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The article provides a systematic analysis of the provisions of the criminal law of Ukraine on liability for acts with property obtained by criminal means. As a result, the author distinguishes a set of criminal law provisions on such acts. This system of provisions is united by the following common features: acts aimed at acquiring or exercising ownership rights to the property obtained by criminal means or aimed at concealing their illegal origin (as a way of concealing the predicate (primary) criminal offense in general); socially dangerous consequences ("infusion" of criminal proceeds into legal circulation), general features of the subject and intentional form of guilt (except for negligence which is possible in the course of legalization of the property obtained by criminal means - art. 209 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The criminal law provisions on actions with the property obtained by criminal means, the totality of which has the features of the so-called association of criminal law provisions, include the provisions provided for in: part 5 of Article 27 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (as a sign of an accomplice); Articles 198, 396 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (as a sign of involvement in a criminal offense); Articles 199, 209, 256, 306 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (the so-called secondary independent corpus delicti of criminal offenses). The main distinguishing feature of an act with property obtained by criminal means as part of complicity (part 5 of Article 27 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), as well as in the case of involvement (Articles 198, 396 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) and legalization of property obtained by criminal means (Article 209 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) is that legalization involves only legally defined types of property or property of a certain value, accompanied by threshold or suspicious transactions or financial transactions. Subsidiary application of the Law of Ukraine "On Prevention and Counteraction to Legalization (Laundering) of the Proceeds of Crime, Terrorist Financing and Financing of the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction" No. 361-IX of December 6, 2019 is mandatory to establish the content of the elements of the crime of "Legalization (laundering) of the proceeds of crime" (Article 209 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). Accordingly, the acquisition of ownership of other property (which is not the subject of transactions and financial operations which are subject to financial monitoring) or the exercise of ownership powers in relation to such property is covered by the institute of complicity (if the person promised to commit such acts in advance) or the institute of involvement in a predicate criminal offense under Articles 198 and 396 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (if the person did not promise to commit such acts in advance). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant attention is paid to what is coined dual use research (DUR), or research that has the potential to benefit and harm humanity, and dual use research of concern (DURC), a particular subset of DUR that is reasonably anticipated to be a safety and security concern if misapplied. Despite growing attention to DUR and DURC, there is entrenched and often overlooked ambiguity over these terms, and thereby, the challenges they pose. Conceptual clarity is much needed and is the rationale behind this paper. We begin by explaining existing overlooked disagreement surrounding the nature of DURC in particular, highlighting how various organizations and scholars understand DURC differently. We then set out and defend an account of DURC that captures its necessary and sufficient conditions and which sets it apart from DUR. We argue that scientifically valid research counts as DURC if it is suspected that its misuse, intentional or otherwise, can have a significant adverse effect on public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is devoted to the characteristics of key international instruments in the field of control over the transfer of dual-use goods and technologies and the specifics of their influence on the formation and development of the export control mechanism of Ukraine. Even though the foundations of international legal cooperation in the relevant field were laid by treaties in the field of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Convention on Biological Weapons, Convention on Chemical Weapons), its regulatory core consists of acts adopted within the framework of multilateral regimes (groups) of export control (Zanger Committee, Nuclear Suppliers Group, Australian Group, Missile Technology Control Regime, Wassenaar Agreement), which, however, are not legally binding. The simplified procedure for the adoption of regulatory instruments, which define the basic principles and establish requirements for the procedure for control over the transfer of dual-use goods and technologies, as well as determine their lists, within the limits of multilateral export groups, allows for a prompt response to the challenges faced by the international community, taking into account the dynamics of scientific and technical development and hence the emergence, among other things, of new materials, equipment, software, which can potentially be used to develop the latest types of weapons of mass destruction. At the same time, the lack of appropriate regulatory flexibility lies in the fact that the effectiveness of international cooperation in the relevant field directly depends on the conscientious observance by states of the guidelines of “soft” law acts. Currently, Ukraine is a party to all treaties in the field of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and a member of key multilateral export control groups, which directly affected the specifics of the national system of control over the international transfer of dual-use goods and technologies. The national institutional and legal mechanism generally reproduces the key principles of control over the transfer of dual-use goods and technologies reflected in relevant international treaties and acts of multilateral export control groups. At the same time, the Single List of Dual-Use Goods needs to be updated in accordance with the changes in the lists of controlled goods reflected in the guidelines of multilateral export regimes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author points out that among the main priorities of Ukraine's domestic policy since independence has been the creation of reliable mechanisms for security, political stability, and democracy that would correspond to the relevant mechanisms employed in the European Union. The prospect of EU membership is defined at the constitutional level and is a strategic guideline for Ukrainian aspirations for transformation and a key goal for which reforms are being carried out within the Ukrainian state. The creation and implementation of such mechanisms is the standard that will allow Ukraine to join the EU's common security system, increase the effectiveness of control over the movement and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and bring international cooperation in the fight against organized crime, illegal migration, smuggling, terrorism, and drug trafficking to a new level. It is noted that Ukraine's intentions to integrate into the European space have necessitated significant changes in national legislation aimed at adapting to a wide range of norms and standards generally accepted in international and European practice. The sphere of public security protection deserves special attention from lawmakers, as human rights protection is an invariable «gold standard» that distinguishes a democratic state. Given the state-forming importance of the national police, its improvement is in the zone of increased attention from both the government and society. It is extremely important today to create an effective organizational model of police bodies capable of reliably protecting the interests of the economy and citizens, implementing such principles of reforming the Ukrainian police that would result not only in excellent work in detecting and stopping offenses but also in creating significant resources for preventing offenses. The author demonstrates the dependence of the functional orientation of police structures on the functional orientation of the state, in particular on the form of state-legal regime it implements, which directly lays the basic principles of the activities of law enforcement structures in the country and the principles of their reform. Therefore, the logical idea arises that the functional orientation of police structures may depend on the functional orientation of the state, in particular on the form of state-legal regime it implements, which directly lays the basic principles of the activities of law enforcement structures in the country and the principles of their reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weapons of mass destruction are lethal instruments that involve nuclear explosions, radioactive, chemical, and biological materials, and any similar substances. This research addresses the extent and limits of the prohibition of possessing and using such weapons. It has been prepared according to the analytical and comparative methodologies, and its scientific material has been incorporated into an introductory chapter dedicated to definitions and two main chapters. The first chapter deals with the customary, jurisprudential, and judicial prohibition of the use of weapons of mass destruction, while the second chapter discusses the prohibition of the use of such weapons in conventions and treaties. The research has concluded, among other things, that: - The prohibition of possessing and using chemical and biological weapons is agreed upon, while there is disagreement regarding nuclear weapons, despite the fact that international law contains provisions in the convention prohibiting the use of weapons that cause unnecessary suffering. - Jurisprudence has differed on the legality of possessing biological warfare weapons within the scope of Article 2(4). - The prohibition should extend to the use of all weapons of mass destruction, regardless of their type. - A weapon prohibited under the law of armed conflict does not become lawful in light of the theory of legitimate defense. - The prohibition of such weapons is supported by many theories of international law. - These weapons cause great damage to the environment, and their use constitutes a crime of genocide and a crime against humanity. Although not explicitly included in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, the Statute has included in Article 8(2)(b) (17, 18) war crimes (the use of poison or poisoned weapons), as well as (the use of asphyxiating, poisonous or other gases, and all analogous liquids, substances or gases). The research recommends adopting dual international criminal responsibility, as international criminal law cannot ignore the responsibility that rests on specific natural persons in connection with criminal acts committed by the state. The exceptions contained in the Rome Statute relating to the absence of international criminal responsibility should not apply in the case of the use of weapons of mass destruction. It also recommends considering the possession and use of chemical and biological weapons and the like as an international crime, especially after the entry into force of the Biological and Chemical Weapons Conventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the recent deployment of Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus and its motivations and consequences. It discusses the complex relationship between Belarus and Russia, with Belarus trying to balance its ties between Russia and the West while gradually losing its sovereignty to Moscow. The article suggests that Belarus desires Russian nuclear weapons for deterrence against NATO and closer ties with Moscow, but it also risks losing its independence. Moscow aims to reassure Belarus and tighten its control over the country while signaling resolve to the West. The article concludes that while there are benefits to the arrangement for both parties, it is also a risky gamble. The extent of the Russian nuclear deployment in Belarus remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether nuclear weapons have actually been transferred to Belarus. The article also discusses the implications of the deployment, including the military balance of power and nuclear risks. It states that the deployment does not significantly increase Russia's offensive capability but may increase the risks of escalation in a crisis. The article further examines the legal and normative dimensions of the deployment, stating that it may complicate diplomatic relations within the non-proliferation regime but is unlikely to hamper it as a whole. It concludes by discussing the implications for deterrence, nonproliferation, arms control policies, and scholarship on nuclear politics. [Extracted from the article]

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While the literature on well‐being and stress following natural disasters is well‐developed, it is less so when it comes to ongoing war experiences. Between September and October of 2022, 223 Ukraine‐based civilian adults (156 women and 67 men) completed a survey measuring symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), peritraumatic experiences, paranoia, quality of life, death anxiety, anxiety about weapons of mass destruction and depression (i.e. assumed 'war consequence' factors), as well as perceived social support, resilience, loneliness and expected military support from the West (i.e. assumed 'buffer' factors). Our exploratory structural equation model (SEM) suggests that Perceived Social Support predicted fewer PTSD Symptoms and more Peritraumatic Experiences. The regression modelling, however, shows that Perceived Social Support was also positively correlated with Peritraumatic Experiences. Highlighting the need for a civilian war stress buffer disruption theory, we argue that when composed of one's circle of family and friends, social support could likely mean greater exposure to war stressors through the mutual sharing of ongoing war experiences with no end in sight. Such a possible war stress sharing deterioration effect would imply that Perceived Social Support may compound peritraumatic distress if the support in question is offered by those facing the same grim reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) have profoundly shaped global conflict and security landscapes throughout history. From the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the chemical attack in Halabja, these catastrophic events underscored the devastating potential of WMDs on health, humanity, ecosystems, and international stability. This study explored the immediate and long-term impacts of WMDs, analyzing historical precedents and current global conflicts to highlight ongoing risks. Emphasizing the urgent need for international disarmament and non-proliferation efforts, the study aimed to raise awareness of the humanitarian, psychological, and ecological consequences of WMD use. By examining the geopolitical hotspots and the humanitarian crises they generated, it called for proactive crisis prevention strategies and enhanced global cooperation to mitigate the catastrophic effects of WMDs and protect global security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prohibition of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) in South Africa is governed through the implementation of an integrated and robust non-proliferation and arms control policy, legislative and regulatory framework, which has been revised and improved over time to address global developments; scientific and technological developments; and advancement of the threat landscape in terms of illicit trafficking of restricted goods and technologies as well as terrorism. Nonetheless, deficiencies in the regulatory framework and legislation became apparent over the years, especially after the infiltration of the South African industry by the A.Q. Khan nuclear smuggling network. Although some of these deficiencies have been addressed, others are more challenging and require further work to be concluded in order to improve regulatory processes and strengthen the non-proliferation system, and to ensure that the proliferation strategies of non-state actors can be combatted. It is also aimed at South Africa maintaining its image as a reliable and responsible supplier, recipient and end user of strategic goods and technologies, while contributing meaningfully to global efforts of disarmament and non-proliferation of WMDs as a responsible member of the international community, as an advocate for global disarmament, and as a leader in efforts to prevent the proliferation of WMDs, in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about military attitudes toward weapons taboos or the durability of nonuse norms in wartime. Chemical weapons are a key case given public revulsion and clear international prohibitions. We explore soldiers' attitudes in a salient setting: the Pacific theater of World War II. We draw on a declassified survey covering a representative sample of enlisted US soldiers in Hawaii in 1944. This unique context, during a total war against an adversary that had employed chemical weapons, represents a hard test for the chemical weapons taboo. Up to 91% of soldiers supported using chemical weapons against Japan, including 24% who favored initiation and 67% who favored retaliatory use. To understand the influence of military instruction, we exploit a novel regimen still used in basic training, which saw some troops exposed to lachrymatory gas. We find exposure to chemical weapons in training reduced support for use. Visceral experiences can mobilize support for weapons taboos in otherwise permissive environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

informing the population, which may be affected in the event of a radiation accident, to the legislation of the European Union. The subject of the study was the provisions of nuclear, environmental and other branches of legislation, international, foreign and EU legislation, as well as scientific-theoretical and practical ideas, views and approaches to solving legal problems of ensuring radiation safety, radiation protection and informing the general public about health protection measures, to be taken and actions to be taken in the event of a radiation accident. The object of the study is public environmental, nuclear, radiation and other relations that arise in the event of a radiation accident and informing the population in case of danger, as well as regulated by the norms of national and international legislation. The problems of ensuring radiation and nuclear safety of the population rank first among the priority issues of ensuring peace in Ukraine and in the world. One of the directions of legal reform in Ukraine is the development of domestic legislation and its convergence with EU legislation as one of the conditions for Ukraine's integration into the European Union. The importance, priority and relevance of the adaptation of the legislation of Ukraine in the field of the use of nuclear energy and radiation safety to the EU legislation is determined, first of all, by the importance of informing the population that may be affected in the event of a radiation accident, receiving information about health protection measures that concern them, as well as about their actions in case of such an accident. These issues became especially active after the russian federation's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The main legal documents in Ukraine for ensuring radiation safety, radiation protection of the population and personnel are the laws of Ukraine "On the use of nuclear energy and radiation safety" dated February 8, 1995, "On human protection from the effects of ionizing radiation" dated January 14, 1998, Standards of radiation safety of Ukraine (NRBU - 97), approved by the resolution of the Chief Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine on December 1, 1997, Basic sanitary rules for ensuring radiation safety of Ukraine (OSPU - 2005), approved by the order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine dated February 2, 2005 No. 54, order of the State of the Committee on Nuclear Regulation of Ukraine "On approval of the Radiation Accident Response Plan" dated May 17, 2004. These normative acts define a number of legal categories, in particular, the concept of "radiation accident". At the time of the adoption of domestic national legal acts, Council directives 89/618/EURATOM, 90/641/EURATOM, 96/29/EURATOM, 97/43/EURATOM and 2003/122/EURATOM were already in force in EU member states. Since then, Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM of December 5, 2013 was adopted, which established basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from ionizing radiation, and also terminated the validity of these directives. Certain provisions of this directive were implemented in some legislative acts in accordance with the Law of Ukraine "On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On the Use of Nuclear Energy and Radiation Safety", in particular, in terms of the introduction of the Institute of Radiation Protection Expert, which should contribute to increasing the effectiveness of radiation protection protection of personnel and population. In our opinion, the decision to introduce the said institute is premature, since the main provisions of the Directive on radiation protection have not been adopted, and the expert institute should focus on them. The authors positively evaluate the adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine as a whole of the draft law "On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Protection of Humans from the Effects of Ionizing Radiation." The draft law defines a number of basic terms related to radiation safety, in particular: "emergency situation"; "equivalent dose"; "dose limit"; "situation of emergency, existing and planned exposure" etc. In addition, the following are established: limit doses in the situation of planned exposure; effective and equivalent dose limits for personnel and the public"; basic protection and safety measures for medical radiation; defined reference levels for situations of existing and emergency exposure, as well as reference levels of the average annual concentration of radon activity in indoor air for the permanent presence of people at workplaces. According to the authors, synchronous work should be carried out on the development of new radiation safety standards, which should establish new radiation hygiene regulations both for practical activities and for intervention, in particular, in the event of a radiation accident. In the conditions of modern realities, the probability of the realization of nuclear and radiation threats to the national security of Ukraine and global security in general in the conditions of large-scale Russian aggression has increased sharply. There is a need to continue Ukraine's political consultations with the EU, the Group of Seven member states within the framework of the "Global Partnership against the Proliferation of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction" initiative, the IAEA, and other international organizations on nuclear and radiation security issues, not only during the period of martial law in Ukraine, and after its completion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study published in the journal MedComm describes a new immunotherapy approach that enhances the anti-tumor activity of therapeutic T cells. The researchers engineered naturally occurring mutations in T cells to increase their effectiveness in killing tumor cells. The study found that a gene fusion called CARD11-PIK3R3 enhanced signaling pathways involved in T cell activation and function, leading to improved tumor death in vitro and in vivo. This discovery has the potential to improve T cell immunotherapy and provide new directions for treating cancer. [Extracted from the article]

Türkiye adopted a new regime on bearer share certificates to comply with the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force on money laundering by promulgating the Law on Preventing Financing of Proliferation of Mass Destruction Weapons on 31 December 2020. This new law does not prohibit the issuance of bearer share certificates but ends the anonymity of the holders. According to the new law, the holders of bearer share certificates shall be registered in a centralized registry. In case of transfer of the certificates, the new holder must also be registered in the registry. In this paper, I will first give brief information on shares in Turkish law. Subsequently, I will explain the new system prescribed by the Law on Preventing Financing of Proliferation of Mass Destruction Weapons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of the disastrous consequences of the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, the majority of Americans – along with prominent political leaders, journalists and others – acknowledge that was the wrong policy choice. Few, however, are willing to acknowledge it was also illegal. Furthermore, there is little acknowledgement that Bush administration officials who planned the war and members of Congress who authorized it were informed beforehand by academics, State Department specialists and countless others of the likely negative consequences of an invasion and occupation but chose to ignore it. And a number of prominent supporters of the invasion have attempted to rewrite history to cover up for their culpability, particularly prominent Democratic senators who subsequently became their party's nominee for president and went on to serve in higher offices – John Kerry, Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the book "Fear, Power, and Hubris: Why the United States Invaded Iraq" by historian Melvyn Leffler. The book offers a revisionist analysis of the decision to invade Iraq in 2003, presenting a sympathetic view of the Bush administration's motivations. Leffler argues that fear, particularly in the aftermath of 9/11, played a significant role in shaping the administration's actions. While acknowledging the poor planning and execution of the war, Leffler emphasizes the officials' earnest intentions to protect the nation from further attacks. The article also highlights some criticisms of the book, including its sympathetic tone and use of politicized terminology. Overall, the book provides important insights into the decision-making process behind the Iraq War and its long-term consequences. [Extracted from the article]

The present article analyzes the ineffectiveness of the United Nations' enforcement of biological warfare violations. After the Biological Warfare Convention (BWC) of 1972, little has been done to punish violations. This is in part to the failure of the BWC to implement an accountability system. Additionally, the sanctioning powers of the United Nations Security Council have been routinely stymied by the veto powers of the five permanent members (China, Russia, United States, United Kingdom, and France). To ensure countries abide by the BWC, a solution is needed regarding veto powers. This article proposes that the United States should pursue a United Nations amendment creating a narrow carve-out exception of the veto power in relation to biological warfare violations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study has been conducted in a concise and realistic manner around the factors of the Cold War. The Cold War has distant and close factors that originate from the early twentieth century (Bolshevik Revolution) and during World War II due to the continuation of distrust between East and West blocs, the issues of disagreement remained in ambiguity immediately after the end of the war, the wartime alliance was lifted, and relations between Western powers and the communist bloc of Eastern Europe became tense and hostile, and the atmosphere of the Cold War emerged. The importance of this research is that in this period, the blocs had intense propaganda but avoided face-to-face wars. This research aims to investigate the emergence of factors of the Cold War that emerged from within the Allied Union of World War II, based on an ideological and superior approach of new powers. The reasons for the emergence of the Cold War were a complex and less researched issue. This is library-based research (analytical, descriptive, and historical explanation). The findings of this research show that the Cold War was an inevitable phenomenon in a turbulent and complex period after World War II, which resulted from grounds such as the collapse and disintegration of countries, power vacuums, ideological competition, extensive reconstruction programs, proxy wars, and political competition. Unless based on the existence of various weapons of mass destruction, they never did anything that would lead to an actual war. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serhii Plokhy's book, "Nuclear Folly: A History of the Cuban Missile Crisis," challenges the dominant narrative of the crisis and explores the mistakes made by both the United States and the Soviet Union. Plokhy argues that President Kennedy and his advisers misunderstood Khrushchev's motives for placing missiles in Cuba. The book also highlights the Ukrainian connection to the crisis, as many of the missiles sent to Cuba were built in Ukraine. Plokhy emphasizes the importance of avoiding nuclear threats and calls for a return to arms control negotiations. The article discusses Khrushchev's motives for sending missiles to Cuba, including defending Cuba, bridging the missile gap, asserting Soviet leadership, and extending the Soviet frontier. The crisis led to a tense standoff between the US and the Soviet Union, but through diplomatic correspondence, a resolution was reached, highlighting the fear of nuclear weapons and the importance of avoiding war. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: The pepper gases used in the study are in the group of riot control agents. In this study; It was aimed to determine the main heavy metal levels of pepper gases obtained from capsaicin, the active ingredient of peppers grown in soil that we think may contain heavy metals. Material and Method: The presence of a total of 7 heavy metals, including iron, chromium, cobalt, copper, cadmium, lead and nickel, was investigated. The pepper gas sprays were subjected to sample preparation with a microwave combustion device. Then, heavy metal analyzes of the prepared samples were carried out with the ICP OES device. Results: According to this; As a result of the measurements, Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Cadmium (Cd) and Cobalt (Co) elements were not found in any of the samples. The amount of Lead (Pb) was determined as 0.653±0.064 mg/kg, and the amount of Iron (Fe) was 5.246±0.000 mg/kg. Finally, the Copper (Cu) element detected in a single sample was measured as 0.815 mg/kg. Discussion and Conclusion: We also think that the necessary sensitivity should be shown in laboratory and clinical studies to examine the content of pepper spray and to determine the optimum ratios of its active ingredients. We foresee that preparing promotional brochures, informative public service ads on topics such as what pepper gas is in what situations pepper gas should be used, and informing the public about the health problems it may cause will increase the conscious use of pepper gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article compares and contrasts the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) weapons programs of Al-Qaeda and Islamic State through the framework of organizational structure, typology, ideology and CBRN incidents (selected case studies). A three-step CBRN model explaining the use of CBRN weapons by both groups is proposed. This model suggests that the use of CBRN weapons is predicated on three factors: leadership at the strategic level; acquisition of material at the operational level and technical capabilities at the tactical level. It is found that the failure of both groups in developing and carrying out large-scale CBRN attacks boils down primarily to the lack of technical capabilities and the difficulties associated with acquisition of materials. It is argued that the future CBRN threat landscape will likely be dominated by the threat of small-scale, localized attacks using crude chemical or biological agents by lone actors or autonomous cells as opposed to larger-scale centrally directed attacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the end of the Cold War in Southern Africa and its impact on the Apartheid Government's nuclear weapons program. The program was developed as a strategic deterrent against perceived communist threats in the region. However, with the changing political landscape, including the end of hostilities in Angola and the rise of progressive leaders like FW de Klerk, the program was deemed unnecessary and a burden. In 1989, de Klerk ordered the termination of the program and the dismantling of the nuclear arsenal. This decision, along with South Africa's subsequent commitment to nuclear non-proliferation, played a significant role in the country's transition to democracy and its emergence as a leader in promoting disarmament. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the relationship between religion and secularism in the context of post-9/11 criticism. It explores the idea that Western secularism invented the concept of religion as a foil to define modernity. The article also examines how religion was used as a tool of containment in different religious contexts and how the invention of "world religions" served colonial administrators in managing cultural difference. The authors argue for a better engagement with religion and empire in Victorian studies to highlight the complex histories of the "transimperial." The article includes essays that explore the intersections of religion, empire, and aesthetics in Victorian literature. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents an interview with Sharon Dolev and Emad Kiyaei, directors of the Middle East Treaty Organization, discussing their careers in nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament activism, their proud moments, and their optimism about achieving a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction. Topics include their personal journeys into the field, significant milestones in their careers, and the importance of transnational activism in promoting effective nonproliferation efforts.

The Review Conference of the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) has been one of the primary international arenas for discussing pathways to establishing a Middle East Weapons of Mass Destruction-Free Zone (ME WMDFZ). This contentious issue was considered the make-or-break factor that determined whether some past Review Conferences could adopt a final document. With the commencement of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction in 2019, mandated by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), questions have been raised about whether this new track replaces the NPT in addressing the Zone issue and, if not, in what format both tracks should interact. This essay sets the context for these questions by discussing evolving nuclear risks in the Middle East, the linkages between the NPT and the Zone, and the potential risks of decoupling the Zone issue from the NPT review process. The essay then argues for a balanced approach in which the NPT and the UNGA-mandated tracks function in conjunction with, and complement, each other. This approach would preserve the integrity and efficacy of each process and maintain the region's commitments to the Zone, to abolishing nuclear weapons and to preventing further proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the years of war, as a result of aviation and missile attacks, a significant number of health care facilities in various regions of Ukraine were destroyed, and the complexity and intensity of their work increased significantly. If the readiness of hospitals and their employees to treat gunshot and explosive injuries is established, in the case of mass destruction of chemically hazardous enterprises and the threat of the enemy using weapons of mass destruction, including chemical weapons, there is a need for special training of health care facilities to work in the in conditions of chemical threats. The aim of the work was justification of the development and set of measures for the implementation of standard operating procedures in the event of a chemical incident. The legal documents and recommendations of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, management of the World Health Organization and the Red Cross on the topic of the study were used. The research methods: bibliosemantic, analytical, modeling were applied. It is established that the special management group, which includes representatives of various services, is of decisive importance in the effective management of a health care facility during a chemical incident: administration; communication department; security department; management of nurses and the department of infection control; human resources department; pharmacy; intensive care unit; department of engineering maintenance and repair; laboratory; kitchen; laundry; cleaning service and waste management. The most important measures of response to a chemical incident that ensure the safety of medical personnel and patients are the organization of a triage zone and a decontamination area for chemically affected persons. Based on the above, to prepare a health care facility for work during a chemical incident, it is necessary to develop a response plan, which consists of special administrative and management decisions and provides for regular staff training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An export control regime plays a vital tool in the effort to counter the proliferation of traditional weapons and weapons of mass destruction. However, there are new and fundamental challenges with this system. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding and implementing nuclear export control mechanisms to advance international security and prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. The research will apply descriptive analysis of the mechanisms of nuclear export controls. Critical analysis of the nuclear export control apparatuses will be applied as a technique to review the loopholes in the enforcement mechanisms of these initiatives. The debate covers key aspects of nuclear export control, including legislative frameworks, industry compliance, licensing and authorization procedures, verification and monitoring systems and control scope. Understanding these elements will enable stakeholders to support responsible and peaceful transfers of nuclear technology while ensuring compliance with international commitments and nonproliferation standards. The paper further delves into the context of these regimes, which are constructed in a way that provides cushion to the international community led by the Western states. The article emphasizes the critical role of the mechanisms of nuclear export control in preserving international security by preventing the unauthorized transfer of sensitive nuclear materials and technology. It also emphasizes the need for industry and national collaboration in this regard.

In this paper, we provide an empirical test for the theoretical claim that ambiguous nuclear threats create a "commitment trap" for American leaders: when deterrence fails, supposedly they are more likely to order the use of nuclear weapons to avoid domestic audience costs for backing down. We designed an original survey experiment and fielded it to a sample of 1,000 U.S. citizens. We found no evidence of a commitment trap when ambiguous nuclear threats are made. Unlike explicit threats, ambiguous ones did not generate domestic disapproval when the leader backed down; the decision to employ nuclear weapons led to more public backlash for the leader than being caught bluffing; and the threats did not influence public preference for nuclear use across our scenarios. Our findings contribute to the scholarly literature on nuclear crisis bargaining and policy debates over the future of US declaratory policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"The Devil's Toy Box: Exposing and Defusing Promethean Terrorists" by Andrew Fox explores the potential use of emerging technologies as weapons of mass destruction by terrorists. The book argues that homeland security decision-makers must anticipate and develop countermeasures against these threats. It features imagined scenarios, interspersed with information on terrorist motivations, technologies, and forecasting methods. While the book provides a comprehensive process for analyzing future threats, it fails to identify which agency or decision-maker would implement its recommendations. The author suggests using science fiction writers to help anticipate and understand emerging technologies, but the book's fictional scenarios may not effectively persuade decision-makers. Overall, the book raises important concerns about vulnerabilities in current defense systems and the need for proactive measures to address future threats. [Extracted from the article]

The weapons of mass destruction-civil support team (WMD-CST) physician associate/assistant (PA) is an autonomous PA who balances military and civilian roles to achieve mission success and support the safety of the US public. This article by multiple WMD-CST PAs across the nation describes the WMD-CST PA profession and how traditional PA roles continue to advance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the second world war armed conflicts between states underwent changes caused by the effects of the invention of weapons of mass destruction and of the division of Europe between two blocs of states dominated by the two superpowers: USA and USSR. Most of the armed conflicts during the cold war period were caused either by the crisis of colonialism or by the ethnic rivalries, mostly in the new states. The Korean war was the only armed conflict between states with the direct involvement of two great powers (USA and China) and caused by the ideological division of the world. After the end of the cold war the dissolution of the Soviet Union and of Yugoslavia caused several ethnic wars, with the NATO intervention in the former Yugoslavia. A new wave of armed conflicts was caused by the Islamic radicalism in Iran and in some Arab states and by the growing strength of China as an emerging superpower. The Russian aggression against Ukraine created a new international situation with the indirect involvement of the democratic states. Future architecture of international relations depends on the outcome of the Russian-Ukrainian war. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The review article deals with the current issue of collective protection, including collectiveprotection against contamination. A breakdown by purpose and basic equipment for use incontamination conditions is presented. Based on NATO documents, functional and operationalrecommendations are made.Keywords: chemical sciences, security sciences, weapons of mass destruction, collective protection

Examining Islamic Jihad issues in resorting to military force and coercive actions against the enemy and the way to treat civilians and non-combatant people indicates that the humanitarian provisions of Islam are based on the fundamental principles that provide the necessary grounds for the implementation of Jihad rules in different conflict situations. They provide Islam. Justice, the right to life and respect for human dignity are among the foundations of humanitarian rights in Islam, each of which has a special place and importance in Jihad in the cause of Allah. Quranic evidence, narration, reason, consensus and Muslim jurisprudence rules have prohibited the production and use of weapons of mass destruction; Therefore, in this article, while examining the concept and examples of weapons of mass destruction, topics such as justice, the right to life, human dignity, which are discussed as the bases for not allowing the use of weapons of mass destruction, to examine the verses and traditions, reason and consensus, which are among the most important evidences for issuing verdicts. Regarding topics such as weapons of mass destruction; Paid. In this research, the prohibition of the production and use of weapons of mass destruction in Islamic jurisprudence has been analyzed, and in the books of the jurists of the previous examples, it can be revised and applied to the current examples; Also, the prohibition of using these weapons in normal conditions is based on customary rules.