Read more about the article From Sharpshooter to Sniper: The Evolution of Snipers in the Modern Battlefield
Food For Thought

From Sharpshooter to Sniper: The Evolution of Snipers in the Modern Battlefield

Over the centuries, the use of snipers in com- bat has evolved from a peripheral practice to a widespread feature of modern warfare. Rifle and optical technology have undergone huge advancements that have helped marksmen emerge as integral parts of offensive and de- fensive strategies. Today, snipers continue to impact combat in ways that far eclipse the sum of casualties caused. A powerful tool in stifling enemy morale, snipers are best de- scribed as specialists in precision shooting and as resilient, highly skilled masters of stealth.

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29 September 2021
Read more about the article Energy Security in the EU: How Energy Affects the Union’s Military Operations
Food For Thought

Energy Security in the EU: How Energy Affects the Union’s Military Operations

From a geopolitical perspective, the major actor crowding EU policymakers’ minds is Russia, as the EU imports around 30% of its oil and 40% of its gas from there. This de- pendence, however, is not distributed evenly. Certain member states (MS) import almost all their energy from Russia, especially in Eastern Europe, while others are exporters themselves.

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23 September 2021
Read more about the article Refusing Vaccines: A Possible Motive of Denial for Participation in Military Activities
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Refusing Vaccines: A Possible Motive of Denial for Participation in Military Activities

One of the main practices undertaken by various states in the ongoing fight against the spread of Covid-19 is massive vaccination campaigns targeting workers and professionals, such as teaching and medical personnel. In some instances, this course of action has been coupled with negative repercussions for workers who refuse to get vaccinated. For example, in March 2021, the Italian government imposed a vaccination obligation on all healthcare personnel, with a suspension of pay for any worker refusing to be vaccinated (Amante, 2021). Similarly, in July 2021, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a measure setting 15 September as the date after which unvaccinated healthcare workers in France could be suspended without receiving their salary (Ficek & de Comarmond, 2021).

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23 September 2021
Read more about the article The Situation in Afghanistan Brings New Impetus for European Strategic Autonomy
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The Situation in Afghanistan Brings New Impetus for European Strategic Autonomy

In August 2021, President Biden ended the long chapter of Western intervention in Afghanistan with his immediate withdrawal of troops from the Afghan territory. Following the subsequent seizure of Kabul by Taliban militants, the country’s unfolding political, security, and humanitarian crisis has captured the attention of the world. In Europe, the fallout of the ‘chaotic’ evacuation has sparked dialogue on the broader significance of President Biden’s unilateral decision. The concept of strategic autonomy, a term already ubiquitous in EU security discourse, comes to the fore with a renewed sense of urgency. Calls by scholars, experts, and both EU and national-level officials for a more serious commitment to Europe’s empowerment as an independent actor are reverberating through the media. This article examines some of the dialogue emerging from Europe and discusses the potential for turning rhetoric into action.

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14 September 2021
Read more about the article Ethical and Legal Considerations for Biomedical Performance Enhancement in the Military
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Ethical and Legal Considerations for Biomedical Performance Enhancement in the Military

Since antiquity, exceeding the natural capacities of human beings has always been a concern for states and cities. With advancements in medicine and biotechnology, all major world powers are now exploring new ways to increase the psychological and physical capacities of their soldiers. The use of pharmacological products could, in theory, be used to improve soldier strength, mental capacity, recovery, and resistance to fatigue and trauma. However, the ethical and legal frameworks within which the use of pharmacological technology would be acceptable remains uncertain. Debates surrounding the use of performance enhancement drugs often revolve around concerns regarding safety and side effects. This paper seeks to go beyond those concerns and examine the ethical and legal considerations, assuming these products are safe and approved for military use.

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7 September 2021