10 Ideas for Defense & Diplomacy, 2013

Redefining What It Means to be a Refugee Policy of the Year Nominee

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Defense for & Diplomacy

IDEAS

10 Ideas for Defense and Diplomacy 2013

National Director Taylor Jo Isenberg Policy & Program Director Alan Smith Deputy Policy & Program Director Lydia Bowers Field Director Winston Lofton Deputy Field Director Joelle Gamble Chapter Services Coordinator Dante Barry With special thanks to our editors Roosevelt Institute Communications Team Bryce Covert, Tim Price Alumni Editors Monika Johnson, Rocky Cole Ashley Greco-Stoner, Charsaree Clay Student Editors Brian Jencunas, Sonya Sharif





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IDEAS

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Defense and Diplomacy

Congratulations to Ariel Smilowitz author of Redefining What it Means to be a “Refugee” Nominee for Policy of the Year

The Roosevelt Institute Campus Network A division of the Roosevelt Institute 570 Lexington Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10022 Copyright (c) 2013 by the Roosevelt Institute. All rights reserved. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors. They do not express the views or opinions of the Roosevelt Institute, its officers or its directors.

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Inside the Issue Reducing Veteran Unemployment: American Heroes Education Institute Mohammed A. Alam

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Combined Task Force as a Catalyst for US-Chinese Cooperation Jon Buchleiter

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Eliminating Sexual Assault in the United States Military Using Individualized Attention on Bases Sarah Estrela and Liza Ponomarenko

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Adapting to China’s Rise as a Significant Naval Power Derrick Flakoll and Chang Sun

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Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in the Middle East Amy Frieder

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The United States: The Arsenal of Peacekeeping Daniel Irvin

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A Child’s War: Settler Violence in the West Bank Hanna Madsen

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More Effective and Efficient Officers Graham Palmer

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Training 21st Century Leaders to Handle 21st Century Global Governance Nehemiah Rolle et al

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Redefining What it Means to be a “Refugee” Ariel Smilowitz

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p Letter from New York City The Roosevelt Institute | Campus Network was established in 2004 in response to

the deep and pervasive sense that young people were overlooked in the policymaking process – that we could put boots on the ground and donate what little money we had to support leaders that promoted our progressive values, but our ideas, opinions, and priorities were not represented in our public discourse or electoral system. It was this realization and subsequent rejection of the status quo that led to the founding of what is now the nation’s largest student policy organization. That original purpose has endured as the Campus Network has grown to over 100 chapters. Yet at a recent gathering, one of our top leaders noted that the challenges we face in the wake of the 2012 election are similar to the ones that first brought us together. We are increasingly powerful actors in our public debates, but despite the bold ideas and ambitious agendas we’ve envisioned, designed, supported, and fought for, we are still beholden to a political process more focused on scoring partisan points than moving our country forward. What emerged from that moment of collective reflection was the recognition of our unrealized potential as a movement. While our members’ student-generated ideas and solutions-oriented action have redefined youth participation in the political process, it will take constant renewal and commitment to fresh ideas, rigorous engagement, and long-term action to achieve what we know is possible. The 2013 10 Ideas series represents that ongoing effort to build the infrastructure, communities, and platforms that will allow us to realize the vision that was first laid out in dorm rooms across the country eight years ago. This year, our premier journals represent unique ideas from 83 authors at 30 different schools. As they go to press, our members are already translating those ideas into action by initiating petitions, collaborating with local partners and stakeholders, and lobbying on Capitol Hill. Last year, we proudly presented the 10 Ideas series as a powerful reminder that this generation is not only willing to build a better future, but has already begun. This year, we put these solutions forward to demonstrate that members of this generation are in it for the long haul as part of an initiative that is always growing, always evolving, and always looking toward the future in the pursuit of progress. Taylor Jo Isenberg National Director Roosevelt Institute | Campus Network



Welcome

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We are pleased to share the fifth edition of the Roosevelt Institute | Campus Network’s

flagship 10 Ideas series. These journals, encompassing the best student ideas from our six policy centers, are filled with game-changing public policy suggestions that we can and must implement now. We are in desperate need of these ideas. Rising healthcare costs, increasing inequality, global climate change, and a government that often seems unable or unwilling to address the things that matter most are challenges that require the very best and the very brightest. At the same time, we are told that Millennials are checked out, have lost interest, and are waiting for someone else to solve our problems. These journals are an answer to that narrative, making the clear case that we are engaged and active citizens, putting forward ideas to change the problems we see in the world around us. We believe in the power of people working together to solve problems. Each year, the 10 Ideas journals provide a vision for change that addresses the needs of our neighborhoods, our cities, and our country. Working with community members, local nonprofits, professors, and lawmakers, these student authors have identified the policies that can make the most difference. Yet this journal represents just the tip of the iceberg, with many hours of organizing, researching, fundraising, and developing public campaigns hidden below the surface. This year’s Defense & Diplomacy journal reveals a real concern over our military tensions with China, and our students suggest several innovative ways to approach this potential hotbed. There is also a common theme of efficiency and improving the mechanisms through which defense and diplomacy function by tackling the ways we pay for and reward success within our systems. Finally, Millennials believe in the power of diplomacy and mediation in foreign conflict zones and are actively pursuing new pathways to peace. Taken on its own, each idea is a simple solution. These journals and the 10 Ideas series taken together are a library of ideas that can help us build toward a more equal, accessible, and community-minded world. Join us in seeing these ideas realized. Alan Smith Program and Policy Director Roosevelt Institute | Campus Network

Lydia Bowers Deputy Program and Policy Director Roosevelt Institute | Campus Network

Reducing Veteran Unemployment: American Heroes Education Institute Mohammed A. Alam, The City College of New York The U.S Department of Veterans Affairs should engage in comprehensive career support for veterans by working with non-profit organizations and sponsoring an interactive 15-week educational training program. Over 2.4 million veterans have returned to civilian life since 9/11.1 The national unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans was 10 percent as of November 2012.2 While Veterans Affairs offers a program known as the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), roughly twothirds of veterans receive this assistance and less than half find it useful.3 TAP does not keep records of progress, and it provides general non-specific services, making it difficult for veterans to identify their individual skills. The roots of the problem lie in ineffective programs and poor use of resources. Veterans Affairs had a budget of $968 million in 2012 for employment and rehabilitation services. Yet a large number of veterans are unable to translate their military skills into civilian jobs.4 This proposal would create a more structured and results-oriented program.

Analysis

A 15-week program – undertaken upon completion of active duty – can reduce veteran unemployment. Veterans Affairs indicates that the G.I. Bill allocates approximately $18,000 per veteran.5 However, many do not claim these benefits.6 The 15-week “institute” could use a portion of the funding from veterans entered into the program as educational expenses and would be able to track the progress of the assistance.7 Nearly 1.6 million veterans receive TAP benefits, which costs an annual $9 million. In addition to costing less, the institute will also provide a more effective and personalized program. It can deliver assistance to the nearly 900,000 veterans that are still unemployed.8

• Key Facts

• Among veterans ages 18 to 24, there is an unemployment rate of 30.2 percent. • Veterans are accustomed to the organization and structure of the military. However, no similar structures exist for veterans entering the workforce. This results in a lack of available support and creates serious obstacles when entering the job market.12

The institute can be broken down into four parts. First, veterans will be assisted with a rehabilitation counselor to work one-on-one in transitioning back into civilian life. Second, veterans will receive educational seminars, which will highlight different career choices and how to pursue a college degree. Third, veterans will receive training in professional skills such as networking and writing a job application, resumes, and cover letters. Fourth, veterans will learn how to take the skills and knowledge they gained through military service, determine their transferability, and match them to civilian jobs. Those with concentrated skills, for example a medic, will receive specialized career and educational assistance to convert them into civilian services.9

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Next Steps

The institute would be implemented by a partnership of government agencies, veteran • Talking Points agencies, and non-profit organizations. In ad• The American Heroes Education dition to federal and non-profit resources, Institute can begin the process the Department of Labor issues grants for of improving these problems with rehabilitation, transferability of up to $1,250,000.10 It can then be housed in skills, and employment. community centers, federal offices, and public universities across the country. A program structure can be provided on the national level and administered by local efforts to address problems that are specific to each community. Toward the end of the institute, partner organizations can work together to set up and host career fairs across the country. Veterans can then use the skills and tools they have recently gained to find suitable employment.

Endnotes

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S Department of Labor. Table A-5. Employment status of the civilian population 18 years and over by veteran status, period of service, and sex, not seasonally adjusted. November 2012. . 2. Ibid. 3. IAVA and Prudential. “Veterans’ Employment Challenges.” 2012. www.prudential.com. . 4. Dao, J. (2012, July 2). Agency Confronts Hurdles in Helping Veterans Match Military Skills to Civilian Jobs. Retrieved from New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/03/us/confronting-the-significant-hurdles-in-matching-recent-veterans-withcivilian-jobs.html?_r=0 5. U.S Department of Veterans Affairs. The Post-9/11 GI-Bill. November 2012. . 6. Employing America’s Veterans Center for New American Security.. 7. U.S House Committee on Veterans Affairs. November 2012. GI Bill FAQ. Retrieved from http://veterans.house.gov/GIBILLFAQ 8. Bishop, Sanford. Congressman: Nearly 900,000 veterans are unemployed. 23 July 2012. . 9. Holt, Karl. “UNC To Open Masters Program To Special Forces Medics.” NPR. Jessica Jones. 18 January 2013. . 10. U.S Department of Labor. “Notice of Availability of Funds and Solicitation for Grant Applications for the Veterans’ Workforce Investment Program (VWIP)” 2012. . 11. U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee Chairman’s Staff. “Combatting High Unemployment Among Young Veterans.” 24 May 2012. http://www.jec.senate.gov/. . 12. Norman, Joshua. “After war, vets fight for jobs at home.” 4 September 2012. .

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Combined Task Force as a Catalyst for US-Chinese Cooperation Jon Buchleiter, University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill Tensions are rising between the United States and China in the South China Sea. Creating a joint anti-piracy task force comprised of the U.S. Navy and the People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels would alleviate tensions, strengthen ties, and help avoid strategic miscalculation. Escalating tension between the U.S. and China compels a careful reexamination of U.S. policy in East Asia. Recent territorial disputes and rising piracy rates in the South China Sea demonstrate the need for more effective Chinese and U.S. maritime policy.1 This coming year offers a tremendous opportunity to negotiate with China under newly elected Xi Jinping, and maritime alliances should be one topic broached during these discussions. An anti-piracy taskforce would serve as a catalyst to further strengthen SinoAmerican relations and would be more politically feasible than traditional alliances, as it is less formal and comprehensive.2

Analysis

President Obama’s strategic “pivot” has enhanced relations with East Asian partners, but it comes at a cost.3 Many Chinese defense analysts perceive it as an effort to contain China’s rise and U.S. statements to the contrary have not allayed Beijing’s fears.4 Meaningful steps should be taken to improve relations, including an express willingness to cooperate on naval matters. In 2008, China joined international anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.5 This represents a break from its previous reluctance to become involved and provides an opportunity to expand naval cooperation. The need for improved relations is clear: over one-third of international trade passes through here and “to the extent the world economy has a geographical center, it the South China Sea.”6 Unilateral anti-piracy operations are underway, yet sea lanes in the South China Sea remain among the world’s most dangerous.7 Maritime incidents, such as the collision between Soviet warships and the U.S.S. Walker, demonstrate how collisions may potentially spiral out of control.8 Naval communication can be challenging and high risks for miscommunication exist in areas of high maritime traffic such as the South China Sea. A combined taskforce would help prevent miscalculations.

• Key Facts

• In monetary value, over one-third of world trade travels through the South China Sea and the Malacca Straits.12 • The South China Sea has the second highest rate of piracy in the world, with an average of over 70 pirate attacks per year.13

The U.S. Navy already conducts patrols in the area, and this coalition would not increase costs. Because both navies would contribute vessels, the number of ships from the U.S. may actually shrink, thus reducing costs.

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The force should have a parallel command structure to facilitate military-to-military communication and simplify logistical integration between ships from different navies.9 Parallel command is easier to accept politically and allows nations to opt out if goals diverge from their own.10 Many Chinese policymakers are wary of binding commitments because of other longstanding disagreements, so this force should remain rooted in responding to security threats affecting both states.11

Next Steps

Mobilizing support within different parts of the U.S. and Chinese governments is key. Discussing this task force in a summit between Mr. Jinping and President Obama would give • Talking Points it legitimacy and could exemplify efforts to • Piracy in the South China Sea reimprove military-to-military communication. mains a significant threat to mariThe Obama administration should publicly time security.14 present the idea to gauge popular support • China has recently demonstrated in both China and the U.S. a willingness to cooperate in antiSecuring military support should emphasize mutual benefits, which include increased safety for trade goods and reduced operational costs for both navies. Ultimately, this joint task force can serve as a model to foster increased cooperation and reduce tensions between China, the U.S., and other Southeast Asian states.

Endnotes

piracy operations.15 This policy would offer an opportunity to cooperate and reduce costs without compromising on security. • A joint task force is a first step to integrate China into security alliances to help improve global stability.

1. Rosenberg, David. “The political economy of piracy in the South China Sea.” Naval War College Review 62, no. 3 (2009): 54. 2. Hampson, Fen Osler, and Paul Heinbecker. “The “New” Multilateralism of the Twenty-First Century.” Global Governance 17, no. 3 (2011): 299-310. 3. Ross, Robert S. 2012. “The Problem With the Pivot.” Foreign Affairs 91, no. 6: 70-82. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed December 3, 2012).; Khan, Shirley A. US-China Counterterrorism Cooperation: Issues for US Policy. DIANE Publishing, 2009. 4. Zhiyuan, Lin. “What Sort of Message Does the New U.S. National Defense Strategy Convey?” Liberation Army Daily, January 7, 2012, OSC CPP20120107718001. See also Xiang, Lanxin. “China and the ‘Pivot’.” Survival 54, no. 5 (2012): 113-128. 5. Dutton, Peter A. “Charting a Course: US-China Cooperation at Sea.” China Security 5, no. 1 (2009): 17. 6. Cronin, Patrick M., Peter A. Dutton, M. Taylor Fravel, James R. Holmes, Robert D. Kaplan, Will Rogers, and Ian Storey. Cooperation from Strength: The United States, China and the South China Sea. Center for a New American Security Washington DC 2012. 7. Raymond, Catherine. “Piracy And Armed Robbery In The Malacca Strait: A Problem Solved?” Naval War College Review 62, no. 3 (2009): 31-42.; Chalk, Peter. “Contemporary maritime piracy in Southeast Asia.” Studies in Conflict & Terrorism 21, no. 1 (1998): 87-112. ; 8. Pedrozo, Pete. “The US-China Incidents at Sea Agreement: A Recipe for Disaster.” J. Nat’l Security L. & Pol’y 6 (2012): 207-291 See also Winkler, David F. “The Evolution and Significance of the 1972 Incidents at Sea Agreement.” Journal of Strategic Studies 28, no. 2 (2005): 361-377. 9. “Operational Command and Control.” In Joint Military Operations: Reference Guide. Newport, R.I.: U.S. Naval War College, 2003. 130. 10. Ibid. 130 11. Dutton, 22 12. Cronin et al., 7 13. Chow, Jermyn. “Sea Piracy Hits Five-year High in Waters near Singapore: Worst Affected Vessels are Tankers and Large Container Ships”, The Straits Times, 21 September 2009 and Bateman, Sam. “Sea piracy: some inconvenient truths.” In UNIDIR-United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, Disarmament Forum, no. 2, pp. 13-24. 2010. 14. Chalk, 95-96 15. Dutton, 11

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Eliminating Sexual Assault in the United States Military Using Individualized Attention on Bases Sarah Estrela, Wheaton College and Liza Ponomarenko, McGill University In the upcoming efforts to combat rape and sexual assault in the United States military, a more personal and individualized connection between the Department of Defense and soldiers should be implemented to prevent future assaults. Since 2006, more than 95,000 service members have been sexually assaulted,1 though the Pentagon estimates that reported cases make up only 15 percent of sexual assault incidents.2 Although the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) has responded to cases of sexual assault with awareness videos, leaflets, briefings, and posters, these efforts have made no significant progress. Congress developed the Sexual Assault Training Oversight and Prevention (STOP) Act (H.R. 3435) that creates a new office within the Department of Defense composed of a majority of civilians who would deal directly with cases of sexual assault, as opposed to the previous method of remanding cases to a soldier’s chain of command.3 This department is charged with developing programs to educate soldiers about sexual assault and rape, as well as realistic preventative techniques.4 While this is an excellent first step, this program is so far removed from the soldiers it affects that it may not be effective enough to truly mobilize change. • Key Facts There should be a special point person (or a • A woman serving in Iraq or Afgroup of point persons) from this department ghanistan is more likely to be that deals with specific problems unique to raped by a fellow service member each military base or service academy. Disthan to be killed in the line of fire.5 solving SAPRO’s ineffective efforts, as well • More than 86 percent of service members do not report their asas the forthcoming drawback of troops in sault, either out of fear of ruining Afghanistan, will leave room in the defense their military careers or because budget to make this necessary change possithe individual responsible for hanble. Through detailed research, targeted prodling these cases is either the acgrams and training, and the ability to respond cused or a friend of the accused.6 rapidly in cases of sexual assault, positive • Men are also victims. In 2010, changes can be made and sexual assault can nearly 50,000 male veterans be prevented and dealt with appropriately. screened positive for “military These steps will lead to a culture of respect sexual trauma” at the US Department of Veterans Affairs.7 and will ultimately result in greater unit cohesion, trust, and safety.

Analysis

Designating a point person will give soldiers access to unbiased professionals trained in dealing with cases of sexual assault. Although the military has its own culture, subcultures of toleration exist within many bases. A specialized professional, as opposed to a far removed bureau, can respond effectively and develop programs that can dissolve the tolerance of sexual assault. Because these individuals will be civilians separate from the Chain of Command, conflicts of interest will be virtually nonexistent.

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Next Steps

The SAPRO should designate a group of professionals to the bases or service academies that have prevalent and persistent problems with sexual assault to identify and solve problems. These bases should have more handson and intensive training for soldiers and cadets, rather than the usual briefing soldiers receive in Basic Training. While it cannot be said for sure whether or not this program will need to be a permanent fixture in the military, it will at least incorporate intolerance for sexual assault into the values system the military holds deeply.

• Talking Points

• Recently, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta mandated that sexual assault cases be dealt with at the colonel level and above. While this helps ensure that reports of sexual assault are not dismissed by the Chain of Command, it does not solve the problem of sexual assault occurring in the first place or of eradicating its tolerance.8 • Most sexual assault victims would feel most comfortable having their investigations conducted by professionally trained civilians rather than by fellow service members.9

In addition, to make this effort more unified across the armed forces, there should be an annual or bi-annual forum for victims and families, the professionals who work on these bases, and the Council and Office. Working with specific bases in this way and conducting an annual or bi-annual forum will hopefully eradicate the tolerance in military culture of sexual assault and rape and will make this issue one that can be spoken about openly and seriously.

Endnotes

1. Invisible No More, “Policy.” Accessed November 29, 2012. http://www.notinvisible.org/policy 2. Al Jazeera, “United States Military Scandal: A Culture of Rape?” Accessed December 5, 2012. http:// www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestoryamericas/2012/08/201284114116811951.html 3. U.S. Government Printing Office, “H.R. 3435 (IH) – To Amend Title 10, United States Code, to Improve the Prevention of and Response to Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces, and For Other Purposes.” Accessed November 29, 2012. http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112hr3435ih/pdf/BILLS-112hr3435ih.pdf 4. Ibid. 5. Invisible No More, “Policy.” 6. Ibid. 7. Al Jazeera, “United States Military Scandal: A Culture of Rape?” 8. United States Department of Defense, “Panetta, Dempsey Announces Initiatives to Stop Sexual Assault.” Accessed November 28, 2012. http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=67954 9. Invisible No More, “The Invisible War.” Film accessed November 22, 2012.

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Adapting to China’s Rise as a Significant Naval Power Derrick Flakoll and Chang Sun, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill To recognize the claims of all parties to disputes in the South China Sea and prevent an outbreak of conflict in the disputed areas, the United States should establish a code of conduct with ASEAN. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China have long contested each • Key Facts other’s territorial claims in the South China Sea. • $5.3 trillion worth of trade passChina claims to control a region of the sea far es through the South China Sea beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone it is entiannually.4 • The Philippines reported 11 incitled to under the U.N. Law of the Sea.1 Recently, dents of harassment by China in claims have come to a head as China has sabo2011.5 taged efforts by the Philippines and Vietnam to search for oil and gas in these territories. Left unchecked, these disputes could potentially escalate into a broader regional conflict. It is in the U.S.’s best interest to take steps towards averting a potential crisis, as it could disrupt American trade, valued at $1.2 trillion, currently passing through the South China Sea. Moreover, if the Philippines and China went to war over territorial conflicts, the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951 between the U.S. and the Philippines would force the U.S. to either enter a destructive war with China or nullify the treaty and jeopardize its relationships with other regional allies. Because of these economic and political incentives, the U.S. should use its clout as the world’s preeminent naval power to negotiate a code of conduct that will govern interactions between the navies of the nations involved in the South China Sea dispute.

Analysis

If the U.S. could broker a deal between ASEAN and China that encompasses exclusive economic zones, oil exploration rights, and other related issues, it could ensure a more peaceful and stable future for the South China Sea area. A binding code of conduct agreed to by all parties would provide certainty that no nation would attack another’s assets, considerably reducing tensions between China and ASEAN. China has proven willing to engage in multilateral agreements in the past, so it could be expected to obey the rules of the code.2 This is particularly true if the U.S. agrees to accommodate China’s desire for influence in surrounding waters by conducting joint American-Chinese naval patrols. This would allow the Chinese to monitor their claimed waters, while the presence of American ships would assure U.S. allies like the Philippines that their own territorial rights are being protected. Sharing naval patrol costs with China should also be an attractive proposition for the cash-strapped U.S. government. Nobody involved in this conflict wants to disrupt the $5.3 trillion worth of trade that flows annually through the South China Sea.3 In the end, the transaction costs of establishing a code of conduct would be far less than the costs incurred by further increases in military tensions. Such tensions would jeopardize the integrity of international shipping lanes in the South China Sea, which are pivotal for the region’s economic vitality.

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Next Steps

The creation and implementation of a code of conduct for the South China Sea will be a slow and difficult process. Before anything else, the State Department should create a prototypical “ideal” treaty that would represent the best policies for containing conflict in the region and serve as the model for the U.S. bargaining position. Meanwhile, • Talking Points the U.S. Navy should plan a joint patrol of the • Disputes between China and ASESouth China Sea with the Chinese Navy. This AN in the South China Sea could would require an understanding of the logislead to war. tics involved, the specifics of Chinese naval • War would jeopardize the econoprotocol, and training naval personnel to comies of the South China Sea region and the U.S. operate with Chinese sailors. The diplomatic • A code of conduct would prohibit community should privately relay these ideas disputants from antagonizing each to U.S. allies in the region to be sure that they other. would support the deal. Once diplomats are sure that a code of conduct would be viable, they should announce a summit in which China, ASEAN, and the U.S. would draw it up. The American diplomats at the conference should have clear priorities beforehand, including a list of policies that they would be willing to compromise on and policies that are nonnegotiable. If the conference succeeds, the next step would be ratification by the involved parties and implementation. The U.S. diplomatic community and the Obama administration should go to the media to publicize the benefits of the code and use this as leverage with the involved parties to make sure they sign and obey the code of conduct.

Endnotes

1. Glaser, Bonnie. “Armed Clash in the South China Sea.”Contingency Planning Memorandum No. 14. (2012): 1-8. http://www.cfr.org/east-asia/armed-clash-south-china-sea/p27883 (accessed December 7, 2012). 2. Li, Mingjiang. “Rising from Within: China’s Search for a Multilateral World and Its Implications for SinoU.S. Relations.” Global Governance. 17. (2011): 331-351. http://journals.rienner.com/doi/pdf/10.5555/10752846-17.3.331 (accessed December 7, 2012). 3. Glaser, Bonnie. “Armed Clash in the South China Sea.”Contingency Planning Memorandum No. 14. (2012): 1-8. http://www.cfr.org/east-asia/armed-clash-south-china-sea/p27883 (accessed December 7, 2012). 4. Ibid. 5. Ibid.

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Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in the Middle East Amy Frieder, Cornell University A policy providing incentives for investing in companies run by Arab women in the Middle East would result in a more pluralistic Middle East and encourage new postArab Spring democracies to develop. Aiding the economic growth of countries in the region would also improve U.S. foreign relations with Arab countries, and both sides would reap the benefits of an improved business relationship. As a result of the Arab Spring, the people of Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya democratically elected their leadership for the first time in recent history. As these newly elected regimes contemplate different means of reform, we must encourage them to develop their democracies, and thus the degree of political rights and civil liberties in the region. “International support is critical,” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton remarked at the UN in September. It is in the U.S.’s interest to “help countries in transition find the right path forward.”1

• Key Facts

• Research has shown that economic empowerment is one of the most important interventions to improve women’s rights.3 This is exemplified in Saudi Arabia, where women’s economic advancement has led to a moderate winding back of restrictions on women.4

A large discrepancy between the number of educated Arab women and the number Arab women in the workforce currently hampers the economy and political plurality of the countries in the region. In Qatar, for example, where women constitute 63% of the university population, they make up only 12% of the workforce and 7% of legislators, senior officials, and managers, according to CNN citing the UN Statistics Division.2 Women participate in the economy informally through handicraft production, bread baking, “petty commodity trading, selling articles at weekly markets and acting as the middle-woman in transporting goods between rural and urban areas.”5 An increase in female labor participation rates in accordance with education levels in the Middle East could raise household earnings by 25% and allow per capita GDP rates to reach their full potential.12 Most of the U.S. government funding from the Overseas Private Investment Corporation is not located in Arab countries experiencing a post-revolution transition. The National Endowment for Democracy, however, has given grants to organizations in Arab transitional democracies, and several have been beneficial to women. They include an association for women’s political participation in Tunisia, a feminist studies center in Egypt, and a women’s rights advocacy campaign in Iraq.7 Women, according to The Economist, are the world’s most underutilized resource,14 and an increase in women’s participation in the workforce would simultaneously further advance equal gender rights and support economic development.

Analysis

President Obama’s FY 2013 budget includes funding that “responds to the Arab Spring by supporting the aspirations of people in the Middle East and North Africa, with more than $800 million to assist countries in transition and create incentives for long-term economic, political, and trade reforms.”8 This spending, the OMB report states, fosters “stability around the world to protect our national security,” and supports economic growth both abroad and domestically, opening new markets for U.S. businesses and increasing trade.8 If the U.S. were 16

to allocate some of this funding to encourage investment in businesses run by Arab women, it would help offset the damage inflicted by oil booms on women’s advancement in the region. Indeed, studies have shown that “when a nation’s oil profits soar, the number of wom• Talking Points en in the workforce invariably declines the • The free trade agreement with Monext year.”9 This has profound consequencrocco is expected to “increase US es on women’s political engagement, as economic activity by $178 million an“leaving home and entering the workplace nually”.10 produces greater political awareness and • Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank participation among women” as well as a won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for force to fight patriarchal norms and restrictheir work in micro-credit, giving loans tions on women’s rights that limit developto poor people in Bangladesh that al9 ing democracies. lowed them to work to bring about their own development. “Micro-credit has proven to be an important liberating force in societies where women in particular have to struggle against repressive social and economic conditions,” according to the Nobel Peace Prize press release.11

Next Steps

A policy incentivizing investment in companies run by Arab women - supplemented by increased funding from the National Endowment for Democracy and expanded OPIC projects in post-Arab Spring countries - would encourage democracy development and “help solve critical world challenges and in doing so, advance U.S. foreign policy.”6 OPIC should expand its projects to include nations with new democracies - and perhaps refer to the US government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation’s indicators tracking countries’ social and economic progress.13 These women-run, eligible businesses would be obligated to employ a high percentage of other Arab women and, in doing so, be dedicated to furthering women’s political rights and civil liberties.

Endnotes

1. Clinton, Hillary Rodham, “Remarks at the United Nations Security Council Session On Peace and Security in the Middle East,” US Department of State, September 26, 2012, Accessed October 16, 2012, http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2012/09/198276.htm 2. Davies, Catriona, “Mideast women beat men in education, lose out at work,” CNN, June 6, 2012, Accessed October 18, 2012, http://www. cnn.com/2012/06/01/world/meast/middle-east-women-education/index.html 3. Basu, Moni, “Religion is not the biggest enemy for Arab women, poll finds,” CNN, June 26, 2012, Accessed October 14, 2012, http://www. cnn.com/2012/06/25/world/meast/arab-spring-women/index.html 4. Hoare, Rose, “Saudi female entrepreneurs exploit changing attitudes,” CNN, June 8, 2012, Accessed October 16, 2012, http://edition.cnn. com/2012/05/30/business/saudi-female-entrepreneurs/index.html 5. Lobban, Jr., Richard A. “Middle Eastern Women and the Invisible Economy,” Gainesville, FL: University Press of Florida. Accessed November 3, 2012, http://jpe.library.arizona.edu/volume_6/holmesvol6.htm 6. Overseas Private Investment Corporation, “OPIC in Action,” Accessed October 16, 2012, http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/ omb/budget/fy2013/assets/state.pdf 7. National Endowment for Democracy, “Middle East and North Africa,” Accessed October 18, 2012, http://www.ned.org/where-we-work/ middle-east-and-northern-africa 8. The White House, “Department of State and Other International Programs,” Accessed October 16, 2012, http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/ default/files/omb/budget/fy2013/assets/state.pdf 9. Shankar, Vedantam, “Petroleum Feeds Patriarchy,” The Washington Post, March 10, 2008, Accessed October 17, 2012, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/03/10/ST2008031000272.html?sid=ST2008031000272 10. Shaikh, Abdul Quader, “Bilateral Accords and US Trade with the Middle East: A Track Record of Success,” US Department of Commerce International Trade Administration, Accessed October 14, 2012, http://trade.gov/press/publications/newsletters/ita_0408/middleeast_0408.asp 11. Nobelprize.org, “Press Release - Nobel Peace Prize 2006,” Accessed November 5, 2012. http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/ laureates/2006/press.html# 12. Juma, Sereen and Deema Anani, “MENA Can Better Achieve Its Growth Potential With Greater Inclusion of Women in the Economy,” World Bank, September 17, 2003, Accessed January 14, 2013, http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0,,contentMDK:2012 8365~menuPK:34466~pagePK:64003015~piPK:64003012~theSitePK:4607,00.html 13. Millennium Challenge Corporation, “Selection Indicators,” Accessed January 16, 2013, http://www.mcc.gov/pages/selection/indicators 14. The Economist, “Women and Economic Growth,” January 18, 2007, Accessed January 23, 2013, http://www.economist.com/node/8585111 15. Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, “Equality Between Women and Men: A Condition for the Success of the Arab Spring,” April 5, 2012, Accessed January 23, 2013, http://assembly.coe.int/ASP/XRef/X2H-DW-XSL.asp?fileid=18150&lang=EN

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The United States: The Arsenal of Peacekeeping Daniel Irvin, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill To make peacekeeping more effective, the United Nations, with funding from the U.S., should increase reimbursement payments. This would encourage peacekeeping and improve the quality of peacekeepers. U.N. peacekeepers have a long and controversial history, with successes as well as failures. In Professor Virginia Page Fortna’s study, “Does Peacekeeping Work?,” she concludes that peacekeeping has been mostly successful.1 Currently, the $7.23 billion2 U.N. peacekeeping budget is not enough to effectively cover all of its obligations. One aspect of the budget in need of more funding is the compensation to countries that volunteer soldiers. Nations that volunteer soldiers receive $1,028 per soldier.3 As many of the nations that provide peacekeeping (India, Bangladesh, Nigeria etc.4) become wealthier— and their militaries become more expensive and sophisticated—the $1,028 reimbursement will become less attractive. This means that the burden of peacekeeping will fall upon even poorer states. These states’ militaries are less well equipped and trained, and the performance of peacekeeping missions will reflect that. Increasing the reimbursements would encourage middle-income nations to contribute their soldiers. With higher quality soldiers, U.N. peacekeeping missions would be much more effective.

Analysis

Increasing the reimbursement by 20 percent, to $1,233, would cost $205 per soldier. With • Key Facts 97,199 soldiers and policemen currently in the • Third-party peacekeeping has proven to be a cost-effective field,5 this would cause reimbursement costs way to bring peace to states to go from $100 million to $120 million. In the around the world. current climate of international concern about • If the reimbursement rate for deficits, it may seem wasteful to increase fundstates that provide U.N. peaceing to the U.N. However, compared to the $3.7 keepers does not increase, 6 trillion cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, there is a danger that they will peacekeeping operations are cheap. Aside stop providing troops. from humanitarian benefits, like preventing the • A $100 million investment in deaths of civilians and avoiding the lawlesspeacekeeping can save the world $53.75 billion. ness that arises in war-torn areas, investing in peacekeeping will yield returns in the long run. One study found that spending $100 million on a peacekeeping initiative reduces the risk of conflict from 38 percent to 16.5 percent.7 Given that each percentage point of risk is worth about $2.5 billion to the world,8 a $100 million peacekeeping operation would have a payoff of $53.75 billion. If this $20 million investment leads to just a few more peaceful nations, future trade relationships alone would pay back that investment. For example, in 2001, the final year of the Sierra Leone Civil War, American exports to Sierra Leone totaled $27.8 million. Eleven years of peace later, American exports were worth $96 million.9 A more successful peacekeeping regime would aid in the transition from a unilateral strategy in international affairs to a more multilateral one, in which international conflicts would be solved through multilateral institutions. 18

Next Steps

The U.S. should increase its funding allotment to U.N. peacekeeping at the next op• Talking Points portunity. It should ensure that these new • Peacekeeping has been successful funds go to the reimbursement of nations at bringing peace, which brings ecoproviding peacekeepers. One impediment nomic development. The U.S. gains from economic development in all to implementing this policy is the perceived parts of the world, as every nation reluctance to act through and fund the Unitis a potential trade partner. ed Nations. In the U.S., traditionally seen • Peacekeeping is more successas the most unilateral Western nation, one ful when there are better trained poll found that 86 percent of the populatroops serving. To raise the incention support the U.S. having an active role in tives for wealthier nations to conthe organization, with 64 percent saying the tribute troops, the reimbursement U.S. should pay its dues fully and on time.10 rate should be raised. Currently, the United States provides 27 • The cost of this raise is far outweighed by the economic benefits percent of the U.N. peacekeeping budget.11 from trade and stability. This may seem costly, but this $1.95 billion investment is approximately 474 times smaller than the U.S. defense budget.12 Additionally, from a fiscal perspective, investing in peacekeeping is a short -term cost that will pay off in the long run. Every $1 million invested pays back $538 million. Citizens may at first be suspicious of spending more money on other countries, but this policy can be framed as a short-term cost that will have long-term societal and economic benefits.

Endnotes

1. Virginia Fortna, Does Peacekeeping Work?, (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2008), 172. 2. “Financing Peacekeeping”, United Nations Peacekeeping, last accessed November 27 2012. http://www. un.org/en/peacekeeping/operations/financing.shtml 3. “Financing Peacekeeping”, United Nations Peacekeeping, last accessed November 27 2012. http://www. un.org/en/peacekeeping/operations/financing.shtml 4. “Troops and police contributions”, United Nations Peacekeeping, last accessed December 5 2012. https://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/resources/statistics/contributors.shtml 5. United Nations. Monthly Summary of Military and Police Contribution to United Nations operation. last accessed November 27, 2012. https://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/contributors/documents/Yearly.pdf 6. “True Cost of Afghan, Iraq wars is anyone’s guess”. McClatchy Newspapers, last accessed November 30 2012 http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/08/15/120758/true-cost-of-afghan-iraq-wars.html 7. Copenhagen Consensus Center. Does Military Intervention Work? Last accessed November 27 2012. http://www.copenhagenconsensus.com/Default.aspx?ID=788 8. Copenhagen Consensus Center. Does Military Intervention Work? Last accessed November 27 2012. http://www.copenhagenconsensus.com/Default.aspx?ID=788 9. “Trade in Goods with Sierra Leone”. The United States Census Bureau, last accessed January 25th 2013 http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/balance/c7470.html 10. “New Poll Shows Americans Support US involvement in United Nations.” National Journal, October 12, 2011, last accessed January 21, 2013 http://www.nationaljournal.com/nationalsecurity/new-poll-showsamericans-support-u-s-involvement-in-united-nations-20111012 11. “The UN Budget Process”, Better World Campaign, last accessed November 27 2012. http://www.betterworldcampaign.org/issues/funding/the-un-budget-process.html 12. “US Budget Analyst”, US Government Spending, last accessed January 21, 2013. http://www.usgovernmentspending.com/defense_budget_2012_3.html

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A Child’s War: Settler Violence in the West Bank Hanna Madsen, University of Delaware Community Dispute Resolution Centers created by community leaders in the West Bank will not only create a culture of collaboration, but will ultimately decrease settler violence. Contemporary settler violence is a deliberate campaign by a committed core of young settlers targeting communities where Palestinian youth are the majority. It is, indeed, a child’s war. Hilltop Youth use a strategy called “price tag” that involves grass roots retaliation against efforts challenging the settlement enterprise. A loosely organized group of young settlers, their efforts include blocking traffic, setting fields on fire, throwing rocks, and other acts of small-scale violence against local Palestinians and members of the Israeli security forces. In February 2012, a mosque was attacked, prayer mats were burnt, insults sprayed and war declared on the walls of a Palestinian village called Burka in what is considered one of the most ‘provocative’ acts of violence in Israel this year. The youth are often noted for establishing illegal outposts outside existing settlements and are protected by the Israeli military due to their Israeli citizenship.

• Key Facts

• Extremist settlers launched almost 300 attacks on Palestinian property in 2011 alone, which resulted in over 100 Palestinian casualties and caused extensive property damage for Palestinian farmers, who lost approximately 10,000 trees. • Settler attacks on Palestinian residents tripled between 2009 and 2011. • Rule of law has proven to be ineffective in resolving the ongoing violence in the West Bank. Of the documented investigations concerning crimes against Palestinians, 87% of assault offenses and 92% of the criminal trespass cases were closed without indictments being filed against suspects.

Political and security officials pledged to implement several measures to curb and punish these violent attacks. However, Israeli security services have generally maintained their lax movement and access policies in the West Bank despite this “homegrown terror”. As the occupying power, the Israeli military maintains public order and protects the safety of Palestinian residents in sectors B and C. In a ruling regarding the security forces’ duty to enable the olive harvest to be carried out undisturbed, B’Tselem (2012) quotes the Supreme Court ruling which maintains that the military must “allocate forces to protect the property of the Palestinian residents.” Yet while Israeli military forces are required by law to protect both Palestinian and Israeli residents of the West Bank in sectors B and C, the current system of jurisprudence fails to create a mutual sense of security and cooperation.

Analysis

Research from UNDP Ghana, UNDP Nepal, and USAID indicates that local mediation effectively cultivates peace in post-conflict regions. There have been numerous mediation initiatives in post-conflict countries including Guyana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Timor Leste. 20

There are many advantages to using mediation as it is a non-adversarial process with low bureaucratic costs and an assurance of neutrality. But more importantly, mediation provides disputants an opportunity to find solutions to their own conflicts. The process therefore ensures acceptance of the outcome by both parties and subsequently a framework for sustainable peace.

• Talking Points

• Both B’Tselem and Shin Bet warn that contemporary settler violence is a deliberate campaign by a committed core of youth settlers targeting communities where Palestinian youth are the majority. • The current policy of non-action will foster a radicalized generation that could undermine West Bank peace and create a secondary front of resistance, further threatening Israeli security. • While CDRCs will not address the macro conflict, responding to cases of micro aggression de-escalate contemporary tensions and re-define “the other” as human. • The careful integration of key community leaders from all sides in the construction of CDRCs creates a sense mutual investment and legitimacy for future CDRC efforts but creates a counter history of cooperation.

In lieu of hybrid jurisprudence, the Central Command should establish local Community Dispute Resolution Centers to mediate disputes between settlers and Palestinians. By acting in partnership with the Hilltop Youth, YESHA Council, the Palestinian Authority, Palestinian community leaders, and the UN, mutual investment will be ensured.

The initiation and maintenance of any project between these historically contentious interest groups is not an easy task. Equitable terms concerning municipal level issues create a localized perspective that breaks down the larger conflict into smaller aggressions affecting everyday life. Opposition to dialogue is inevitable yet manageable if mutual respect and investment are achieved. CDRC’s will not address the macro conflict but rather the micro cases of aggression on both sides through neutral mediation. The UN will temporarily hire, train, and evaluate mediators from both Israeli settler and Palestinian communities in accordance with international standards and strategies to ensure this neutrality.

Endnotes

1. Adjabeng, Senyo. (2007). “Alternative Dispute Resolution in Ghana,” Mediate.com http://www.mediate.com/articles/adjabengs3. cfm 2. Amoh, George. (2007). “Mediation: The Preferred Alternative for Conflict Resolution,” Urban Governance. http://www.gdrc. org/u-gov/conflict-amoh.html 3. Blett, 2001. “Facts on the Ground,” Peace Now. http://peacenow.org/map.php 4. Boyce, W., Giacamen, R., & Saab, H. (2007). “Children and adolescents: Individual and collective exposure to political violence: Palestinian adolescents coping with conflict,” Journal of Public Health. 5. Brulliard, K., & Sockol, S. (2012). “Settler violence against Palestinians raises alarm in Israel,” Washington Post. 6. B’Tselem. (2011). “Human rights in the occupied territories. B’Tselem.” 7. B’Tselem. (2012). “Violence by settlers: Background on violence by settlers,” http://www.btselem.org/settler_violence 8. Byman, D., & Sachs, N. (2012). “The rise of settler terrorism: The west bank’s other violent extremists,” Foreign Affairs. 9. Chernofsky, E. (2009). “Hilltop youth push to settle west bank,” BBC 10. Corbin, J. (2012). “‘Price-tag’ tactics of west bank Jewish settlers,” BBC 11. Counter Terrorism Report. (2012). http://www.nctc.gov/ 12. Dudai, R. (2001). “Tacit consent: Israeli policy on law enforcement toward settlers in the occupied territories,” B’Tselem. 13. Ellingwood, K., & King, L. (2005). “Hilltop rebels give Israel pause,” Los Angeles Times. 14. European Union. (2012). “EU trade with Israeli settlements,” (Briefing Paper No. 2).European Union. 15. UNDP. (2011). “Community Mediation Centers Become Popular,” UNDP in Nepal. http://www.undp.org/content/nepal/en/ home/ourwork/democraticgovernance/successstories/community-mediation-centres-become-popular/

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More Effective and Efficient Officers Graham Palmer, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill The U.S. Military should modify its “up or out” promotion system in order to encourage officers to either leave the service early or stay for their entire careers. The current promotion system in the military, codified in the Defense Officer Personnel Management Act (DOPMA) of 1980, is organized around the principle of “up or out.” After a certain number of years, officers are eligible for promotion to the next grade level of ranks.1 After the military passes them over for selection twice (once at higher levels), officers are required to leave the service.2 This system has become outdated and costly. Most officers who are forced out by this system still receive generous pension benefits, and with pension costs currently consuming 20 percent of the defense budget, reducing them would allow for reductions in defense spending without any damage to America’s military capability.3 By changing the promotion system for the armed services, savings can be realized while simultaneously improving the quality of American military officers.

Analysis

Promotion currently becomes less likely at higher ranks, just as officers reach middle age • Key Facts and are most financially vulnerable.4 This has • The U.S. military spends over $100 billion a year in retirement led many officers to leave for more secure jobs pay.12 in the private sector.5 Many of these officers • Military spending represents 58 leave after 20 years of service or more, meanpercent of federal discretionary ing they receive benefits under the military’s spending.13 pension plans. As a result, the military spends • Changing the military promoover $100 billion a year on retirement pay, and tion system could save $100 bilspending is projected to double by 2034.6 Much lion over the next 10 years.14 of this money is paid to officers who retire in middle age when they could still serve for up to 20 more years.7 Many military thinkers have also come to believe that the current promotion structure contributes to what Thomas Ricks has called a “culture of mediocrity” within America’s officer corps.8 Officers are encouraged to strive for a “risk-averse middle” instead of showing initiative so that they are not forced out.9 The “up or out” system should be adjusted so that fewer officers stay through their first few years of service. Higher ranking officers should have higher promotion rates and longer promotion periods. Under this system, the military can both save money and increase the quality of its officer corps. The savings from implementing this system have been estimated at $100 billion over the next decade.10 Although private sector jobs offer better pay on average, job security is a major factor that drives successful officers to leave the military.11 This system would increase job security, making the military a better long-term option and causing fewer officers to leave in the prime of their careers. Additionally, longer promotion periods would make senior officers more experienced and thus more effective.

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Next Steps

Military leaders may claim that this policy would be unfair to soldiers who have made sacrifices for their country. It should be emphasized, then, that this policy would only change the promotion system and those who choose to leave after 20 years would still receive pensions. This policy would benefit the military by freeing up money for other uses and making the officer corps more effective. Given that this policy would strengthen our military while saving money, both parties should support this policy.

Endnotes

• Talking Points

• The current military promotion system provides incentives for officers to stay until middle age and then leave to collect a pension and work in the private sector. • There is a glut of middle-ranking officers and a promotion system that encourages early retirement. • Changing the system would create a more effective officer corps and save taxpayers money.

1. Hauser, William L. “Winfield Scott vs David Petraeus.” (2012): 2. Schirmer, Peter, Harry J. Thie, Margaret C. Harrell, and Michael S. Tseng. Challenging Time in DOPMA: Flexible and Contemporary Military OFficer Management. RAND Corporation, http://www.rand.org/ content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2006/RAND_MG451.pdf. 3. Korb, Lawrence J., Alex Rothman, and Max Hoffman. Reforming Military Compensation: Addressing Runaway Personnel Costs Is a National Imperative. The Center for American Progress, 2012. 4. Schirmer, Peter, Harry J. Thie, Margaret C. Harrell, and Michael S. Tseng. 5. Ibid. 6. Korb, Lawrence J., Alex Rothman, and Max Hoffman 7. Ibid. 8. Ricks, Thomas E. “General Failure.” The Atlantic, November, 2012. http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/11/general-failure/309148/1/. 9. Ibid. 10. Ibid. 11. Hauser, William L. 12. Korb, Rothman, and Hoffman 13. National Priorities Project. “Discretionary Spending FY 2013.” nationalpriorities.org. Last modified 2012. http://nationalpriorities.org/. 14. Hauser, William L.

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Training 21st Century Leaders to Handle 21st Century Global Governance Nehemiah Rolle, Wake Forest University Contributing Researchers: Hayden Abene, Julian Gilyard, Brian Hart, Matt Jeanneret, Caleb Marley, and Zachary Thomas We should hold an annual summit for college students from pivotal states to foster focused student engagement and improve bilateral relations in the changing 21st century global landscape. From the unprecedented youth uprisings that characterized the Arab Spring to the assertive political pronouncements of a Russian rock band, youth political engagement is proliferating around the world. Nearly half of the world’s population is under 25,1 but the potential of this immense demographic is not fully utilized in current global policy discussions. The world’s leading economies, the G8 and G20, created a conference to foster these kinds of discussions among the youth of participating countries. While participating in the Youth G8 and G20 summits could increase the power of their voices, these forums are ill equipped to deal with the specific challenges of 21st century global governance, such as the role of social media in diplomacy and changing global power centers.

• Key Facts

• Currently, 3 billion people (nearly half of the world’s population) are under 25, yet policy discussions to address global issues often exclude their voices. • The composition of the Youth G8 and G20 does not include pivotal, emerging actors or other significant members of the global community. This reflects its focus on building entrepreneurial relations rather than versatile diplomatic channels.

Analysis

A summit could be hosted by the U.S. State Department’s American Council on Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) in tandem with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to bring a wider array of actors than the traditional hierarchy into the process. Using the 10 Ideas framework to shape this constructive dialogue, the summit would result in effective policy solutions that could increase the voices of a marginalized global youth population without resorting to extreme measures. In addition, the relationships made during this summit could lay the groundwork for improving or establishing relations with pivotal actors by focusing on common problems rather than national interests. The exclusivity of the Youth G8 and G20 summits has led other influential actors to feel marginalized. The proposed summit avoids this problem by including Egypt, Iran, Turkey, Russia, and Brazil in its first round of attendees. Inclusion is not based solely on economic prosperity, but rather on other influential features, such as Brazil’s strength in the energy sector2 and Turkey’s increasing geopolitical importance.3 Egypt and Iran are not members of the Youth G8 and G20 conferences, yet their influence is evident. If this first summit is successful, it could include other actors in the future, such as Sweden and Finland in particular. Both countries are leaders in a region that consistently receives 24

high ratings in education, healthcare, and environmental consciousness on The Better Life Index published by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.4 The partnership between AYCPL and UNESCO is beneficial for both parties, improving relations between the U.S. and UNESCO, which declined in 2011 over disagreement on Palestinian statehood5. Since then, UNESCO’s budget has suffered, causing the organization to reduce personnel and restrict its operations. Working on this joint project could pave the way for provisional funding. Improving relations with UNESCO would improve the international community’s perception of the U.S.

Next Steps

• Talking Points

• Youth participation could reduce the likelihood that young people will resort to violent forms of political participation such as terrorist activity. • Connections made could lay groundwork for increased multilateralism in American foreign policy without being interventionist or overtly reactive. • As students learn more about issues of governance, their knowledge of their government will increase, mitigating the decline of civic education in the American K-12 educational system.

Support from the ACYPL and UNESCO alleviates much of the financial burden from attendees. If the summit is effective, donors (such as influential think tanks and media groups) could provide additional funding. The delegates for this summit would be chosen with help from the International Institute for Higher Education. The host, who would provide housing, would rotate in to dispel fears of one voice dominating the conference. This rotation also ensures that one country does not have to continuously provide housing. Featuring a live Twitter feed, the program would culminate in a multimedia presentation via live stream, increasing the summit’s audience, scope, and efficacy.

Endnotes

1. Weiss, Kenneth R. , “ Fertility rates fall, but global population explosion goes on”, Los Angeles Times 2. Council on Foreign Relations, Global Brazil Initiative 3. Council on Foreign Relations, U.S.-Turkey Relations Task Force Report 4. Better Life Index, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development 5. Irish, John, “UNESCO chief says U.S. funding cuts “crippling” organization,” Reuters. 6. Weiss, Kenneth R., “ Fertility rates fall, but global population explosion goes on,” Los Angeles Times, July 22, 2012, accessed 10/05/12, http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/population/la-fgpopulation-matters1-20120722-html,0,7213271.htmlstory 7. “Your Better Life Index,” Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, accessed October 05, 2012, www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org. 8. Irish, John. (2012, October 11). “UNESCO chief says U.S. funding cuts “crippling” organization,” Reuters, October 11, 2012, accessed 10/05/12, http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/11/us-unesco-fundingidUSBRE89A0Q620121011 9. “Global Brazil Initiative – Council on Foreign Relations” accessed October 10, 2012, http://www.cfr.org/ projects/world/global-brazil-initiative/pr1471 10. “U.S. - Turkey Relations Task Force”, Council on Foreign Relations, accessed October, 10, 2012. http://www.cfr.org/turkey/us-turkey-relations/p28139

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Redefining What it Means to be a “Refugee” Ariel Smilowitz, Cornell University In order to better alleviate refugee crises around the world, the UNHCR Statute and 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees should redefine the term “refugee” to include contemporary trends of forced displacement. In 1950, following World War II, the U.N. General Assembly created the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in order to protect refugees and alleviate their plight.1 The creation of the UNCHR coincided with the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, as well as a Statute that defines a “refugee” as someone who, due to their fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, or political opinion, is unable or unwilling to return to his country of residence. In addition, the statute specifies a refugee as a victim of the events that occurred before January 1, 1951.2 As the decades have progressed since the UNCHR and Statute were created, states around the world have come to see refugees and their prolonged presence as a security concern and a threat to social cohesion and national identity, as well as a burden on local and national economies.3 Thus, the purpose of the UNHCR and Statute is to work with states to ensure that these people receive protection from persecution, reintegration within their original country or integration within a new country, or humanitarian aid so that global refugee crises are effectively mitigated.

• Key Facts

• The UNHCR was established following the events of WWII and its statute reflects the political environment of the time period. • Along with the 1951 convention, a specific definition for the term “refugee” was laid out, including people who are persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality or political opinion. • In the post-Cold War and post9/11 periods, new trends of forced displacement have gradually emerged.

Over the years, the UNHCR has had to work around its limited mandate in order to navigate the changing political environment. For the past 60 years, the global refugee regime has revolved around agreements and definitions that are obsolete, especially after the end of the Cold War. As a result the UNHCR is in a constant state of adaptation and expansion of both its core mandate and the scope of its work in order to achieve its goals within the context of a changing political landscape and changing dynamics of forced displacement.4

Analysis

Since the end of the Cold War, the nature of forced displacement has changed, intertwining with wider trends in world politics that include climate change, international migration, urbanization, food insecurity, state fragility, and terrorism.5 Furthermore, only about 10 million of the 47 million people who have been forcibly displaced worldwide receive aid from the UNCHR.6 Thus, rather than force the UNHCR to work within an archaic framework, the UNHCR Statute and 1951 Convention should be updated to redefine what it means to be a “refugee” in the post-Cold War and post-9/11 world, so that the 26

UNCHR and states around the world can legitimately provide protection, aid, integration, reintegration, and other durable solutions to several million of the world’s forcibly displaced population.

Next Steps

The UNHCR should update its Statute and 1951 Convention and in its new definition of the term “refugee” include people who not only have a fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality or political opinion but also people who have been displaced due to trends like climate change, international migration, urbanization, food insecurity, state fragility, and terrorism. With this change, the current global refugee regime will reshape itself within a contemporary context of political and international affairs and will ultimately maximize the alleviation of contemporary refugee crises around the world.

Endnotes

• Talking Points

• The UNHCR continually has to work within the limited scope of its 60-year-old statute in order to effectively alleviate contemporary refugee crises. • At the beginning of 2011, the UNHCR estimated that there were 43.7 million forcibly displaced people worldwide and among this number only 10.55 million refugees were under the office’s care.

1. Alexander Betts, Gil Loescher, and James Milner, UNHCR: The Politics and Practice of Refugee Protection (New York: Routledge, 2008), 1. 2. UNHCR, “Statute of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees,” http://www. unhcr.org/3b66c39e1.html (Accessed 23 Oct. 2012), 7. 3. Bretts, Loescher, and Milner, UNHCR, 3. 4. Ibid. 5. Ibid, 133. 6. Ibid, 1.

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