NAPSNet 8 September 2011

Recommended Citation

"NAPSNet 8 September 2011", NAPSNet Weekly Report, September 08, 2011, https://nautilus.org/napsnet/napsnet-weekly/napsnet-8-september-2011/

NAPSNet 8 September 2011

DETERRENCE:  Nuclear drawdown, deterrence, and non-proliferation, What is the role of nuclear and non-nuclear-based deterrence as a means of prevention in the current and future threat environment? Deterrence: Its Past and Future: Panel Two (20 May 2011)

In Northeast Asia, US extended nuclear deterrence has reassured its allies against attack;  dissuaded them from building nuclear weapons; likely prevented smaller scale conflicts from escalating into larger ones; but  has been either unsuccessful or counter-productive in preventing small-scale conventional provocations and proliferation by North Korea.

CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION: A climate for conflict or cooperation? Addressing the securitisation of climate change (DRAFT), Third Global International Studies Conference, University of Porto (17-20 August 2011) [PDF, 571KB]     

Climate change is an emerging threat to international peace and security. This draft paper discusses the link between the securitization of climate change and its militarization by focusing on the European Union region. It argues that addressing climate change through a security framework (in terms of resource allocation and policy prioritization) can be a positive development as it entails a great level of cooperation.

ENERGY SECURITY: China’s nuclear power plans unfazed by Fukushima disaster, Yale Environment 360 (08 August 2011)

While a number of other countries reconsider their commitments to nuclear power following the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi plant in Japan, China plans to build 36 reactors over the next decade, with 26 under construction now.  China’s new reactors are designed to be less expensive and quicker to construct, as well as having passive safety features, but concerns regarding reactor safety and quality assurance for China-built components remain.

DPRK:  The environmental protection law amended – environmental certification system to be newly introduced, IFES (31 August 2011)

North Korea revised its environmental protection law to encourage the development of renewable energy, including solar, wind, and geothermal power, and reduce the reliance on coal and crude oil. The law now also includes an environmental certification system. The environmental protection law was amended to “protect the environment and promote continuous economic growth.” Coal and coke currently constitute 56% of North Korea’s energy supply.

GOVERNANCE AND CIVIL SOCIETY: Jeju project resumes after rally falls flat, Joongang Daily (5 September 2011)

Construction resumed on a controversial Marine naval base in Gangjeong Village on Jeju Island after approximately 600 police cleared protesters and arrested 39 leaders, allowing a fence to be installed around the site. Around 1000 protesters gathered over the weekend, but failed to prevent resumption of the project in the face of a court injunction forbidding any interference with construction.

AUSTRAL SECURITY: Australian High Court rules against Malaysia swap deal, ABC Asia Pacific News (31 August 2011)

On August 31 the Australian High Court declared the temporary injunction against the transfer of asylum seekers permanent. The ruling has raised questions about the practice of offshore processing followed by successive Governments. The following articles look at the impacts of the ruling on Australian politics and the region.

 

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