates in the United Nations General Assembly's (UNGA) Committee on Disarmament and International Security. To this end, we unfold states' speeches by combining three established methods. First, we estimate terms' relevance for latent topics structuring the debates with structural topic modeling. Second, we estimate topic-specific positions based on the Wordfish algorithm. Third, we map these positions onto a lower-dimensional rhetorical space using principal component analysis. We identify two latent conflicts. First, a debate over conventional weapons with states emphasizing security interests on the one end and humanitarian interests on the other. Second, a conflict over weapons of mass destruction that divides defenders and challengers of the status quo.

Climate weapons – a new weapon of mass destruction?

The traditional approach to the systematics of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) emphasises primarily chemical weapons as the most dangerous of modern means of destruction and also includes nuclear, biological and toxic weapons. This classification has been included in international conventions ratified by most countries around the world. This, of course, does not exclude attempts to illegally distribute, but also proliferate both ready-to-use components, materials, raw materials, devices and, above all, the knowledge in this field that is necessary to create them. Climate weapons, which are the subject of the research undertaken in this article, are technologies that influence natural phenomena. By analysing factual material relating to broadly understood geophysical weapons, the article attempts to theoretically and methodologically justify the existence of climate weapons, determine their place in the taxonomy of weapons of mass destruction, as well as the use of technologies and dissemination methods as a modern way of conducting new-generation wars, referred to in the literature as sixth generation wars.

«Биологические войны» как новая международная проблема политиков и военных России

The globalization of the global market economy and the unregulated global population of 8 billion people create threats of global warming of the Earth with its transformation into a hot lifeless Venus. The aggravation of the global situation for the survival of countries and peoples and major military conflicts are ahead. New "green technologies" do not allow us to abandon the increasing combustion of hydrocarbons. At the same time, a secret creation of a new biological weapon of mass destruction is underway. Defense and biomedical problems in Russia are largely recognized at the level of society, the state, the military and special services. The main stages of creation and sabotage use of biological weapons are studied. The specifics of new bioterrorism technologies are analyzed. Preventive defense measures for Russia in the current conditions are substantiated. The analysis showed that the scale of financing of R&D in the field of biology, medicine, genetics in Russia since 2000 does not meet the required structural reorganization of Russian industry and new rapidly developing areas of science, engineering and technology in the world. The main results of the study, which have theoretical and practical significance, include conclusions about a significant increase in the risks of potential aggressors using biological weapons against the enemy in the context of rapid scientific and technological progress in the world, especially in biology, genetics, medicine. A conclusion is made about the need for additions and amendments to the current international and national laws in order to prevent new military-biological initiatives and projects. The necessity of forming a new military-political point of view in Russia is substantiated, that what is brewing is not just wars for the redistribution of natural resources, but genocidal wars for the survival of the strongest countries and peoples, to which our state currently belongs. Threats to Russia from bioterrorism and sabotage biological wars are surmountable, but require a mobilization economy, significant funds and resources.

Internal Affairs Bodies and Their Place in the System of Tasks and Functions of a Modern Democratic State: Issues of Legal Doctrine

The author points out that among the main priorities of Ukraine’s domestic policy since independence has been the creation of reliable mechanisms for security, political stability, and democracy that would correspond to the relevant mechanisms employed in the European Union. The prospect of EU membership is defined at the constitutional level and is a strategic guideline for Ukrainian aspirations for transformation and a key goal for which reforms are being carried out within the Ukrainian state. The creation and implementation of such mechanisms is the standard that will allow Ukraine to join the EU’s common security system, increase the effectiveness of control over the movement and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and bring international cooperation in the fight against organized crime, illegal migration, smuggling, terrorism, and drug trafficking to a new level. It is noted that Ukraine’s intentions to integrate into the European space have necessitated significant changes in national legislation aimed at adapting to a wide range of norms and standards generally accepted in international and European practice. The sphere of public security protection deserves special attention from lawmakers, as human rights protection is an invariable «gold standard» that distinguishes a democratic state. Given the state-forming importance of the national police, its improvement is in the zone of increased attention from both the government and society. It is extremely important today to create an effective organizational model of police bodies capable of reliably protecting the interests of the economy and citizens, implementing such principles of reforming the Ukrainian police that would result not only in excellent work in detecting and stopping offenses but also in creating significant resources for preventing offenses. The author demonstrates the dependence of the functional orientation of police structures on the functional orientation of the state, in particular on the form of state-legal regime it implements, which directly lays the basic principles of the activities of law enforcement structures in the country and the principles of their reform. Therefore, the logical idea arises that the functional orientation of police structures may depend on the functional orientation of the state, in particular on the form of state-legal regime it implements, which directly lays the basic principles of the activities of law enforcement structures in the country and the principles of their reform.

Dark intelligence: When the possibility of 1984 becomes reality

This essay reviews a concept that is too rarely dealt with, if at all, in the literature on human intelligence, namely, dark intelligence. I argue that dark intelligence is the possession and, as relevant, deployment of creative, analytical, and practical abilities and attitudes that, in particular tasks confronted in particular situations, can be, and are used for negative, harmful, and, sometimes, malign purposes. Dark intelligence is extremely common, and the world is the worse for it. Yet intelligence research continues to focus largely on solving test-like problems that do not speak to how intelligence is deployed on particular tasks in particular situations, either for good or for evil purposes. The world is facing severe crises, such as climate change, weapons of mass destruction, violence, and enormous income disparities. Creativity researchers, recognizing these problems, have developed a thriving field of “dark creativity.” Intelligence researchers have been largely absent, however, largely ignoring the dark side of intelligence. Yet dark intelligence can be and is being used to cause harm. The world is at increasing peril from its intended and unintended consequences; understanding dark intelligence may help to mitigate some of that peril.

Strengthening Global Security: Critique on the NPT and NSG Mechanisms of Nuclear Export Control Regime

An export control regime plays a vital tool in the effort to counter the proliferation of traditional weapons and weapons of mass destruction. However, there are new and fundamental challenges with this system. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding and implementing nuclear export control mechanisms to advance international security and prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. The research will apply descriptive analysis of the mechanisms of nuclear export controls. Critical analysis of the nuclear export control apparatuses will be applied as a technique to review the loopholes in the enforcement mechanisms of these initiatives. The debate covers key aspects of nuclear export control, including legislative frameworks, industry compliance, licensing and authorization procedures, verification and monitoring systems and control scope. Understanding these elements will enable stakeholders to support responsible and peaceful transfers of nuclear technology while ensuring compliance with international commitments and nonproliferation standards. The paper further delves into the context of these regimes, which are constructed in a way that provides cushion to the international community led by the Western states. The article emphasizes the critical role of the mechanisms of nuclear export control in preserving international security by preventing the unauthorized transfer of sensitive nuclear materials and technology. It also emphasizes the need for industry and national collaboration in this regard.

Engineered CARD11-PIK3R3 T-cell therapies as weapons of cancer mass destruction.

Garcia etal. discover a novel immunotherapy approach by engineering naturally occurring mutations in therapeutic T cells to strongly elevate anti-tumor activity. The authors identify a gene fusion, CARD11-PIK3R3, to increase activator protein 1 and nuclear factor-κB signaling, interleukin-2 production, and tumor death in vitro and in vivo .

Optimization and standardization of the work of a health care facility during a chemical accident

During the years of war, as a result of aviation and missile attacks, a significant number of health care facilities in various regions of Ukraine were destroyed, and the complexity and intensity of their work increased significantly. If the readiness of hospitals and their employees to treat gunshot and explosive injuries is established, in the case of mass destruction of chemically hazardous enterprises and the threat of the enemy using weapons of mass destruction, including chemical weapons, there is a need for special training of health care facilities to work in the in conditions of chemical threats. The aim of the work was justification of the development and set of measures for the implementation of standard operating procedures in the event of a chemical incident. The legal documents and recommendations of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, management of the World Health Organization and the Red Cross on the topic of the study were used. The research methods: bibliosemantic, analytical, modeling were applied. It is established that the special management group, which includes representatives of various services, is of decisive impor­tance in the effective management of a health care facility during a chemical incident: administration; communication department; security department; management of nurses and the department of infection control; human resources department; pharmacy; intensive care unit; department of engineering maintenance and repair; laboratory; kitchen; laundry; cleaning service and waste management. The most important measures of response to a chemical incident that ensure the safety of medical personnel and patients are the organization of a triage zone and a decontamination area for chemically affected persons. Based on the above, to prepare a health care facility for work during a chemical incident, it is necessary to develop a response plan, which consists of special administrative and management decisions and provides for regular staff training.

The role and importance of financial intelligence in identifying and tracing criminal assets

The paper examines the basic principles of improving efficiency and providing law enforcement officers, as well as authorized bodies, in whose management the seized property is transferred, with instructions on the legal grounds, procedural and tactical features of detection, search and seizure of property. It was determined that financial intelligence is a complex system aimed at detecting operations related to the legalization of proceeds obtained through crime. This system can act as a component of the pre-trial investigation in criminal proceedings related to the research. Asset search activities should include elements of economic and monetary intelligence. It has been established that in Ukraine, the State Financial Monitoring Service, subordinate to the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, is entrusted with the functions of financial intelligence, which implements the state policy in the field of prevention and countermeasures against the legalization (laundering) of proceeds obtained through crime, the financing of terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It is argued that financial intelligence is not a function of the National Agency of Ukraine for detection, search and management of assets obtained from corruption and other crimes. In turn, the DSFM collects, processes and analyzes information on financial transactions subject to mandatory financial monitoring and other transactions related to money laundering. It was investigated that the bodies of foreign countries are similar: Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) - the US financial intelligence agency; Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Center (FINTRAC), Canada's financial intelligence agency; Zentralstelle für Verdachtsanzeigen – German financial intelligence agency; TRACFIN – financial intelligence unit of the French Republic; The Inland Revenue Service NCIS/ECU is the UK's financial intelligence agency. Having analyzed the relevant legislation of ARMA and the State Financial Monitoring Service, we come to the conclusion that the terms "asset discovery" and "asset search" are explicitly defined at the legislative level only for ARMA. The profile legislation of the State Financial Monitoring Service does not reflect or explain the essence of these terms, however, in the course of implementing measures to prevent and counter the legalization (laundering) of proceeds obtained through crime, the State Financial Monitoring Service conducts financial investigations with the aim of finding information about the assets of questionable origin.

Improvement of methodological approaches to the assessment and forecasting of changes in the environmental condition as a consequence of military actions

Goal. To study the impact of rocket explosions, UAV explosions and potential consequences for public health and ecosystems, as well as to develop methodological recommendations to reduce the impact on the environment and increase the effectiveness of safety measures in the context of possible man-made disasters arising from military operations. Methodology. The research applied the following methods: scientific search and synthesis of literature data; statistical analysis to assess the dynamics of pollutant emissions generated during explosions in the air, on the ground, and at strategic sites, as well as their consequences—fires. Research results. The structure of missile equipment, the design and content of chemicals, and health effects were analyzed. The potential dynamics of harmful substances entering the atmosphere from rocket fall and explosion under different conditions was estimated. The types of pollution sources arising from military operations are analyzed. Scientific novelty. The peculiarities of the impact on the atmospheric air of explosions during rocket attacks, fires, burning of military equipment, fuel, etc. are established. The consequences and extent of the impact on the state of environmental components and human health are determined depending on the type of shells, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and other types of weapons of mass destruction, as well as the chemical composition of rocket fuel and detonation products. Practical significance. Awareness and minimization of environmental risks associated with the use of ammunition by providing detailed information on toxic components and their impact on health and the environment. It also outlines the need to comply with ammunition disposal regulations and improves the practice of military exercises in terms of environmental safety, which generally leads to improved regulations and an increased level of environmental safety in the context of military operations using modern weapons and missile systems.

Administrative and legal status of the state service of financial monitoring as a subdivision of financial intelligence

The activity of the State Financial Monitoring Service of Ukraine as a financial intelligence unit is aimed at protecting the national security of the state by initiating and ensuring the conduct of financial investigations related to the laundering of criminal proceeds, the financing of terrorism, and the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Revealing the concept of the administrative and legal status of the State Financial Monitoring Service as a unit of financial intelligence, it is worth noting that the general understanding of the legal status involves the position of certain subjects in the state established by legal norms. Peculiarities of the legal status of state authorities are provided for in the normative legal acts that regulate their activities. In our opinion, to study the content of the administrative and legal status of the DSFM, it is appropriate to consider such structural elements as: purpose, functions, tasks and competence (rights and duties). Analysis of the goals, functions, tasks and competences (rights and duties) of the State Financial Monitoring Service as a unit of financial intelligence established at the regulatory and legal level, as well as direct work on the implementation of such tasks, allows us to assert that the administrative and legal status of the State Financial Monitoring Service monitoring involves its active activity as a financial intelligence unit. Therefore, the administrative-legal status of the State Financial Monitoring Service as a unit of financial intelligence should be considered as a set of interconnected elements established by administrative-legal norms, with the help of which the State Financial Monitoring Service implements its powers to prevent and counter the legalization (laundering) of income. proceeds of crime, the financing of terrorism and the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Examining the international political and legal accountability of states for genocide, ecocide, and weapons of mass destruction: current norms, practices, and political implications

The article reveals the international framework of political and legal liability of states for committing acts of genocide, ecocide, and using weapons of mass destruction. It is emphasized that these areas form a separate legal responsibility institution within international law. The author emphasizes the lack of unity between theoretical and practical aspects of legal regulation of using weapons of mass destruction, as well as the role that liability plays in the progressive development of law. The paper also highlights topical issues related to the paradigm shifts in modern international law due to the cases of genocide, ecocide, and WMD. The study aims to analyze international legal norms and practices of holding states accountable for the crimes of genocide, ecocide, and use of weapons of mass destruction. The following methods were employed in the course of this research: systemic, comparative legal, historical and legal, structural and functional, and generalization. The article emphasizes that most international crimes are committed with the support or under the control of collective entities, especially states. Nevertheless, international law has tended to impose responsibility for such crimes not only on certain people but also on states. The predominant response of the international community to international crimes was to impose responsibility on specific persons to the extent that it has been directed through international responsibility law. In this regard, it has been symbolized by prosecuting particular criminals through international criminal courts and tribunals.

Buying and Selling Weapons of Mass Destruction from the Perspective of Islamic jurisprudence

The purchase and sale of weapons of mass destruction is the issue of this research, the main question of the research is, "What is the view of Islamic jurisprudence about the primary and secondary rulings of trading these types of weapons?" This research, Baroosh Ijtihadi, argumentative and analytical has given an answer to this question, based on which it can be said that from the perspective of Islamic jurisprudence, buying and selling weapons of mass destruction (such as nuclear, microwave, chemical weapons, except for their new generation) due to the sanctity of donations, are instruments of corruption. , harm, corruption, extravagance and the principles of preserving the lives of animals and other creatures of the world and the environment, even in case of emergency and reciprocation, are prohibited. The point of view that buying and selling it for the purpose of defense, deterrence, in case of emergency and retaliating is considered permissible and is inconsistent with the principles and foundations of Islamic Jihad. Therefore, from the point of view of Islamic jurisprudence, buying and selling it is forbidden.

Oxidative Stress: An Intersection Between Radiation and Sulfur Mustard Lung Injury.

Nuclear and chemical weapons of mass destruction share both a tragic and beneficial legacy in mankind's history and health. The horrific health effects of ionizing radiation and mustard gas exposures unleashed during disasters, wars, and conflicts have been harnessed to treat human health maladies. Both agents of destruction have been transformed into therapies to treat a wide range of cancers. The discovery of therapeutic uses of radiation and sulfur mustard was largely due to observations by clinicians treating victims of radiation and sulfur mustard gas exposures. Clinicians identified vulnerability of leukocytes to these agents and repurposed their use in the treatment of leukemias and lymphomas. Given the overlap in therapeutic modalities, it goes to reason that there may be common mechanisms to target as protective strategies against their damaging effects. This commentary will highlight oxidative stress as a common mechanism shared by both radiation and sulfur mustard gas exposures and discuss potential therapies targeting oxidative stress as medical countermeasures against the devastating lung diseases wrought by these agents.

Strengthening Indonesia’s Strategic Trade Management Regulation Against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

International law governing the control of WMD proliferation cannot solely focus on state actors but must also include non-state actors. To address the risks and combat the proliferation of WMD by non-state actors through the ordinary course of trade, the UNSC issued Resolution 1540, which contains the obligation to adopt domestic policies to prevent WMD proliferation. Indonesia has a legal obligation to comply with and implement this resolution under international law. This paper discusses the need assessment for Indonesia to enact a solid regulatory framework to implement Strategic Trade Management (STM). This paper questions how STM regulations are governed in the Indonesian context presently and how they should be regulated better to accommodate contemporary dynamics. This study is a legal and policy study involving literature review or desk research. Literature review involves gathering data and information such as literary texts, policy papers, legislative regulations, and other relevant documents. This study finds that even though Indonesia had already implemented some form of STM policy through export-import control and restriction (larangan dan pembatasan), it still left out the gap in properly regulating dual-use goods. Strategic goods regulation in Indonesian legislation is not intended in the context of dual-use goods, as export/import restrictions are designed to enhance Indonesia’s product competitiveness and market expansion, both domestically and internationally, increase the capabilities of exporters/importers, and enhance national product development and innovation. Implementation of STM policy One of the objectives that can be achieved is maintaining national security, especially in providing a sense of security for the Indonesian people and businesses. Implementing STM will also benefit businesses by reducing the risk of financial losses, such as being involved in export/import transactions prohibited by other countries or even by Indonesia. Moreover, by implementing STM, it is not unlikely that investment from countries with high technology will increase.

The role of the NPT in preventing further proliferation of nuclear weapons

The entire atmosphere created by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and its presence in the world played one of the responsible roles, since after the US bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, nuclear weapons were never used in a military situation (unless, of course, you take into account that the nuclear powers conducted more than 2,000 nuclear explosions at their test sites).
 It can be said that this is the result of a broad consensus reached by the international community on the prevention of the proliferation of nuclear weapons and other types of weapons of mass destruction, as well as the result of the actual operation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons during its more than 50 years of existence. Currently, no bilateral or multilateral meeting on international security issues, including at the highest level, is held without a mention of nuclear non-proliferation, and it is often at the top of the agenda.
 The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is an international legal and ethical norm that has entered the minds of millions of people. Many countries have developed and adopted national legislation establishing export control rules for materials used in the production of weapons of mass destruction, as well as other laws (customs, etc.) to help ensure the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Extensive training of young experts in basic knowledge to support the international non-proliferation regime of nuclear weapons is ongoing.
 In the field of technology, scientists and experts in reactor engineering are working in many countries to build nuclear power plants that will not produce materials used to create weapons of mass destruction. Many scientists are working to prevent the construction of reactors that threaten the proliferation of technologies and nuclear materials capable of producing nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.
 The conclusion of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the establishment of an international non-proliferation regime contributed to a fundamental change in the world’s attitude to nuclear weapons. From the first impression in the eyes of the world public that nuclear weapons are a «genius» discovery, the latter is increasingly perceived as a mortal danger that threatens human existence, and this idea penetrates deeper and deeper into the consciousness of millions of people.

The mechanism of interaction between subjects of financial monitoring and subjects of implementation of the law enforcement function

The relevance of the study is determined by the need to effectively detect, stop and investigate financial crimes, including money laundering, terrorist financing and other violations. The purpose of the research is to study the peculiarities of the cooperation of financial monitoring subjects and law enforcement agencies in the fight against the financing of terrorism and to determine directions for its improvement in Ukraine. The methodological basis of this research is general scientific and special methods. Such methods as analysis and synthesis, deduction and induction, normative and positive analysis, systematization, structural-logical, statistical were used. The interaction of financial monitoring subjects and law enforcement agencies in the system of combating the financing of international terrorism was studied and the role of the State Financial Monitoring as the main connecting link in the effectiveness of this interaction was determined. In the course of the analysis of the messages received by the State Financial Monitoring Service and the materials transferred by this institution to law enforcement agencies, the factors that influenced their dynamics and structure were identified (a change in the approach to the detection of financial transactions with signs of financial monitoring, introduced by the new Law of Ukraine "On Prevention and Counteraction of Legalization ( money laundering), the financing of terrorism and the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction", as well as the martial law introduced in Ukraine, the nature of financial transactions and the bodies created and whose functions include the processing of materials for such transactions). Differences regarding the organization of cooperation between the specified subjects in different countries of the world are due to both the general policy in the country and the corresponding nature of the anti-legalization legislation. Mechanisms of cooperation between financial monitoring subjects and law enforcement agencies have been defined, which should include: exchange of experience and training in the form of regular meetings, establishment of online information exchange during joint activities to investigate financial crimes.