Dave Sloggett

Maritime security covers many issues including disputes over ownership of the continental shelf and of the boundaries of Exclusive Economic Zones, as well as protecting citizens from ballistic missile attacks using sea-based platforms and the introduction of non-native marine species to new aquatic habitats. Loss of key habitats and species may harm tourism and the wider economy while illegal fishing and smuggling often degrade the maritime environment. Nor should we forget that the sea is a favoured means of transit for trans-national terrorist and criminal groups, and smuggling of drugs, people and weapons remains a perennial concern for governments and their agencies trying to police the seas. Even today, however, the threat of conventional naval warfare has not receded entirely: rivalries over the ownership of the continental shelf, in areas such as the Spratley and Paracel Islands and the Lomonosov Ridge, could well be the harbinger of future conflict. Securing access to an ever-dwindling source of oil and gas may also threaten conflict on a worldwide basis as navies confront each other to secure economically vital sea lanes of communications in a time when energy security concerns are high on political the political agenda. Sloggett's book deals with this fascinating range of issues in a comprehensive manner also provides a blueprint for the development of maritime security, an integrated solution based around creating accurate and timely maritime domain awareness and sharing this with both military and commercial users of the sea.… (plus d'informations)

To their supporters, drones are hailed as the greatest weapon in the counter-terrorism arsenal. To their detractors, they are responsible for unacceptable civilian casualties and challenge the rules of engagement.
Drones are said to offer unparalleled accuracy and lethality in targeting insurgents and terrorists, especially in remote, inaccessible areas such as the Afghan-Pakistan borderlands, Yemen and Somalia, doing so without endangering their controllers located thousands of miles away. They also have many ancillary uses: in policing, surveillance of public events, disaster relief and search and rescue operations. At the same time, their military utility and their legality have generated intense debate.
Circumstantial evidence suggests that terrorists and insurgents are intimidated by the threat posed by UAVs, and alter their behaviour accordingly, yet is this short term benefit being outweighed by the anger and resentment generated by civilian deaths? These and other questions are scrutinised in this highly topical assessment of the application of a new military technology that may one day be deployed in Europe and America.… (plus d'informations)