Human Security Centre Human Rights and International Security Research

In a previous article from the Human Security Centre on the topic of neutral European states, the concept of neutrality was examined in relation to how Switzerland, Austria and Ireland have put neutrality into practice, including a history of neutrality in each of these countries, followed by an analysis of conventional ground-based military assets. This second article which looks into aerial and naval military assets, and examines how neutrality is practiced as a foreign policy by these three countries.

The law of neutrality was codified in 1907. Otherwise known as the Hague Convention, this document sets out the rights and responsibilities of neutral states. Since its writing, two World Wars and the Cold War have challenged neutral states to take steps and ensure their neutrality while giving them the chance to develop unique foreign policies.

The bushfires which rampaged across parts of southeastern Australia were finally extinguished at the end of February, after more than 240 days of blazing across New South Wales.

While this change in policy does not necessarily mean a change in practice, it must be remembered that landmines - no matter how advanced they are - prevent a peoples or a country from developing by denying them the ability to move on from an armed conflict.

Through Operation Bushfire Assist, Australia and its partners continue to develop interoperability, a crucial feat which will be called upon to face future challenges in the South Pacific region.

Animals have been used by armed forces around the world for as long as humans have warred, and while images of animals wearing tiny uniforms may come off as adorable, it begs a serious discussion on the ethics behind their for military tasks.

Despite concerns and criticism, Erdoğan’s government launched Operation Peace Spring on 9 October, targeting Islamic State and Kurdish elements.

Despite the destruction left behind on The Bahamas, predominantly on Abaco and Grand Bahama islands, Hurricane Dorian provided a stark example of how Armed Forces from the Caribbean, and larger regional and global powers, can come together to provide initial relief and helped set the stage for civilian organizations to follow on and provide long-term humanitarian aid.