Introduction A crime of aggression or crime against peace is the planning, initiation, or execution of a large-scale and serious act of aggression using state military force. The definition and scope of the crime is controversial. The Rome Statute contains an exhaustive list of acts of aggression that can give rise to individual criminal responsibility,… Read More
Introduction An amnesty law is any legislative, constitutional or executive arrangement that retroactively exempts a select group of people, usually military leaders and government leaders, from criminal liability for the crimes that they committed. More specifically, in the ‘age of accountability’, amnesty laws have come to be considered as granting impunity for the violation of… Read More
Introduction A private defence agency (PDA) is a theoretical enterprise which would provide personal protection and military defence services to individuals who would pay for its services. PDAs are advocated in anarcho-capitalism as a way of enforcing the system of private property. A PDA is distinguished from a private contractor employed by a state which… Read More
Introduction A private army or private military is a military or paramilitary force consisting of armed combatants who owe their allegiance to a private person, group, or organisation, rather than a nation or state. Refer to Private Military Company and Private Defence Agency. Brief History Private armies may form when land owners arm household retainers… Read More
Introduction The University for Peace (UPEACE) is an international, graduate-only research university and intergovernmental organisation. The university was established as a treaty organisation by the United Nations General Assembly in 1980. Each year, the University for Peace selects approximately 200 students globally for a master’s programme (MA or MSc) related to the study of peace… Read More
Introduction DCAF; Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (French: Centre pour la gouvernance du secteur de la sécurité, Genève, German: Das Genfer Zentrum für die Gouvernanz des Sicherheitssektors) is an intergovernmental foundation-based think tank that provides research and project support to states and international actors in improving security sector governance and reform (SSG and SSR).… Read More
Introduction Ghost detainee is a term used in the executive branch of the United States (US) government to designate a person held in a detention centre, whose identity has been hidden by keeping them unregistered and therefore anonymous. Such uses arose as the Bush administration initiated the War on Terror following the 9/11 attacks of… Read More
Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute 