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21. Satellites in the Russia-Ukraine War

Author:
Ron Gurantz
Publication Date:
08-2024
Content Type:
Book
Institution:
The Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College
Abstract:
Satellites and counterspace systems have shown themselves to be important parts of modern warfare in the Russia-Ukraine War but have also been subject to various restrictions to prevent escalation. This monograph examines the role of satellites and counterspace systems in the Russia-Ukraine War’s high-technology warfare and the effects of satellite proliferation and commercialization on the conduct of the war. It also analyzes the restrictions under which space-based capabilities have been operating and the implications of these limits for future conflicts—a subject that has received little attention. Relying on an exhaustive study of open-source material and the application of limited-war theory to the case of the Russia-Ukraine War, this monograph will help officials and strategists better understand the roles satellites are likely to play in future conflicts and the limits under which states will operate them as governments seek to gain military advantage and avoid escalation.
Topic:
Space, Escalation, Military, Russia-Ukraine War, and Satellites
Political Geography:
Russia, Europe, and Ukraine

22. Lieutenant General Robert C. Richardson Jr.: Central Pacific Theater Army Commander for Admiral Chester W. Nimitz 1943–45

Author:
James D. Scudieri
Publication Date:
07-2024
Content Type:
Book
Institution:
The Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College
Abstract:
This monograph analyzes Lieutenant General Robert C. Richardson Jr.’s service as de facto theater Army commander to Admiral Chester W. Nimitz from August 1943 to June 1945. It focuses on the theater-strategic level when Richardson led US Army Forces in Central Pacific Area and US Army Forces, Pacific Ocean Areas. This study highlights the context of Richardson’s operating environment beginning with prewar plans, the realities of early wartime defeats, and the state of joint operating procedures. It assesses Richardson’s accomplishments in exercising Landpower in the Pacific, across the entire range of today’s Army war-fighting and Joint functions and discusses the implications of posturing for large-scale combat operations in competition, crisis, and conflict. These assessments are relevant to US Army Pacific today in its four current roles of Theater Joint Force Land Component Command, Combined Joint Task Force, Combined Joint Force Land Component Command, and Army Service Component Command.
Topic:
History, World War II, Military, and Robert C. Richardson Jr.
Political Geography:
North America, Asia-Pacific, and United States of America

23. A Call to Action: Lessons from Ukraine for the Future Force

Author:
John A. Nagl and Katie Crombe
Publication Date:
06-2024
Content Type:
Book
Institution:
The Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College
Abstract:
This book explores the changing character of war through the lens of the Russia-Ukraine War. The authors analyze the conflict’s history, each side’s warfighting functions, the role of multidomain operations, and more. The radical changes in the character of war suggest the United States is at a strategic inflection point. The authors draw lessons from both the Ukrainians and the Russians to suggest improvements for the United States. Advances in drone technology, cyber warfare, and electromagnetic warfare pose new technological vulnerabilities and possibilities. In addition, the war has highlighted the roles of allies in deterrence and training as well as how leadership styles within the military—specifically, in the implementation of mission command—can be a decisive factor. As the Russia-Ukraine War has demonstrated, modern conflict touches a plethora of domains; thus, having sufficient personnel who are ready to fill a variety of capacities will be critical in the future. Finally, the war has shown history and justice are critical aspects of going to war and achieving peace, so crafting a narrative and satisfying stakeholders will be necessary for establishing a stable world order. The Russia-Ukraine War foreshadows the challenges the United States will face in future conflict and highlights the keys to adapting to modern warfare.
Topic:
Security, Defense Policy, Military, Allies, Russia-Ukraine War, Convergence, and Warfare
Political Geography:
Europe and Ukraine

24. All Rise: Judicial Resistance in Poland

Author:
Marcin Mrowicki
Publication Date:
09-2024
Content Type:
Book
Institution:
International Center on Nonviolent Conflict (ICNC)
Abstract:
This monograph investigates the strategic and organized resistance of Polish judges against the authoritarian encroachments on judicial independence by the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party from 2015 to 2023. Under the leadership of Jarosław Kaczyński, PiS systematically targeted key judicial institutions like the Constitutional Tribunal and the Supreme Court, implementing reforms to undermine judicial autonomy. This assault sparked an unprecedented resistance movement among Polish judges, who employed legal and extralegal tactics to defend the rule of law. The resistance movement led to significant national and international outcomes, including presidential vetoes of controversial judicial reform bills, the reinstatement of judges, and actions by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) against Poland. These efforts not only emphasized the importance of judicial independence as a cornerstone of democracy but also provided a powerful example for other nations facing similar authoritarian threats. Through interviews with key judicial and legal figures, the monograph offers a comprehensive account of the motivations, actions, and consequences of judicial resistance in Poland. Furthermore, it catalogs the judges’ many actions according to Michael Beer’s framework of tactics from Civil Resistance Tactics in the 21st Century. Herein are valuable insights into the role of the judiciary in defending democracy, with broader implications for prodemocracy movements worldwide.
Topic:
Authoritarianism, Reform, Democracy, Rule of Law, Institutions, Judiciary, and Resistance
Political Geography:
Europe and Poland

25. Law, Trade, and Nutrition Labeling: Reflections and Experiences from Latin America

Author:
Juan Martín Carballo, Diana Guarnizo Peralta, and René Urueña Hernánde
Publication Date:
11-2024
Content Type:
Book
Institution:
Dejusticia
Abstract:
"The global burden of overweight and obesity is a pressing public health concern. Latin America, in particular, has high rates of consumption of sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods, making its population particularly vulnerable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). To promote healthier eating environments and habits, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have recommended that countries adopt a set of measures, including front-of-package warning labels based on the best available scientific evidence. Several countries in the region, such as Chile, Mexico, and Peru, have adopted the octagonal warning label model, which has demonstrated its effectiveness. However, the adoption of these and other similar policies has faced significant challenges. The ultra-processed food industry has opposed these measures, citing economic, political, and legal concerns. In particular, they have frequently argued that such policies violate international trade agreements, despite the fact that international law allows for legitimate exceptions in favor of public health. This publication contributes to the debate on the adoption of front-of-package nutrition labeling from two perspectives. First, from a legal standpoint, the authors examine the main arguments against this public health measure and provide counterarguments based on international law. Second, from a lived experience perspective, the authors recount how they successfully advocated for this public health policy in their respective countries and overcame opposition. The book offers a perspective from the Global South on front-of-package warning labels, one of the most important obesity prevention policies in recent years. It is aimed at academics, activists, and scholars interested in the intersections of public health, law, and international trade."
Topic:
Economic Justice, Food Labeling, International Trade and Finance, Public Health, World Trade Organization, and Obesity
Political Geography:
Global Focus

26. The Maritime Fulcrum of the Indo-Pacific: Indonesia and Malaysia Respond to China’s Creeping Expansion in the South China Sea

Author:
Scott Bentley
Publication Date:
01-2023
Content Type:
Book
Institution:
China Maritime Studies Institute, U.S. Naval War College
Abstract:
China now is attempting to expand its control to the southernmost extent of its nine-dash-line claim in the South China Sea, in waters ever closer to Indonesian and Malaysian shores. This area of the South China Sea, spanning from Indonesia’s Natuna Islands to the South Luconia Shoals, has greater strategic importance than the Spratly or Paracel Island chains farther to the north. Whereas the Spratlys have for centuries been regarded as “dangerous ground” and commercial mariners have avoided them, the vital sea lines of communication (SLOCs) connecting the Pacific and Indian Oceans flow through this part of the southern South China Sea. Therefore, these areas are far more vital to international commerce and navigation than the dangerous grounds closer to China’s Spratly Islands outposts.
Topic:
Territorial Disputes, Armed Forces, Maritime, Commerce, and Expansion
Political Geography:
China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Asia, Indo-Pacific, and South China Sea

27. Space: America's New Strategic Front Line

Author:
Henry D. Sokolski
Publication Date:
10-2023
Content Type:
Book
Institution:
Nonproliferation Policy Education Center
Abstract:
Last week, the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States released its final report. Although Congress tasked it to assess the role of space systems in America’s strategic posture, the commission dedicated less than a half-page of its 160-page review to this matter. Of its 20 pages of specific recommendations, the commission made none on space. This seems odd. As China and Russia build up their nuclear arsenals well beyond what America has deployed, the cost and impracticality of quantitatively countering these threats only grows. The commission report rightly recommends the United States make its strategic nuclear forces less vulnerable to a potential first strike. But what of the argument that to do this America and its allies must be able to stun or disable its adversaries’ military eyes, ears, voices, and nervous systems both on Earth and in space? Those who argue this maintain that if America commands space, it can be assured of victory in war and, better yet, be able to deter conflicts. Does it follow that if America and its allies lose assured command of space, acquiring more and better nuclear weapons may be for naught? What does securing command of space demand? What would it enable our military to do? What space capabilities are our key space adversary — China — and our key Asian allies—Japan and South Korea — planning to employ? What will implementing America’s current space strategy entail and cost? What might alternatives to this strategy entail? Which, if any, space capacities and military actions does the Outer Space Treaty (to which Russia, China, the United States, and most states in Asia and Europe are parties) allow or prohibit? Can these limits be enforced? What can space war simulations do to help get the answers? NPEC commissioned some of the nation’s top military and legal space experts to examine these issues. It then held a series of space simulations to test their answers out. The result, which my staff and I are releasing today, is a 354-page volume, Space: America’s New Strategic Front Line (introduction below). It features insights from space policy experts and practitioners and more than suggests that strategic deterrence will depend on securing space superiority.
Topic:
Security, Defense Policy, Nuclear Weapons, Nonproliferation, and Space
Political Geography:
Russia, Japan, China, South Korea, North America, and United States of America

28. Prison Hunger Strikes in Palestine: A Strategic Perspective

Author:
Malaka Mohammed Shwaikh and Rebecca Gould
Publication Date:
01-2023
Content Type:
Book
Institution:
International Center on Nonviolent Conflict (ICNC)
Abstract:
This publication is the first major transnational examination of prison hunger strikes. While focusing on Palestine, the research is enriched by extensive interviews and conversations with South African, Kurdish, Irish, and British ex-prisoners and hunger strikers. This study reveals in unprecedented detail how prison hunger strikes achieve monumental feats of resistance through the weaponization of lives. How do prison hunger strikers achieve demands? How do they stay connected with the outside world in a space that is designed to cut them off from that world? And why would a prisoner put their lives at risk by refusing to eat or, at times, drink? This research shows that sometimes prisoners’ need for dignity (karamah) and freedom (hurriya) trump their hunger pangs and thirst. Prison Hunger Strikes in Palestine evaluates the process of hunger striking, including the repressive actions prisoners encounter, and the negotiation process. It analyzes differences and similarities between individual and collective strikes, and evaluates the role and impact of solidarity actions from outside the prison walls. The work’s critical and grassroots understanding of prison hunger strikes fully centers the voices of hunger strikers. The analysis results in actionable takeaways that will be as useful to prison activists as they will be to their allies around the world.
Topic:
Prisons/Penal Systems, Hunger, Conflict, Repression, and Activim
Political Geography:
Middle East, Israel, and Palestine

29. The Struggle for Law and Rights: Dejusticia's Fifteen-Plus Years Working toward Socioenvironmental Justice and the Rule of Law

Author:
Rodrigo Uprimny Yepes and Vivian Newman Pont
Publication Date:
07-2023
Content Type:
Book
Institution:
Dejusticia
Abstract:
This book features two presentations by Rodrigo Uprimny and Vivian Newman, both former directors of Dejusticia, that were delivered in 2020 to mark the occasion of the Tang Prize that was bestowed on Dejusticia that year. The first presentation explores Dejusticia’s relationship with the rule of law. It examines the differences between Dejusticia and other civil society organizations, as well as the action-research methodology that characterizes Dejusticia’s work and allows the organization to connect with the reality around us. It then discusses the role of the rule of law in contemporary society, where urgent social change is needed, and concludes with a discussion of the challenges that organizations such as Dejusticia have dealt with in the past and must tackle in the future. The second presentation explores the potential and limits of one of Dejusticia’s main tools: strategic litigation as an instrument for social and environmental justice. It offers examples of victories achieved by Dejusticia and its allies using litigation and offers some lessons learned during the organization’s fifteen-plus years using the law to change lives.
Topic:
Civil Society, Rule of Law, NGOs, Strategic Litigation, and Action Research
Political Geography:
Global Focus

30. Luchar contra la corriente: derechos humanos y justicia climática en el Sur global (bilingüe)

Author:
Alejandra Donoso, Seyed Mahdi Khodaei, Bruno Martins Morais, Mildred Meléndez Otero, and Jessica Corredor
Publication Date:
02-2023
Content Type:
Book
Institution:
Dejusticia
Abstract:
"This book is the result of the collective effort of participants from Dejusticia’s seventh annual Global Action-Research Workshop for Young Human Rights Advocates, held in Bogotá and Putumayo, Colombia, in 2019. This encounter brought together seventeen activists from the global South to reflect on the challenges posed by the current climate crisis and possible strategies for addressing this crisis that place human rights at the forefront. The four chapters in this book—which explore cases from Brazil, Chile, Iran, and Puerto Rico—show how even though the picture is bleak with regard to climate change’s impacts on human rights, there is hope when we place communities and their rights front and center. In summary, this book argues that the struggle against climate change must be transversal to other social demands and that it is through collective action around human rights—based on robust research—that we can effectively address the climate crisis."
Topic:
Climate Change, Human Rights, Global South, and Climate Justice
Political Geography:
Iran, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Puerto Rico, and Global South