Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
Abstract:
Japan has taken concrete steps to integrate climate change into its defence and security strategy going forward, and to provide the necessary budget for implementing the relevant measures needed in mitigating the impacts of this threat. This may signal a more prominent leadership role for Japan on climate security in the Indo-Pacific.
Topic:
Security, Defense Policy, Climate Change, and Environment
Mely Caballero-Anthony, Alistair D B Cook, and Jonatan Anderias Lassa
Publication Date:
03-2023
Content Type:
Commentary and Analysis
Institution:
Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
Abstract:
The management of consequences arising from natural hazards in Southeast Asia has seen laudable advancement in the last 20 years. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has played a positive role in this progress. However, there is emerging disaster policy inertia that reflect local realities at the ASEAN and global levels.
Topic:
Regional Cooperation, Regionalism, and Disaster Management
Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
Abstract:
China, the world’s largest importer of corn and soybean, seems finally to accept the potential of using genetically modified (GM) feed crops. Will this be enough to reduce China’s dependency on such imports and will it meet the demands of other countries that are also experiencing an increase in demand for feed to increase production of animal meat?
Topic:
Agriculture, Science and Technology, Food, and Production
Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Abstract:
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide published a report
in February 2022 detailing the immediate risk of mass atrocities facing South Sudanese civilians.1 Since then, threats
facing South Sudanese civilians have worsened and the government of South Sudan has failed to take action to mitigate
these threats.2 Attacks against civilians have continued, leading thousands of people to be killed, injured, or displaced.
Experts told Simon-Skjodt Center staff that they feared the world's youngest country would slip back into full scale war.
This stems from both the highly complex conflict dynamics throughout the country with different geographic regions experiencing unique forms of violence from distinct perpetrators as well as the South Sudanese government's recent
decision to delay for two years the deadline for implementing the peace agreement and for conducting national elections.
Their actions suggest that those most responsible for past abuses may intend to cling to power and evade justice for their
actions. The need to take decisive preventative and protective action is urgent.
Topic:
Impunity, Civilians, Atrocities, Armed Conflict, and Risk Assessment
Tallan Donine, Kyra Fox, Daniel Solomon, Alex Vandermaas-Peeler, and Lawerence Woocher
Publication Date:
01-2023
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Abstract:
The Simon-Skjodt Center’s “lessons learned” project aims to understand better how policy makers, across
all levels of government, can take effective action to prevent mass atrocity crimes and protect civilian
populations in situations where they face serious threats of group-targeted, systematic violence. We have
sought to identify, distill, and organize insights on a range of policy tools—ranging from “naming and
shaming” to sanctions to prosecutions—which are sometimes used to help prevent or respond to mass
atrocities.
To complement our review of the empirical research literature on the use of targeted sanctions, we
conducted interviews with people who had substantial policy or operational experience working in the US
government on targeted sanctions prior to 2021. The premise for the interviews is that experienced
practitioners have important insights about when and how targeted sanctions can be most effective in
helping prevent mass atrocities.3 While one can find many ideas about how to use targeted sanctions most
effectively, none that we are aware of are: (1) focused specifically on the use of targeted sanctions for
mass atrocity prevention and (2) based on the collective perspectives of a set of experienced practitioners.
This report summarizes the results of the interviews with experienced targeted sanctions practitioners.
Details on the methods employed and the interview respondents are presented in appendices.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Economics, Sanctions, and Atrocity Prevention