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Deaths of United Nations peacekeeping troops have shot up in recent years. One reason is that the international body has taken on missions that involve more than just peacekeeping. Alexander Gilder argues that peacekeepers deployed as part of ‘stabilization missions’ are taking more active roles as they join forces with government troops. This carries the risk of increased fatalities as well as potentially alienating local communities.
Recently, a group of U.S. diplomatic personnel were evacuated from Guangzhou, China, over concerns about a “sonic attack”. Jonathan D Moreno and Sergio Litewka explain the possibilities of sound being used as a sophisticated weapon to undermine foreign governments.
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The head of the UN mission in Congo William Swing (second left) in 2003.
EPA PHOTO/Marco Longari
Alexander Gilder, City, University of London
The UN promotes local ownership in peace building, which is difficult to achieve.
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Health + Medicine
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Jonathan D Moreno, University of Pennsylvania; Sergio Litewka, University of Miami
A mystery disease that struck US personnel in Cuba and China triggered fears of a sonic weapon. But two experts argue that this is just about leveraging a medical mystery for political gain.
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Billie de Haas, University of Groningen
Uganda needs to face the reality that many young people are sexually active and need information to protect themselves.
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Science + Technology
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Benjamin Sachs, University of St Andrews
Nearly 50 years since the first man walked on the moon, our morals are still stranded on Earth.
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Environment + Energy
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Simon Willcock, Bangor University; Phil Platts, University of York
Conservationists scaled the sheer cliffs of Mount Lico as part of wider effort to build the case for the protection of Mozambique's mountain forests.
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Arts + Culture
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David W. Stowe, Michigan State University
Reggae is the musical expression of Rastafari, a belief system of migrants to Jamaica. A popular song, 'Rivers of Babylon,' offers a window into their spirituality and longing for their homeland.
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