...modern-day private military companies. Since the start till the American Revolution in 1776, the American lands had been owned and controlled by mercenaries and private contractors. Christopher Columbus, the man who got backing from Spain's Queen Isabella and king Ferdinand to launch the voyage and discover the new world relater effectively became a private military contractor or a PMC. This shows that the history of contracting private military -previously by the royal offices and now by the democratically elected governments- have been practiced; Historians claims that mercenaries existed in ancient Egypt to safeguard the Egyptian sovereignty by the rebels of that time. Indeed, mercenaries have transformed into private military contractors after the downfall of Soviet Union in 1991 and the characteristics of a PMC and ancient mercenaries are rather similar. However, under The Hague Convention no. 5 mercenaries are illegal organizations but the role and responsibility of private military organizations is unknown in the international law which gives them free reins to operate in a way which fulfills their greed to make abnormal profits. The operations of private military companies is controversial, their contracts with the governments and other non-state actors is discreet in nature which confines the mass media to focus on their operations. The lack of information and lack of oversight under international law makes people all around the world unaware of private military industries....
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...you out, did you stop to think about what their sexual preference was and if so would it have mattered to you? Well if you are in one of the United States Military branches, it is almost guaranteed to have come up and it has caused enough of an issue, commotion and publicity that the President of the United States had to step in and put into place a policy for what is the beginning of a giant human rights and equality motion in history. Even in this new century, who you choose to have sex with or love, still appears to be an issue for many people. Some even know that this person may one day save your life and have your back and it’s still an issue for some. The struggles of discrimination and inequality were all too frequent in the lives of homosexuals who were serving or trying to serve in the United States Military started to catch attention with the media and caught the attention by many who had voices to make a difference for equality. During the civil rights movement in the 1960’s, homosexuality wasn’t a right that was openly fought for. Albeit that today, most people view the right to love whom they choose as a civil, and human right. Many people believe that a relationship should be between a man and a woman and therefore the rights of the homosexual community were not fought over in any of the early civil rights movements. Some of these biased thoughts are said to have stemmed from the impact of the churches and Christianity, where Christians took verses or stories...
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...vehicles is evident, especially in the military sector. These modern designed aircrafts, autonomously or remote controlled, have already shown that they will play an important role in the future global environment. The research process which is used for describing methodology was grounded theory, with structure elicitation technique. Qualitative data were collected by a questionnaire, which referred to a number of 16 people who have Cypriot citizenship. This research, answered in questions such as: should Cyprus participate with drone procurement? Furthermore, what will be the reactions and concerns of civilians when they inform about the existence of this advanced program in National Guard and that can be used as a weapon? The existing army equipment is modern or obsolete? Must National Guard upgrade the existing weapons and communication equipment? Evaluating the results of the questionnaire it can be said that the majority of the participants believe that the current military equipment is not appropriate or high advanced and it needs to be upgraded with weapons and communication systems. Most of the participants supported the idea of introducing UAVs in the Cyprus army. Additionally, the participants did not express major concerns about drone procurement except from the need of compliance between UAVs utilization and human rights (illegal surveillance from the sky). Keywords- drones; use of drones in army; military drone; drones perceptions; drones science;...
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...RESEARCH PAPER 06/36 19 JUNE 2006 A Political and Economic Introduction to China “If the 20th century ended in 1989, the 21st began in 1978” Martin Jacques, The Guardian, 25 May 2006 China’s political and economic rise and what it means for the world is now a central preoccupation of analysts and policy-makers. Public awareness of China is likely to increase as the 2008 Olympics in Beijing draw near. This Research Paper is intended to act as a resource that Members of Parliament and their staff can draw upon when engaging with China’s remarkable transformation. Part I provides key facts and figures about China. Parts II and III review recent developments and future prospects by addressing four key questions. Is political authoritarianism sustainable? Can China’s development be peaceful? What are the main domestic economic challenges facing China? What is China’s impact on the world economy? Part IV summarises key aspects of UK and EU relations with China. The Paper ends with a select bibliography of key sources. The Research Paper is intended to act as a platform for a series of Library Standard Notes that will address in more depth specific issues about China that there is space here only to discuss briefly. Jon Lunn, Maria Lalic, Ben Smith and Claire Taylor INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE SECTION Ed Beale, Ed Potton, Ian Townsend and Dominic Webb ECONOMIC POLICY AND STATISTICS SECTION HOUSE OF COMMONS LIBRARY Recent Library Research Papers include: List of 15...
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...education such as a Masters degree is not a decision taken lightly, particularly, military veterans or recently retired military members. Veterans and recently retired military personnel are usually on a fixed income, which could be an advantage or a disadvantage depending on the individual’s situation. For most retirees, finding a second career is the preferred avenue rather than continuing education or the pursuit of higher education. One reason for this is because retirees are accustomed to working his or her way up the ladder; therefore, where he or she starts in the company is not important as long as the financial needs of the family unit is not disrupted. Most of the veteran population have had leadership training and managerial experience while serving in the military but lack the academic background to compete. Not long after his or her initial hire, the veteran may realize that he or she might want to continue or pursue higher education for a promotion or career of his or her choosing for the obvious financial rewards. The advantages for a veteran or retiree are paid education, monthly stipend, financial rewards, and experience. This paper will analyze the role of a manager within the functional areas of business to determine whether a veteran should pursue higher education by learning human resource management and leadership. Human Resources Human Resource Managers in the military perform similar decision-making skills as their civilian counterpart. A manager...
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...A White Paper from the Society for Human Resource Management BULLIES IN THE WORKPLACE: A FOCUS ON THE “ABUSIVE DISRESPECT” OF EMPLOYEES By Teresa A. Daniel “Bullying is the sexual harassment of 20 years ago; everybody knows about it, but nobody wants to admit it”. —Lewis Maltby (Russell, 2001) The purpose of this paper is to review the current research and literature about workplace bullying, to provide information about how organizations can learn to more quickly identify bullies and to suggest ways of dealing with these toxic people so that the corporate culture is not negatively impacted by their behavior. Overview To be successful, organizations must create an atmosphere that inspires both innovation and risk-taking. In an increasingly competitive global economy, such innovation is more important than ever before (Hamel, 2000). However, not only does workplace bullying stifle productivity and innovative practices, but bullies often target the organization’s most talented employees—those individuals who are generally the most threatening to bullies (McCord & Richardson, 2001). As a result, the creativity and productivity of the organization’s most talented human capital is often negatively affected by this type of behavior at work or, worse yet, good employees are driven out of the company altogether. Bullies are often hard to identify because they operate “under cover”—that is, on the surface they appear to be civil and cooperative, while they do ...
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...ON NTS THREATS Operationalizing the Paper 15. Research Variables. a. Case. Blue Helmets. b. Independent Variable. Lack of preparedness on NTS Threats. c. Dependent Variable. Ability to operate effectively in UNPKO. 16. Research Type. Causal. Defining the Key Concepts 17. This research deals with few intangible terms with some testable definitions. Those key concepts are defined in subsequent paragraphs: 18. Ability to Operate Effectively in UNPKO. a. An Overview. The ability to operate effectively in context of UNPKO implies to perform the primary task which is “to provide a secure environment so that other elements of the peace process can be implemented, including the...
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...An Army White Paper THE PROFESSION OF ARMS I AM AN EXPERT AND I AM A PROFESSIONAL 9TH STANZA SOLDIER’S CREED CG TRADOC Approved 8 December 2010 Authority: This White Paper has been approved for distribution on 2 December 2010 by the Commanding General, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), under his authority granted by the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Staff of the Army in the Terms of Reference dated 27 October 2010 for TRADOC to execute the ‗Review of the Army Profession in an Era of Persistent Conflict.‘ Purpose: This White Paper serves to facilitate an Army-wide dialog about our Profession of Arms. It is neither definitive nor authoritative, but a starting point with which to begin discussion. It will be refined throughout calendar year 2010 based on feedback from across our professional community. All members of the profession and those who support the profession are encouraged to engage in this dialog. Distribution: Distribution is unlimited. Yet, the material in this draft is under development. It can be referenced, but not referenced or cited as official Army policy or doctrine. Feedback and Participation: Comments on this White Paper should be sent to the Center for the Army Profession and Ethic (CAPE), Combined Arms Center, TRADOC. To get engaged in this review of the Profession of Arms, visit the CAPE website at https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/611545 and click on the Campaign link. The website will also provide links to professional forums...
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...RESEARCH PAPER General Topic: America’s War On Drugs Research Paper Question: How is the elimination of Drug supplies going to affect the economies and social concerns involved in the trade? Research Thesis Statement: The total elimination of illegal drugs in circulation will decrease employment in the US and increase unemployment in Afghanistan and Colombia. ABSTRACT: The "War on Drugs" is a campaign undertaken by the Federal government of the US with the assistance of participating countries such as Co lombia and Afghanistan , intend ed to reduce illegal drug trade to curb supply and diminish demand for certain psychoactive substances deemed harmful by the government. This initiative includes a set of laws and policies that are intended to discourage the p roduction, distribution, and consumption of targeted substances. COST: The U.S. government estimates the cost of the War on Drugs by calculating the funds used in attempting to control the supply of illegal drugs, in paying government employees involved in waging the war on crack, and to satisfy rehabilitation costs. This total was estimated by the U.S. government's cost report on drug control to be roughly $12 billion in 2005. Additionally, in a separate report, the U.S. government reports that the cost of incarcerating drug law offenders was $30.1 billion — $9.1 billion for police protection, $4.5 billion for legal adjudication, and $11.0 billion for state and federal corrections...
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...World War is known for its gross Human Rights violations and for its aftermath that gave rise to numerous conventions for the protection of Human Rights in the post war era. Therefore, some very important facts left our memories but with wonder, regarding atrocities culminating to the Holocaust, that were a result of forced or enforced disappearances constituting a crime against humanity. It stood for a strategy of the Nazi regime in 1941 that led to the extermination of more than the double of the current total Jews population and inevitably lead to irreparable losses. In this memoir, the main concern is to situate the origin of the phenomena of forced disappearance which creates victims between the disappeared and their families; hence the calls for reparation remain unavoidable and fundamental for the sake of justice and peace. The notion of Forced or enforced disappearance is ambiguous and complex....
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...Values Reflection Paper Thomas Guerrero CJA 474 November 24, 2014 David Pettinari Values Reflection Paper Regardless of whether people work in the government or private sector, military or civilian, they will commonly ask, “what are my core values?” Most people are taught personal values from the early years of childhood, and throughout adolescence. In addition to parents, many public figures instill some values (such as respect) in the minds of young adults stronger than other values. Respect is one of my core values, and something that most kids from inner-city Chicago learn about. This paper focuses on core values. In this paper, I will reflect on my core values, describe the development and change of values, and explain the nature and importance of human values in the workplace. Core Values With the numerous amounts of social influences today, it may be hard for adolescents to decide which vales they believe to be most important. However, adolescents and adults are constantly faced with the question, what do you want to be or do in life? According to De Janasz, Dowd, & Schneider (2001), “Identifying your values will help you answer the question “What do I want to achieve with my life?” Once you determine your values and why they are important to you, you can then work on a plan for achieving your goals (p. 51).” Growing up in the tough neighborhoods of Chicago, it is easy to learn the values of right and wrong. It’s learned from award ceremonies...
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...Zimbardo Research Paper Dr. Zimbardo conducted a research study in 1971 where he took 24 male college students and divided them randomly between guards and prisoners. The guards created a “prison” like set up for their prisoners. The prisoners were arrested by real cops, blindfolded, hand cuffed and taken to the simulation prison where the guards brutalized, dehumanized, tortured them. The study was to see how behaviors change based upon a setting they were put into. Throughout this paper it will come to light on how unethical this study was but also how it changed the ways in which studies are now required to be handled with human participants (Films Media Group, 2012). Value of the Study in Relation to Social Psychology Dr. Zimbardo’s research study was able to show how healthy participants quickly changed their psychological and physical behaviors when they were placed into a prison like environment. The 24 participants were all good people who were put into a very bad situation where they had to choose to stay good or conform with the environment and do what they felt was rational behavior. This study was to last two weeks and after six days Dr. Zimbardo finally shut it down. This is because the prisoners were showing signs of extreme depression and stress anxiety, while the guards were becoming very abusive, hostile and dehumanizing the prisoners. There were only a few people who were able to not let conformity consume who they really were and destroy their...
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...This paper will examine the ethical implications on psychological research of the Stanford Prison Experiment conducted at Stanford University in 1971. Ethics will be defined and the concept of risk/benefit ratio will be discussed. The Stanford Prison Experiment will be described. Finally, the impact of the Stanford Prison Experiment on psychological research will be evaluated. Ethics Defined Ethics is concerned with the principles of right conduct. In the philosophical use, ethics is a branch of philosophy that is concerned with the study of morals and how it is that moral decisions are made. Ethics also has a stricter use when dealing with the rules or standards that govern conduct and right behavior (The American Heritage Dictionary, 2000). Risk/Benefit Ratio Ethical approaches to research take into account the risk/benefit ratio. This simply means that the amount of benefit that comes from a study or research clearly outweighs any adverse risks to the subjects involved in the study or research. A study or research is only considered to be ethical if there is favorable risk benefit ratio (Wikipedia, 2008). Background on the Stanford Prison Experiment The Stanford Prison Experiment was created by Professor Philip Zimbardo who led a team of researchers at Stanford University in 1971. The study was designed to observe and study the human responses to captivity by both the inmates and the authority figures. In order to carry out the experiment, a mock prison was created in...
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...History of Politics A Research Paper Presented to The class of Miss Rhoda Mae R. Navasquez Southern Cotabato Academy, Inc. In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Subject English IV by Jeison L. Omandam December 01, 2011 INTRODUCTION Political history is the description and analysis of significant political occasions, movements, thoughts, and leaders. Typically it is developed around the nation states. It is distinguished from but relevant to other areas of history such as economic history, social history, and military history. Usually, political history discusses events pertaining to nation-states and the political process in particular. As per Hegelian doctrine, Political History ‘is a perception of the state with a guiding force beyond the material benefits of its subjects: it meant that the state was the root factor of historical change’. This differs with one, for example, social history, which predominantly discusses the events and lifestyles of common folks, or people’s history, that is historical account from the view point of a lay person. A study of political history typically centers on a single nation and its political change and aggrandizement. A few historians highlight the ever increasing drift toward confined specialization in political history over the course of recent decades: ‘wherein a college professor in the 1940s resorted to identify himself as a “historian”, by the 1950s “American historian” was the designation.’ Political...
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...Psychological Operations (PSYOPs): A Conceptual Overview Sunil Narula Abstract The psychological dimension of a conflict is as important as its physical dimension and psychological Operations (PSYOPs) have become even more relevant in this age of information, especially for a nation-state where the threat in the socio-psychological domain is more pronounced. While combating the menace of terrorism, the psychological dimension assumes great significance, as terrorists use violence as a psychological weapon by terrorising the multitude, rather than physically affect a few, and in this sense, they fight a psychological war also. The relevance of psychological operations is much greater than the successful conduct of tactical operations. This article is an attempt to conceptualise the term PSYOPs in the Indian context. The changed dynamics of international relations following the end of the Cold War and changes in the South Asian strategic landscape, postSeptember 11, have made PSYOPs more relevant for the region. It is also important to know that differences between various related concepts like Propaganda, Information Warfare, and Perception Management are waferthin, and may lead to contested perceptions amongst various agencies working under the overall ambit of national security, if not viewed in the current perspective. Therefore, clarity of the concept will set the stage for an effective implementation of policies and help in setting up of a policy structure in India (which...
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