The random order service G/M/m queue

The waiting time in the random order service G/M/m queue is studied. For the Laplace transform we obtain a simpler representation than previously available. For the moments, an explicit recursive algorithm is given and carried out numrically for some cases. This gives rise to the conjecture that the waiting-time distributio can be approximated by the one for M/M/m after a suitable change of scale.     

Territoriality of radical Islam: comparative analysis of jihadist groups' approach to territory

ABSTRACT

The paper compares political territoriality of selected jihadist violent non-state actors. Looking at selected groups that attempted to control territory (Afghan Taliban, Al-Shabaab, the Islamic State), it attempts to establish a generalization regarding the use of territory by this type of violent non-state actors. To this end, it analyses connection of territory to groups´ security provision, economic activity, and identity. Despite many differences among the groups, it concludes that these groups often utilize both territorial and personal characteristics. Territoriality of these actors is reactive as they are unable to present a sustained control in contested regions.     

In pursuit of accountability during and after war

ABSTRACT

This article aims to identify and elaborate the causes and ramifications of applying transitional justice, in particular accountability measures, to situations of war. It focuses on the correlations between peace and justice – and hence an important perspective on the question ‘how do wars end’. The article seeks to understand some of the main challenges associated with pursuing accountability for crimes committed in contemporary forms of conflict, including civil wars and abuses committed by major powers in armed conflict.     

Facing ‘people's war’: Moltke the elder and Germany's military options after 1871

Prof. Dr Werner Hahlweg (ed.), Carl von Clausewitz: Vom Kriege. Neunzehnte Auflage. Bonn: Duemmler, 1980. Pp. 1406; DM. 98.00.*

Tony Ashworth, Trench Warfare 1914–1918. The Live and Let Live System. London: The Macmillan Press, 1980. Pp. 226; £15.

Stephen Roskill, Admiral of the Fleet: Earl Beatty. London: Collins, 1980. Pp. 430; £12.95.

R.J. Overy, The Air War 1939–1945. London: Europa Publications, 1980. Pp. 250; £12.50.

Martin Binkin and Irene Kynakopoulos, Youth or Experience? Manning the Modern Military. Washington, D.C.: The Brookings Institution, 1980. Pp. 84; NP.

Amos Perlmutter and Valerie Bennett (eds), The Political Influence of the Military. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1980. Pp. 508; £22.50; £6.90 (paperback).

Edward M. Spiers, The Army and Society 1815–1914. Themes in British Social History. London: Longman, 1980. Pp. 318; £9.95, £5.75 (paperback).

Richard K. Ashley, The Political Economy of War and Peace: The Sino‐Soviet‐American Triangle and the Modern Security Problematique. London: Frances Pinter, 1980. Pp. 384; £15.     

A note on some series representations of the integral of a bivariate normal distribution over an offset circle

Consider the problem of computing an offset circle probability under a normal distribution. One approach is to utilize an infinite series representation in which case it is important to have rapid convergence and a good upper bound on the error introduced by consideration of only a finite number of terms of the series. We relate three seemingly different series representations. In particular we show how two series representations for the bivariate case can be obtained by specializing more general results of Harold Ruben.     

The queue G/M/m/N: Busy period and cycle,waiting time under reverse and random order service

The busy period, busy cycle, and the numbers of customers served and lost therein, of the G/M/m queue with balking is studied via the embedded Markov chain approach. It is shown that the expectations of the two discrete variables give the loss probability. For the special case G/M/1/N a closed expression in terms of contour integrals is obtained for the Laplace transform of these four variables. This yields as a byproduct the LIFO waiting time distribution for the G/M/m/N queue. The waiting time under random order service for this queue is also studied.