Dirty war: chemical weapon use and domestic repression

The utilization of chemical weapons to quash domestic rebellion is a drastic action for a regime facing domestic challengers to take, especially given the reputation costs and risk of international intervention. However, recent developments have illustrated that some regimes have contemplated and implemented extraordinary measures (including the use of chemical munitions) to quash rebellion. This study addresses the question of why some states utilize chemical weapons against domestic challengers while others refrain from this level of state repression. I argue that the utilization of chemical weapons has both domestic and international elements. Specifically, that ethnic cleavages that lead to secessionist challenges and factors associated with inter-state rivalry impact the likelihood that a state utilizes the employment of chemical munitions. I test my argument and other explanations regarding repression with a casestudy approach utilizing captured Iraqi Government documents comparing Iraq’s Al-Anfal campaigns with developments during the recent Syrian Civil War.     

Precision cyber weapon systems: An important component of a responsible national security strategy?

Given the advances made in conventional weapon capabilities, precision should by now be the accepted and expected norm in cyberspace as well. In this article I argue that developing precision cyber weapon systems, to be used during a lawful conflict, can be an important part of a responsible national security strategy to reduce the amount of violence and physical destruction in conflicts. I first describe a precision cyber weapon system in a military context. I then present three compelling rationales for the development of precision cyber weapon systems based on ethical, operational, and financial considerations. To support the position, I address several arguments that have been levied against their development. Thereafter I present several recommendations for a way ahead.     

反舰导弹攻击方向的选择策略分析

具有航路规划能力的反舰导弹能通过选择合理的攻击方向对舰艇进行攻击,从而大大提高导弹的突防概率。针对单舰和不同编队形式的舰艇目标,选取了典型代表作为对象,分析了不同攻击方向对反舰导弹突防能力的影响,提出了选择合理攻击方向的依据,并进行了相关仿真计算。结论表明:针对单舰目标,可以两发导弹按90°夹角对目标实施两方向齐射;针对单式队形的舰艇编队,可将导弹的攻击方向选择为编队队列线方向;针对复式队形的舰艇编队,齐射导弹的攻击舷角应小于相邻两舰协同反导时导弹相对被攻击舰的最小舷角,从而尽量阻止敌方舰艇编队协同反导。