From the earliest conceptual and theoretical work on cyber conflict, the problem of attribution, or “the return address problem,” has loomed large, undermining efforts to construct a credible deterrent against cyber attacks. The United States Department of Defense (DoD), in a 2011 policy report, recognized as much and identified the development of advanced forensics capabilities as a key component of national cyber strategy.[i] Yet in constructing its cyber deterrence policy, the DoD has failed to address the fundamental ambiguity between state and non-state cyber attacks and how it will discriminate between and respond to each. While DoD’s threat of kinetic—or … Continue reading
Category Archives: Op-Ed
Law & Economic Development
Within the academic community and among practitioners as well, there is an ongoing debate about the necessity of formal legal frameworks in economic development. As a student in Penn Law’s China and Human Rights course, I have been exposed to the details of this debate, but one particular argument concerning rights and contracts intrigued me the most. Essentially, the questions that drive this aspect of the debate are these: To what extent do legal frameworks influence economic development? Are some frameworks (British origin) more propitious than others (French origin)? How does China’s tremendous growth fall within this argument? Is it experiencing this … Continue reading
Support for Balochistan Independence Hurts U.S.-Pakistan Relations
A Congressional hearing on Balochistan, a main province in Pakistan, was highly controversial and could prove to alter US-Pakistan. Earlier this month, Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, chair of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Foreign Affairs, led the debate, which focused on human rights violations and Balochistani aspirations for self-determination. The Balochistan View Balochistan is a province that has called for independence from Pakistan since the 1960s due to issues such as human rights abuses, political disorder, and lack of economic development. The Pakistani government refuses, however, to grant autonomy because Balochistan is one of its largest provinces, constituting 44% of its total … Continue reading
What is International Development Law?
As an international relations student who is inspired by careers surrounding development, I’ve heard less than auspicious fortunes told to me. Peers and professionals alike understand “development” as a field to be something strictly along the lines of charity work, bake sale tables, and picketing in front of the White House. As a reader on this blog, you probably do not identify with this misconception, but may have experienced similar skepticism in response to your interest in development. “Development,” although used so liberally and often peppered in academic works and titles, actually does describe viable, professional fields far beyond the … Continue reading
Is the International Community Asking for Post-Election Violence in DRC?
The following was published originally originally on the UPenn SID blog on December 6, 2011. This Tuesday, December 6th, the National Election Commission of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is due to announce the preliminary results of last week’s tense Presidential contest. Analysts and academics have warned all week that some degree of violence will likely follow the flawed election between incumbent Joseph Kabila, opposition leader Etiesnne Tshisekedi, and the nine other candidates in the running. If violence does ensue, to what extent is the permissive environment created by the international community to blame? The election process to this … Continue reading
Fighting human trafficking through strawberries, chocolate, and shoes
Human trafficking is indeed a global phenomenon leaving virtually no corner of the world unscathed. Even you and I, as we sit in front of a computer in a dorm room, coffee shop or any other location, are, most likely, indirectly affected by modern day slavery. Think about what you ate for breakfast. Do you know exactly where it came from? How it was cultivated? By whom? For the most part, these are not questions we ask ourselves on a daily basis. Considering the prevalence of trafficked people working in industries such as agriculture however, the answers may surprise you. … Continue reading