king's college war studies dissertation

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MA IN WAR STUDIES DISSERTATION AT KING'S COLLEGE LONDON UN PEACEKEEPING AND MILITARY DOCTRINE

MA IN WAR STUDIES DISSERTATION AT KING’S COLLEGE LONDON UN PEACEKEEPING AND MILITARY DOCTRINE by Ali Ahmed The visitation of the ‘scrouge of war’ twice in the lifetime of the framers of the UN Charter led them to incorporate the mechanism into the Charter to save their progeny from a like fate. Learning from the ill-fated League of Nations, universality of Great Power membership was sought through provision of the veto privilege. The victors of the World War were to superintend the emerging world order in accordance with the prescription in Chapters VI and VII, specifically Articles 43-47. As it turned out, the intention ‘to unite (our) strength to maintain international peace and security’ was at best rhetorical. Instead, the subsequent ‘long peace’ was maintained by the alliance system based on the ‘balance of terror’. The UN’s actions were confined to where the strategic interests of the superpowers were not affected or were coincident . A manner of doing so was the ‘UN invention under Chapter VI 1/2’ that has been characterised as peacekeeping. It was only in the prelude to the fall of the Iron Curtain that peacekeeping acquired the momentum recognised by the award of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988. That year also marked the watershed between the peacekeeping operations till then, categorised since as ‘traditional’ or ‘classical’, and its ‘reinvention’ as ‘expanded’, ‘wider’ and ‘second- generation’ peacekeeping. The latest trend reached its zenith in 1992, with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Tenuous results, unmet expectations and systemic problems have dampened the hopes that the UN ‘renaissance’ would enable the UN to function to capacity as envisaged . One reason for this was the incompatibility of the military doctrine advocated to cope with the change. This essay seeks to examine the evolutionary change in the nature of peacekeeping and the military implication of the changed emphasis on the ‘use of force’. The intellectual assimilation of the change and the doctrinal efforts to keep pace are examined. The US and UK doctrines are studied in relation to their employment in two of the largest and most ambitious UN missions- the UNOSOM and UNPROFOR respectively. The conclusion that emerges from the study is that the UN needs to persist with the traditional peacekeeping principles until the basic anomalies of the organisation under discussion in the run up to its fiftieth anniversary are dealt with. The false dawn of internationalism led to premature forced development of peacekeeping, that may perhaps have already dealt it a mortal blow.

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Amit ᭄᭄ Mishra

Kurt W . Bassuener, PhD

Alba Ubieto Oliván

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The United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations were introduced in 1948 after turmoil in the Middle East. Since then, peacekeeping has matured and evolved in order to try to provide stability and security around the world. Many challenges and missions have crossed the path of UN peacekeeping operations, which consequently brought a great forum of discussion between the pro-peacekeeping advocates and the groups that critique it. This essay argues that UN peacekeeping operations are difficult to justify, and need a reform in order to meet the needs for 21st century security threats in order to guaranty a sustainable peace. It needs to be emphasized that peacekeeping was and still is unique in its features as each mission is different and has its individual areas of issues and successes. Thus, it is advised to look at peacekeeping as a toolbox that provides specific solutions for specific issues, rather than a complete practice that fits all. This diversity creates gaps and leads to criticism that this paper will address. Since the post Cold War, UN peacekeeping operations (UN PKO, also known as DPKO, UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations) have evolved from their initial purpose of “facilitate[ing] ‘liberal international relations’ whereby states resolve their differences through open diplomacy… [to a] concept [that acknowledges that] violent conflict is related to illiberal governance” (Bellamy, 2004: 151). This paper acknowledges that UN PKO, or a similar body of reaction and protection is necessary. In order to lay fundamental grounds to this study, this essay will trace the emergence and development of peacekeeping in the context of the UN. It is important to discuss the UN in great details, as it is the driving vehicle that makes peacekeeping what it is. It sets the ground rules of conduct and gives its legitimacy. Second, realist, and neo institutionalism ideology on its course of actions will further deepen the understanding of the concept of peacekeeping. It will look at three stages of peacekeeping: the 1990s, period of trial and error with the example of Somalia, then the 2000s, dominated by Iraq and Afghanistan, and the 2010s and the first mandate of the use of force strategically in DRC. It needs to be said that Iraq and Afghanistan were not UN peacekeeping missions. However, for this study it is crucial to include them, because these conflicts were decisive in the re-evaluation of UN PKO structure. Therefore, this essay will show through these examples that peacekeeping since its initial mandate is weak, unclear, and becomes difficult to justify due to the changing nature of warfare. This essay also aims to clarify the concept of governance because the main features of traditional peacekeeping were engraved in the notion of liberal international relations through open diplomacy to illiberal governance within conflict. Third, this paper will look at US policy for peacekeeping such as the Clinton policy review and the brief example of Guatemala. This will demonstrate that governmental willingness and cooperation remains a vital part in the whole process of peacekeeping. Despite good intentions and efforts to make it work, UN PKO do not provide a balanced account of power between stronger and stable states against weaker and destabilized states. Therefore, by looking at the undermined position of the UN and UN PKO, this paper will conclude that peacekeeping is not an effective practice post Cold War. In addition, it does not meet the demands to alleviate security threats and provide a sustainable peace around the world. Importantly, for the purpose of this argument, this study is only focused on criticizing UN PKO in the post Cold War era without incorporating any aspects of the role and power of the media in the 20-21st century and robust peacekeeping.

Liv Sävström Müller

Voice of International Affairs

Nabila Akter

The International Organization should not be limited by those powers granted to it upon its creation, i.e. attributed powers instead be allowed to exercise certain powers that are not granted expressly but are granted by implications, i.e. implied powers. The United Nations, as an international organization, was established in 1945 to save people from the scourge of war with one of its primary purposes being the maintenance of international peace and security. According to the Charter, maintenance of international peace and security is the UN Security Council's primary responsibility. To fulfil this responsibility, the Council may adopt a range of measures as its implied powers. UN's one of the main tools to achieve this purpose is ‘Peacekeeping Operations’. In 1948, UN peacekeeping promoters had the simple idea of using military troops to help implement peace accords instead of fighting and winning wars. Its strength lies in the legitimacy as an implied power of the UN granted by the Charter and the significant number of contributing countries participating and providing precious resources. These multidimensional peacekeeping operations maintain peace & security, protect civilians, facilitate political processes, support the Organization of elections assist in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, restore the rule of law, promote human rights.

Mateja Peter (2015) Between Doctrine and Practice: The UN Peacekeeping Dilemma. Global Governance: A Review of Multilateralism and International Organizations, 21(3), 351–70

Mateja Peter

Mandates of recent peacekeeping operations across Africa have shown substantial innovation in the thinking of the UN Security Council. Offensive use of force, use of unmanned aerial vehicles, strategic intelligence and communication, and state-building mandates in the midst of conflicts have all expanded the scope of activities beyond what the UN peacekeepers are accustomed to. The UN is entering a new era of enforcement peacekeeping. Enforcement peacekeeping manifests itself both in enforcement of political solutions through support of a government’s statebuilding ambitions and its attempts to extend state authority in the midst of conflict and in enforcement of military victories through the offensive use of force. These developments further unsettle the basic principles of UN peacekeeping—consent, impartiality, and nonuse of force—resulting in a schism between the doctrine and practice. This contribution argues that such fundamental challenges, when not properly acknowledged, create a wall between operational activities and strategic considerations. They preclude a proper debate on the problematic externalities, in particular on political processes and peacebuilding.

Norrie MacQueen

Istanbul Security Conference

ali bilgin varlık

This paper examines the obstacles to effective use of force and peace operations by the UN over time. The main thesis of the study is that the structural, systematic, and functional shortfalls of the UN, combined with tensions spurred from the political and security conjuncture will complicate and undercut the organisation's future security initiatives. The complementary thesis of the paper is that unless the UN strikes a proper balance between the use of force and peace operations, and adjusts its approach to evolving conditions, planned enhancements may provide limited benefits. The body of the study is comprised of two main sections: a theoretical framework for UN use of force and peace initiatives, and an analytical evaluation of UN operations within the theoretical context. In the first section, the legitimacy of force and peace operations are discussed within the UN Charter. In this context, the complicating factors of competing political and judicial approaches −moralist versus realist, conservative versus reformist − are broadly mentioned. In this section the structural characteristics and the actual practices of the states, which decisively effect UN operations' success, are also scrutinised. Secondly, an analytical and descriptive picture of the UN's use of force and peace operations is drawn by quantitative, categoric, and trend changes over time. Additionally, functional and procedural shortfalls which either collectively or individually contribute to the UN's operational inadequacy for the establishment of sustainable peace are discussed. Keywords: The United Nations, peace operations, use of force, peacekeeping. 1. Theoretical Framework 1.1 The premise of the UN and the debate between the conventional versus reformist and the realist versus moralist approaches. The traditional international view of war as a legitimate tool that states may resort to in pursuit of their national interest was upended by the new paradigm set at San Francisco Conference held from April 25-June 26, 1945. With one exception −in the preamble− the word war does not appear in the UN Charter. Since the main premise of the UN Charter, is to save "succeeding generations from the scourge of war," the right to use force was to be reserved only for the UN, with the sole exception being the "inherent right of self-defence in case of an armed attack (article 51)". The UN was founded based on the premise of the need for an organization to sustain international security, and the founding conference opened up a discussion on how this goal will be achieved. Based up on the principle of not violating the sovereign rights of the individual states (Art. 2/7), the prevailing approach favoured stability, while a minority of reformists argued that a justice-based approach was necessary for sustainable peace. This debate also reflected realist versus moralist arguments. As more member nations have joined the UN, views have evolved and today the majority of the members of the General Assembly (UNGA) support moralist and reformist change. Such change would erode UN Security Council (UNSC) authority. The UNSC has traditionally placed a premium on managing or avoiding major power confrontation and the escalation of minor conflicts; the UNSC permanent members prefer stability and preservation of the status quo to revisions and moralist arrangements that run contrary to the existing balance of power. 1.2. Dominating power of the UNSC According to article 24 of the UN Charter, the primary responsibility for maintenance of international peace and security is given to the UNSC. The UNSC's monopoly on the use of force is a rather natural outcome of the realistic approach maintained by the dominating powers −the permanent members− than the need for 1 This paper is issued at Istanbul Security Conference 2015.

Avery Franken

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War Studies MA

King's college london, university of london, different course options.

• Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, similar courses at different universities, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

MA - Master of Arts

Subject areas

War Studies

Course type

Our War Studies MA explores the phenomenon of war and conflict as a key aspect of the human experience, along with its causes, conduct and consequences. Central to the degree is the study of war from a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary perspective - which includes historical, political, sociological, philosophical, artistic, legal, ethical and military viewpoints. War is a deeply complex and contentious phenomenon, and its interdisciplinary study offers an unusually powerful opportunity to sharpen your critical analytical and reflective abilities and develop independent thinking. This prepares you for a wide range of careers and positions of responsibility in which such advanced intellectual skills are highly valued by employers.

Course detail

The MA in War Studies is the oldest degree programme in the Department of War Studies, stretching back some 60 years. A central objective of the MA from its beginnings has been to offer a thorough, state-of-the-art introduction to the major issues and debates concerning war and its impact on the world. The intractability of war suggests that no one disciplinary lens by itself may suffice to fully grasp the problem and identify solutions. By examining war and conflict in the round and looking at theories and practices, past, present and future, this multi-faceted and wide-ranging programme enables you to study alongside historians, social scientists, philosophers, jurists and artists, benefitting from their perspectives and those of the students around you. We will provide you with an intellectual ‘toolbox’ composed of skills and techniques drawn from a range of disciplines associated with the humanities and social sciences, giving you an overview of the fundamental elements of various disciplines that are relevant to the study of war. The challenge we pursue together lies in combining and, if possible, integrating them in order to achieve a sophisticated and rounded understanding of the subject area. The course will appeal if you are a student of politics, history or strategic studies or any other field which has kindled an interest in war, or if you are a professional in defence, diplomacy or foreign affairs who wants to reflect on the broader implications of your experiences. This MA is based in the Department of War Studies, one of the only academic departments in the world to focus solely on the complexities of conflict and security. War Studies is an multidisciplinary department and all War Studies students benefit from research-led teaching in such subjects as the history and evolution of war and grand strategy, arms control and non-proliferation, migration, strategic thought, cyber, conflict and the environment, the influence of science and technology on international security, along with regional specialisms covering Africa, Asia (East and South), Russia and elsewhere.

Teaching and assessment

The primary methods of assessment for this course are assessed essays, individual and group presentations, seminar participation, exercises, and/or exams. The dissertation module assessment will be based on a 100% dissertation assignment (up to 12,000 words).

Career prospects

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

Undergraduate degree with high 2:1 honours (i.e. overall average of at least 65% across all years of study) in history, international relations, political science, economics or other appropriate subject. In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum high 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 65% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 65% or above in the UK marking scheme.

The Politics of Conflict and Violence MA, PGDip, PGCert, by distance learning

University of leicester, the politics of conflict and violence pgdip by distance learning, the politics of conflict and violence pgcert by distance learning, expeditionary warfare systems engineering and technology (usa), cranfield university, war and society, ma, swansea university.

Equipping doctoral research students at King's College London to excel

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King’s Outstanding Thesis Prize 2021

Congratulations to all the winners of the 2021 King’s Outstanding Thesis Prize!

Twenty awards are given across the year to celebrate truly outstanding research and theses completed by King’s doctoral students. The prizes are nominated by the external examiners and are judged by a panel consisting of the College’s Director of Research Talent and the Chair of the Research Degrees Examinations Board.  

We have an exceptional community of postgraduate researchers at King’s. Each year we recognise 20 of the very best, who have been nominated by their examiners. The standard is incredibly high, in terms of the quality and impact of the research and the clarity and skill of the written thesis. Most winners have published multiple papers and won prizes at conferences, some are already shaping their fields, forging new avenues of research and changing national policy, whether in the UK or abroad. It is definitely one of the most inspiring and enjoyable part of my role to read the submissions from the examiners and the supervisors’ supporting statements. -Dr Nigel Eady, Director of Research Talent & King’s Outstanding Thesis Prize panellist.

Take a look at some reflections from the 2021 winners:

Thesis: The legal nature of export credit insurance and export credit guarantee: a comparative study between the UK and China.

I feel greatly honoured to be awarded this prize. I would like to thank Prof Özlem Gürses and Prof Eva Lomnicka QC (Hon), my dear supervisors at King’s, for their endless support. I am also grateful to King’s for offering me a generous PhD scholarship and various conference and research allowances. My PhD is a pleasant and unforgettable journey in my life. I enjoyed a number of interesting training courses organised by the Centre for Doctoral Studies, which substantially improved my academic skills. I also benefit from my internship research project at the International Union of Credit & Investment Insurers, where I was able to examine whether the legal theory fits the practice in the real commercial world. For those who are about to submit, I encourage you to keep a health daily routine. Do work hard, but also eat well, sleep sound and get some exercise every day. And always take notes when you come up with some fresh ideas even if they are not directly related to your thesis. Happy research and good luck!

Thesis: Informing the knowledge gap of implementation of the World Health Organisation Surgical Safety Checklist in sub-Saharan Africa.

I loved every minute of my PhD at King’s and am indebted to my supervisors Dr Andy Leather and Prof Nick Sevdalis for their constant guidance and encouragement. They created an atmosphere that was both intellectually stretching and supportive. For me, writing my thesis was a way to express all that I had discovered and become passionate about over the last three years, which meant it was an enjoyable experience rather than a chore. I would encourage anyone interested in doing a PhD to find subject you love and supervisors who you can connect with – then you will have some of the best years of your life.

Dr Luis Medina, Faculty of Arts & Humanities

Thesis: Where are the Borders? (Re)Imagining the Nation in Contemporary Ecuadorian Literature.

I remember my PhD years at King’s as some of the happiest of my life. I can’t help but smile when I think that I was privileged enough to spend so many hours reading and writing about the literature that I love. One of the most decisive aspects of my doctoral experience was my fantastic supervision team. I’ll be forever grateful to Dr Elisa Sampson Vera Tudela and Professor Catherine Boyle from the Department of Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American Studies. Their unconditional academic and emotional support helped me to produce a thesis that won three prizes and is already being edited for publication. After receiving my award in August 2020, I held a teaching position at the University of Manchester, and I’m thrilled to share that, from September 2021, I’ll be joining the University of Birmingham on a permanent lectureship in Modern Languages (Spanish).

Dr Emma Kinnaird, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoology & Neuroscience

Thesis: Beyond the stereotypes: characterising the unique features of underresearched eating disorder populations, and implications for treatment.

I feel incredibly lucky to have spent three years researching a topic that I feel passionate about, supported by two wonderful supervisors who really took time to adjust the project to my strengths and interests. I’m now taking the skills I’ve learned in my PhD and putting them into practice as I train as a clinical psychologist at Oxford University.

Dr Pablo Lopez-Custodio, Faculty of Natural & Mathematical Sciences

Thesis: Design of Reconfigurable and Mobility-Variable Linkages with Singularity Analysis and Kinematic Analysis Using Generated Surfaces

I dedicate this prize, and the thesis itself, to the loving memory of my dad Sigfrido Lopez-Zamudio, who passed away during my first year of PhD in King’s College London. Thank you having been an ever-present inspiration.  

Dr Jessica Dafflon, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience

Thesis: Machine Learning Methods in Neuroimaging.

I feel honoured and grateful to have been awarded the King’s Outstanding Thesis Prize. I would like to thank the Center for Doctoral Training in Smart Medical Imaging for this opportunity, my PhD advisors Prof. Federico Turkheimer and Dr. Peter Hellyer. But above all, I would like to thank Prof. Robert Leech, Dr. Walter Hugo Lopez Pinaya, and Pedro Carvalho De Paula Ferreira da Costa for the support during the hard times and the brilliant discussions we had. Lastly, I would like to congratulate Thomas Helfer on also winning the King’s Outstanding Thesis Prize and on making my time at King’s College an unforgettable experience.

Dr Thomas Helfer, Faculty of Natural & Mathematical Sciences

Thesis: Exotic Compact Objects in Numerical Relativity.

I am delighted to win this thesis prize, which was only possible with the help of the fantastic people that surrounded me during my Ph.D. journey. They not only helped me foster my passion and love for numerical relativity, but they were also there to share a coffe or beer during the challenging times. Thanks especially to Eugene Lim, my excellent supervisor, who always had time for questions and discussions, and shaped me into the scientist I am today. I would also like to thank Jessica Dafflon for being present during the difficult times and congratulations on also winning the KCL thesis prize.

Thesis: The timing of key events and mutational processes in tumour evolution.

I was really delighted to be nominated for this prize – it feels pretty surreal to write up four years’ work into one thesis, and definitely takes a bit of stamina! I have so many great memories from my time in the lab, where I was working on a project trying to reconstruct the evolutionary history of cancer from genome sequencing data. While I was based at the Francis Crick Institute, I was also affiliated with King’s, and definitely appreciate the great support I received from both during my studies.

Dr Jaffar Khan, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine

Thesis: Novel transcatheter electrosurgical laceration of heart valve leaflets to prevent blood flow obstruction from transcatheter heart valve implantation.

I am thrilled to be awarded the Kings’ Outstanding Thesis Prize for my work on novel cardiovascular interventions. It is so unbelievably gratifying knowing that the techniques described in my thesis have already helped treat thousands of patients worldwide.

Dr Cristina Fernandez Turienzo, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine

Thesis: Evaluation of the introduction of a midwifery continuity of care model for women at increased risk of preterm birth.

I am delighted to receive this prestigious award in recognition for my PhD work. I will always be in debt to my amazing supervisors Prof Jane Sandall, Prof Andy Shennan and Dr Kirstie Coxon, thesis committee members and many other people within Kings (and outside!) who supported me in one way or another. Thank you also to my examiners for such a positive online PhD viva experience. I have recently received a NIHR DSE award and I am looking forward to enhance my learning of clinical trials in global health.

Dr Tiago Rua, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience

Thesis: The economics of implementing new clinical pathways across community and hospital-based care.

As part of my PhD I have tried to bridge the gap between the economics and medical imaging fields by applying health economics methodologies across multiple clinical conditions and imaging modalities. Currently, I am working as a Programme Manager of the Covid-19 Vaccination Programme at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Elisa Bruno, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience

Thesis: Wearable non-EEG sensors for seizure detection

My experience at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, has been fantastic during my PhD, and has helped me to develop professionally in a very inspiring way. It is a great workplace where I’ve found contagious positivity, enthusiasm and knowledge.

Dr Rosina Matilde, Social Science & Public Policy

Thesis: Deterrence and international migration: The criminalisation of irregular entry and stay in Italy and France.

It’s an honour to be awarded the King’s Outstanding Thesis Prize. I would like to thank all my interviewees, for agreeing to share their knowledge and experiences with me. A special thanks also goes to Professor Simona Talani, and to my examiners Professor Henk Overbeek and Dr Anna Sergi. Since finishing my PhD, I have joined the European Institute at LSE as a fellow, and look forward to continuing my work on migration.

Full list of 2021 winners:

Dr Bryony White,  English Language & Literature, A&H

Dr Luis Medina, Latin American Studies, A&H

Dr Jonah Miller, History, A&H

Dr James Rakoczi, English Literature and Medical Humanities, A&H

Dr Vinod Patel, Clinical Dentistry, FoDOC

Dr Tiago Rua, Health Economics, IoPPN

Dr Jessica De Faria Dafflon, Neuroimaging, IoPPN

Dr Emma Kinnaird, Psychological Medicine, IoPPN

Dr Elisa Bruno, Clinical Neuroscience, IoPPN

Dr Clemency Jolly, Cancer Genetics, FoLSM

Dr Jaffar Khan, Cardiovascular Sciences, FoLSM

Dr Cristina Fernandez Turienzo, Women and Children’s Health, FoLSM

Dr Michelle White, Surgery (Global Health and Implementation Science), FoLSM

Dr Thomas Helfer, Physics, NMS

Dr Pablo Lopez-Custodio, Kinematics, NMS

Dr Kristina Kubiliute, Mathematics, NMS

Dr Matilde Rosina, International Political Economy, SSPP

Dr Adam Day, War Studies, SSPP

Dr Rajan Basra, War Studies, SSPP

Dr Cheng Lin, Law, DPSoL

About the awards

Each King’s Outstanding Thesis Prize winner is awarded £250 and receives a certificate endorsed by the Principal.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, information on king's college military studies.

I've been considering a career in the military, but I also want to get a college education. King's College and their military studies program caught my eye, but I can't find much about it. Anyone got insider info on what the program entails? How would it prepare me for a military career?

King's College's military studies program is a comprehensive curriculum, providing knowledge about political, economic, and social aspects of warfare across different time periods and geographic regions. Courses generally cover topics like the history of military strategy, leadership principles, geopolitics, technology in warfare, national security policy, and the sociology of war.

The program is designed to give you a broad understanding of warfare from a range of different perspectives, not just from the military commander's point of view, but also from the perspective of policymakers, civilians, and even soldiers on the ground. This approach can help future military leaders develop a nuanced understanding of the complexities of warfare and make more informed decisions during their service.

Moreover, the program often includes guest speakers from various branches of the military and intelligence community, giving students a firsthand perspective on contemporary issues in national security. This network can also serve as a valuable resource when you're seeking career opportunities later on.

In terms of preparation for a military career, a degree in military studies can provide valuable context for understanding the strategic and historical factors that influence military decisions. This could be particularly useful in roles that involve strategic planning or policy development. However, you should also consider joining a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, which provides military training alongside your college education, to complement the theory you'd learn in the military studies program with practical skills.

You also might investigate the career services offered by King's College - they may offer specific assistance for students looking to pursue careers in the military, such as guidance on applying for officer training programs or job placement support.

Ultimately, King's College's military studies program can provide a solid intellectual foundation for a military career, particularly in combination with practical experience or further professional training.

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• War Studies
• Social Science & Public Policy
• School of Security Studies
• Website http://www.kcl.ac.uk/sspp/departments/warstudies/index.aspx

United Kingdom

Organisation profile

Welcome to the Department of War Studies- a global centre of excellence         

The Department of War Studies will be marking its 50th anniversary in 2012. Formally King’s College established the department in February 1962, with the first intake of students in September that year. The department plans a series of events to mark its anniversary on the theme: War Studies: A Department and a Discipline, Past, Present and Future.

The War Studies Group -comprising the departments of War Studies and Defence Studies -contributes to public life, participates in national and international networks, maintaining its international reputation for excellence in scholarship and policy-relevant research.        

Our commitment         

• To undertake and publish world-leading, cutting edge research           
• To provide outstanding, research-led teaching and training to the best students we can recruit.           
• To disseminate knowledge generated within the Department through a range of knowledge transfer courses.           
• To contribute to public life, participating in national and international networks, maintaining our international reputation for excellence in scholarship and policy-relevant research

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• War Social Sciences 100%
• State Social Sciences 95%
• Analysis Social Sciences 45%
• Politics Social Sciences 42%
• Policy Social Sciences 42%
• USA Social Sciences 32%
• Understanding Social Sciences 30%
• International Relations Social Sciences 30%

Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

Dive into details.

Select a country/territory to view shared publications and projects

Dina Abudawood

• Political Economy and Institutions

Person: Doctor of Philosophy, PhD

Ruba Abu-Salma

• Informatics - Lecturer in Computer Science (Cyber Security)
• Cybersecurity
• KCL Cybersecurity Centre
• Human Centred Computing
• Cyber Security Research Group
• Security Hub

Person: Member, Academic

Suwaid Alabkal

Person: Doctor of Philosophy

Research output

• 46253 Citations
• 1765 Article
• 899 Chapter
• 380 Book/Film/Article review
• 171 Other contribution
• 69 Editorial
• 64 Review article
• 55 Conference paper
• 35 Comment/debate
• 29 Commissioned report
• 29 Other chapter contribution
• 17 Literature review
• 14 Entry in encyclopedia/dictionary
• 8 Anthology
• 8 Foreword/postscript
• 8 Working paper
• 3 Meeting abstract
• 3 Featured article
• 3 Web publication/site
• 2 Special issue
• 1 Meeting Abstract
• 1 Poster abstract
• 1 Short survey
• 1 Data set/Database
• 1 Discussion paper

Research output per year

Mexico’s National Cybersecurity Policy: Progress Has Stalled Under AMLO

Research output : Book/Report › Report › peer-review

Interrogating the ‘feminist’ in feminist foreign policy

Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review

Accelerationism: The Active Club Network

Research output : Book/Report › Report

• 2 Not started
• 262 Finished

Projects per year

State-Private Hybrid Regimes of Migration Control

British International Studies Association

1/04/2024 → 31/03/2025

Project : Research

Strand 2, Religion and Peacebuilding, Social Consequences of Religion (SCORE)

Gutkowski, S.

Templeton Religion Trust

1/10/2023 → 30/09/2025

Cyber statecraft in an era of systemic competition

Stevens, T.

EPSRC Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

1/09/2023 → 31/08/2025

• 335 Participation in conference
• 306 Types of Public engagement and outreach - Media article or participation
• 189 Publication peer-review
• 92 Editorial activity
• 87 Invited talk
• 68 Types of External academic engagement - Membership of external research organisation
• 59 Participation in workshop, seminar, course
• 44 Types of External academic engagement - Contribution to the work of national or international committees and working groups
• 39 Types of External academic engagement - Invited talk
• 29 Types of Business and Community - Work on advisory panel to industry or government or non-government organisation
• 22 Types of Public engagement and outreach - Public lecture/debate/seminar
• 12 Visiting an external academic institution
• 9 Types of External academic engagement - Research and Teaching at External Organisation
• 6 Types of Business and Community - Membership of public/government advisory/policy group or panel
• 6 Types of External academic engagement - Membership of peer review panel or committee
• 4 Types of Award - Fellowship awarded competitively
• 2 Membership of board
• 2 Membership of network
• 2 Types of Business and Community - Consultancy (in kind)
• 2 Oral presentation
• 1 Types of Award - Appointment
• 1 Types of Award - Other distinction
• 1 Types of Public engagement and outreach - Schools engagement

Activities per year

The Long Shadow of Soviet Sabotage Doctrine?

Daniela Richterova (Reviewer)

Activity : Other › Types of Public engagement and outreach - Media article or participation

AUKUS and War Powers

Charles Laderman (Chair), Daniel Skeffington (Speaker), Matthew Waxman (Speaker), Geoffrey Corn (Speaker), Samuel White (Speaker) & Carrie Filipetti (Chair)

Activity : Participating in or organising an event › Participation in conference

The Identity of Nursing in Healthcare Teams in War and Disasters

Martin Bricknell (Speaker)

Activity : Talk or presentation › Invited talk

Student theses

A articulação entre política externa e política de defesa: uma grande estratégia inconclusa.

Supervisor: Soares, S. A. (External person) (Supervisor)

Student thesis : Master's Thesis › Master of Philosophy

Accounting for Violence: The Production, Power and Ownership of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda’s Archive

Supervisor: Gow, J. (Supervisor) & Kerr, R. (Supervisor)

Student thesis : Doctoral Thesis › Doctor of Philosophy

Achieving Attribution

Supervisor: Rid, T. (Supervisor)

AHRC ECR Grant: Military Strategies During the Genocide Against the Tutsis in Rwanda

Beloff, Jonathan (Recipient) & Rainsborough, Michael (Recipient), Jul 2022

Prize : Fellowship awarded competitively

• Strategy 100%
• Genocide 100%
• Grants 100%
• Rwanda 100%

Alexander George Award 2012, Honorary mention

Schmitt, Olivier (Recipient), 2012

Prize : Prize (including medals and awards)

• International Schools 100%
• Awards 100%
• Graduates 100%
• Students 100%
• Associations 100%

Ambassador for Peace award by Universal Peace Federation

Ostowar, Djeyhoun (Recipient), 2012

GCHQ Hansard Parliamentary Debates

Aradau, C. , King's College London, 8 Nov 2023

DOI : 10.18742/24407950

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• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
• Research centres & groups
• Study with us
• Undergraduate

Postgraduate

• PhD research
• Online Learning
• Our students
• Careers and alumni

Our postgraduate courses offer the intellectual tools to expand and enhance your knowledge and understanding of all aspects of conflict, defence, security and international relations.

You will join an intellectually stimulating environment, learning from world-leading experts and pioneers in their fields, whose research and influence takes them to the forefront of global events as they happen.

Using multiple modes of delivery - postgraduate, executive, residential, online and blended - our teaching programmes aim to empower you to develop your critical engagement, personal responsibility, imagination and creativity.

We support your professional development, helping equip you for the widest possible range of career choices, with alumni working government, journalism, research, and humanitarian and international organisations.

Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies MA

Study MA Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies in the Department of War Studies at King's College London.

View course

Conflict, Security & Development MA

Study MA Conflict, Security & Development in the Department of War Studies at King's College London

Cyber Policy & Strategy MA

This Cyber Policy and Strategy MA presents a unique opportunity to study cyber security from a social science perspective.

Intelligence & International Security MA

Study MA Intelligence & International Security in the Department of War Studies at King's College London.

International Conflict Studies MA

Study MA International Conflict Studies in the Department of War Studies at King's College London.

International Peace & Security MA

Study MA International Peace & Security in the Department of War Studies at King's College London.

International Relations MA

Study MA International Relations in the Department of War Studies at King's College London.

International Relations & War MA

Study International Relations & War MA in the Department of War Studies at King's College London.

National Security Studies MA

Information about the National Security Studies MA, taught in the School of Security Studies at King's College London

Strategic Communications MA

Terrorism, Security & Society MA

Study MA Terrorism, Security & Society in the Department of War Studies at King's College London.

War Studies MA

Study MA War Studies in the Department of War Studies at King's College London.

Online Study

War Studies Online MA programmes at King's College London

MA Scholarships

The Department offers prospective unique scholarships to support MA students.

War Studies hub

Welcome to the Postgraduate War Studies Hub

Hacking Defence Problems

Hacking Defence Problems is an accredited MA module open to all MA students in the Department of War Studies. It is an interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial module that provides students the opportunity to work with the Ministry of Defence to better address the nation's emerging threats and security challenges.

• View the programme page here

Graduate Degree Programme in International Affairs with Sciences Po

The Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po) and King’s College London have a joint arrangement that offers a graduate programme in International Affairs. This programme allows participating students to study for two years, with a year in both Paris and London. On completion of the programme, graduates receive a master's degree from the Paris School of International Affairs of Sciences Po (PSIA), and a master's degree from one of a number of schools and departments within the Faculty of Social Science and Public Policy at King's College London.

Events from the Department of War Studies

7 August 2024

King's Summer School enhances young people's understanding of international security

Students from 14 local secondary and sixth form colleges in London participated in the first-ever…

Call for submissions: The 2024 UK Deterrence and Assurance Academic Alliance Conference

05 August 2024

The 2024 UK DAAA Conference welcomes proposals on any topic related to deterrence and assurance.

A Symposium on Injury, Global Justice and the Political

06 September 2024

This interdisciplinary symposium provides a unique opportunity to bring together a group of scholars…

Book talk - Open Source Investigations in the Age of Google

01 October 2024

Join us for a discussion with Henrietta Wilson on new developments in open source investigations.