On the behavior of the batch arrival queue Mx/M/1 during a busy period

The queue size process (^t)⁰≤^t≤^t0 of the batch arrival queue M^X/M/1 is studied under the condition that the duration of its busy period is larger than t⁰. Explicit formulas for the transition probabilities are given and the limiting Markov process for t⁰ → ∞ is investigated. Several properties of this process are considered. Its transition probabilities and moments and the distribution of its minimum are derived and a functional limit theorem for the rescaled process is proved. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Availability of an operating system during a given time interval: A dynamic programming approach

We consider the problem of running a one-unit failure system such that the probability that the system is operating over an entire prespecified time interval (or at least at some time instant during the interval) is maximized. A fixed number of unused units having identically distributed random operating times are at the controller's disposal. Simple assumptions are made on the stochastic failure mechanism. In particular, the time required to activate a unit for the system is supposed to be constant. Analyzing the associated dynamic programming equations yields closed-form solutions. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Resilience as the EU Global Strategy’s new leitmotif: pragmatic,problematic or promising?

A striking difference between the EU’s 2016 Global Strategy and its 2003 predecessor is the ubiquity of resilience as a new leitmotif, understood as the ability of states and societies to reform, thus withstanding and recovering from internal and external crisis. Resilience provides a middle ground between over-ambitious liberal peace-building and under-ambitious stability, (re)directs attention to local resources and practices, and is ambiguous enough to be acceptable to everyone. The Global Strategy’s leitmotif is an example of the rise and spread of resilience in international discourses about crisis management and humanitarian emergencies. Although there are risks inherent to the way in which resilience reframes risks and crises, its added value lies in its power as convening concept, opening up international organizations to new ways of thinking and working, and providing a common ground for engagement.     

Concepts of Legitimacy: Congruence and Divergence in the Afghan Conflict

ABSTRACT

Revisiting the US-led counterinsurgency campaign in Afghanistan, we examine to what extent the concepts of legitimacy of the Taliban and the US counterinsurgents showed congruence with pre-existing Afghan notions of legitimacy. We move beyond dominant approaches of social contract theory and materialist legitimacy by using a threefold model of legitimacy to assess the different concepts of legitimacy. Both the Taliban and the US, we argue, diverged markedly from historically developed notions of legitimate rule. The article demonstrates that counterinsurgents need to be aware of and adapt to local norms. Moreover, we point towards relevant norms in the case of Afghanistan.