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RC24 Conference: “Armed Forces and Society: New Challenges and Environments – Toward a Garrison State or More of the Same?” Dates: 26–28 June 20 The IPSA Research Committee on Armed Forces and Society (RC 24) will hold its triennial international and interdisciplinary conference in Santiago, Chile, 26–28 June 2008. Theme: ARMED FORCES AND SOCIETY: NEW CHALLENGES AND ENVIRONMENTS--TOWARD A GARRISON STATE OR MORE OF THE SAME? The 9/11 terrorist attack on the twin-towers helped generate substantial change in national security and civil-military relations. The changes are numerous, some easily detectable and others more opaque. While civilian and military authorities in consolidated democracies are seeking to define their relationship in the new setting, overt or covert military intervention seems to have re-appeared in some countries. The once authoritarian but weak African state remains authoritarian but has now acquired the means to “catch” the terrorists. Heelers have turned bomb throwers, national security is being privatized, and well-armed and sophisticated armies cannot provide for individual security. Presidents opposed to globalization have taken power in Latin America and demographic problems are forcing governments in Europe and Asia to grapple with immigration and the potential impact on state and societal security. Grinding poverty is pushing the have-nots to illegal activity and delinquency, prompting governments to use the military to fight crime and gang-related violence. Guantanamo Bay and “terrorist prisons” in Central Europe are raising red flags as far as human rights and constitutional protections are concerned. Finally, environmental degradation is no longer an avocation for greens and futurologists, but a pressing issue that can affect state, societal, and individual security. These developments seem to occur while globalization is marching on and democratization has slowed. Concerns such as these as well and other related issues beg scholarly attention and scrutiny. The organizing committee invites paper and entire panel proposals. To submit a proposal and inquire about the conference, please contact Dr. Ricardo Israel…….at armedforcesandsociety@conference.cl or |