Blogs Fall 2019

Saudi Oil Attacks
11/1/2019
By Vincent Prayugo

In the early hours of September 14th, 2019, Saudi Aramco’s oil refineries were attacked by drones and missiles claimed by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The attack caused oil production in Saudi Arabia to plummet by more than half. The Houthis claimed the attack was retaliation against Saudi Arabia due to the latter’s intervention in the Yemeni Civil War since 2015. Although the attack was not the first…Read More

China’s Aircraft Carrier Ambitions
09/17/2019
By Christopher Mitchell

The People’s Republic of China launched the type 001A aircraft carrier, Shandong, in 2017. Since then, the Shandong has been undergoing sea trials and will likely be delivered to the Chinese Navy soon. The carrier is based on the Liaoning, formerly the Soviet Varyag. Both Liaoning and Shandong are ski jump carriers. Aircraft launch off an incline at the bow…Read More

Syria: A Rocky Road Home
09/18/2019
By Noah Riley

The civil war in Syria has been raging since 2011. It began with the Arab Spring when protestors demonstrated for economic and political freedom. The Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-Assad, reacted violently to the protests by imprisoning, torturing, and killing its citizens. Since then the Free Syrian Army (FSA), and other rebel groups, have attempted to overthrow the Syrian government. While the fighting was initially about lack of freedoms and a desire for democracy…Read More

U.S. Election Security: How do we secure future elections?
09/18/2019
By Katie Richardson

The U.S. election system has an extensive history of security issues, many of which have caused national controversies throughout the years. Arguably one of the largest controversies in recent memory occurred during the 54th presidential election. In this narrow race between George W. Bush and Al Gore, the presidency hinged on a recount in Florida after the first count was too close to call. However, it quickly became apparent during the recount that the hanging chads on the paper ballots were an issue…Read More

Drone Warfare Today
09/26/2019
By Richard McClure

The age of drone warfare has introduced a new and terrifying opportunity for terrorist organizations, or lone wolf operatives. The Islamic State began creating drones to provide ‘eyes in the sky’ and destructive air support bombardment. Multiple sources claim that Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro’s life was almost taken via improvised drone attack. These examples show…Read More

A Case for Monitoring Nuclear Weapons

Following Jus in Bello, the laws of war, which forbid engaging in morally repugnant actions and targeting civilians, nuclear weapons should be eliminated because they have the potential to kill millions of people, civilians and militants alike. Despite this, I argue that nuclear weapons should be controlled instead of eliminated. The lack of a common power or governing institution in the international world results in a constant state of war due to competition, diffidence, and glory. Thus, as Hobbes argues, states are consistently working to ensure their own security and livelihood. In this environment, the elimination of nuclear weapons is not feasible…Read More