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What is Preventative Diplomacy?

Introduction Preventative diplomacy is action to prevent disputes from arising between parties, to prevent existing disputes from escalating into conflicts and to limit the spread of the latter when they occur. Outline Since the end of the Cold War the international community through international institutions has been focusing on preventive diplomacy. As the United Nations… Read More

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What are Confidence-Building Measures?

Introduction Confidence-building measures (CBMs) or confidence- and security-building measures (CSBMs) are actions taken to reduce fear of attack by both (or more) parties in a situation of conflict. The term is most often used in the context of armed conflict, but is similar in logic to that of trust and interpersonal communication used to reduce… Read More

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An Overview of Civilian Control of the Military

Introduction Civilian control of the military is a doctrine in military and political science that places ultimate responsibility for a country’s strategic decision-making in the hands of the civilian political leadership, rather than professional military officers. Civilian control is often seen as a prerequisite feature of a stable liberal democracy. Use of the term in… Read More

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What is the Anti-Secession Law (2005)?

Introduction The Anti-Secession Law (Chinese: 《反分裂国家法》) is a law of the People’s Republic of China, passed by the 3rd Session of the 10th National People’s Congress. It was ratified on 14 March 2005, and went into effect immediately. President Hu Jintao promulgated the law with Presidential Decree No. 34. Although the law, at ten articles,… Read More

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What is the RAND Corporation?

Introduction RAND Corporation (“research and development”) is an American non-profit global policy think tank created in 1948 by Douglas Aircraft Company to offer research and analysis to the United States Armed Forces. It is financed by the US government and private endowment, corporations, universities and private individuals. The company has grown to assist other governments,… Read More