New Conception of Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability in Contemporary Terrorist Attacks

The contemporary terrorism, as multi-dimensional political phenomenon – although present from the very beginning of class society in all the socio-political systems – has provided itself the reputation of a relevant factor in international relations and it has become a constant of the actual security ambient. The endurance and intensity of attention that terrorism calls, that is quantity and variety of publicity attributed to it, speak the best to its global significance and respectable importance, as it is the greatest security problem, in regard to which any social appearance could hardly be compared.

The Case for Japanese National Security Independence: A Possible Future Imperative

Japanese defence, security and foreign policy has always been adaptable and flexible such that Japan has traditionally been able to not only survive but thrive in the international system. This has been due to Tokyo’s leadership being cognizant of the power structures in international relations and correspondingly being able to ally herself with the most suitable hegemon while pitting herself against weakening adversaries. Apart from Japan’s unequivocal defeat in World War Two where Tokyo drastically miscalculated in making an enemy of the US, her defence and foreign policy has served her well and upheld the prime Asian status of the Land of the Rising Sun for much of contemporary history.

Network Centric Warfare and Defence Industrial Implications

This paper examines the value of Network Centric Warfare(NCW) concepts, and IT based systems brought about by the shift in military affairs, which is per se considered as an evolution rather than a revolution. The evolution is a consequence of the continuous change in the societal matrix. The paper critically evaluates the implications of NCW and information technology for military strategies, and the industrial structure. Technology sometime develops faster in the civil sector, and the need for leading edge military equipments may lead to the entrance of new IT commercial firms as prime players in the defence market.

The Role of Bystanders in Mass Casualty Events: Lessons from the 2010 Haiti Earthquake

In routine emergencies, official emergency organizations bear the responsibility to manage the event and treat the wounded. The principal role for bystanders is to alert the appropriate emergency organizations. In mass casualty events (MCE), bystanders are the first responders. Research conducted among rescues in the immediate aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake indicates that bystanders can be an effective complement to professional rescue forces and a necessary substitute when professionals lack sufficient surge capacity. Policy makers and planners may be able to save lives and elevate resilience by sharing emergency preparedness responsibility with the general public.

If the United States Attacks Iran: Possible Consequences for Israel

In the past month, it has looked as if the Israeli-American dialogue on Iran and its nuclear activity has reached an impasse. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly demanded that the administration translate into practice its commitments to prevent Iran from going nuclear. In a concrete way, he has demanded that the administration set out “red lines” that will lead to U.S. military action if Iran crosses them. Administration officials have stated publicly that they are not happy with this demand, and that the United States does not believe it has an interest in limiting its room to maneuver by defining red lines vis-a-vis Iran.