I want to thank the people of Glen-Rhodes and the sentient woodland critters of Bears Armed for the insights that lead to this draft. I want to especially thank the United Celts and Dukopolious for engaging in the debate that helped me refine my ideals on this subject. Edit: I was asked to retract my thanks to the United Celts.
I want to set-out right now what this proposal does and does not do. This proposal would restrict the use of WMDs (as defined) in conflicts between member nations only. This Act does not restrict the possession of WMDs, or their use in conflicts with non-member nations. The idea here is to clean up war between members, and nothing else.
THIS IS THE FINAL DRAFT. It will be submitted tomorrow, unless something catastrophic happens. Thanks to everyone who has supported it so far!
The name of the proposal (and the thread) have been changed to recognize the limited focus of the final draft (my regards to Sanctaria for being an insufferable pain about that, even if he was ultimately correct). I'll leave discussion of additional rules of warfare for future occasions.
For those who have been following this legislation [url=http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=165101&p=8541133#p8541133]here is my post describing the changes in the current draft.
The name of the proposal (and the thread) have been changed to recognize the limited focus of the final draft (my regards to Sanctaria for being an insufferable pain about that, even if he was ultimately correct). I'll leave discussion of additional rules of warfare for future occasions.
For those who have been following this legislation [url=http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=165101&p=8541133#p8541133]here is my post describing the changes in the current draft.
World Assembly WMD Accord
A resolution to slash worldwide military spending.
Category: Global Disarmament | Strength: Significant | Proposed by: Cowardly Pacifists
The Member Nations of the World Assembly:
CONFRONTED with the fact that while military conflict between nations should be avoided wherever possible, nations will go to war;
CONVINCED that there are certain fundamentally wicked acts that are inappropriate and despicable even for nations engaged in armed conflict;
CONVINCED ALSO that the use of Weapons of Mass Destruction is among the worst of those fundamentally wicked acts;
RESOLVED that the rule of international law should be evoked to prohibit, prevent, and deter the use of such horrible weapons;
DETERMINED to set a standard of conduct in wartime for all the world;
The General Assembly hereby enacts the following provisions:
1. The term "Weapon of Mass Destruction" (WMD) is defined for purposes of this Act as: "any weapon that has been designed to (a) cause widespread destruction, injury and death in an indiscriminate manner on a very large scale, (b) cause severe damage to cities and civil centers, (c) obliterate natural structures or ecosystems, and/or (d) cause severe degradation to the environment." Categorical examples of WMDs include nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological weapons that substantially conform to the standards above.
2. Member Nations are prohibited from using WMDs in any conflict with another Member Nation.
3. Member Nations are strongly encouraged to enact diplomatic sanctions against Any Nation that uses WMDs in a military capacity, including trade sanctions and public condemnation.
4. Member Nations are permitted to take additional retributive measures they deem necessary in response to Any Nation's use of a WMD, to the extent authorized by law.
5. Nothing in this Resolution should be read to prevent future action by individual nations or the World Assembly to prohibit the possession and/or use of specific weapons.
I'm pretty sure that the draft below is the FINAL DRAFT of the WMD-related stuff. A few nations have suggested that the definition may be a bit overbroad, but I have arguments to use on those folks and I think most people agree that the definition is pretty close to what they think of when they think "WMD." If anyone wants to suggest specific areas for improvement, I'll gladly listen.
I'm now looking to see if folks thinks this should JUST address WMDs (in which case, I'll change the name to something more WMD-centric) or if I should go back to including other rules of combat as well. Please advise. Also, it's been suggested on very great authority that the proposal as written might be "Significant" rather than "Strong." I'd appreciate thoughts on that too, since this is probably the final version (or very close) of the WMD provisions.
For those who have been following this legislation here is my post describing the changes in the current draft.
I'm now looking to see if folks thinks this should JUST address WMDs (in which case, I'll change the name to something more WMD-centric) or if I should go back to including other rules of combat as well. Please advise. Also, it's been suggested on very great authority that the proposal as written might be "Significant" rather than "Strong." I'd appreciate thoughts on that too, since this is probably the final version (or very close) of the WMD provisions.
For those who have been following this legislation here is my post describing the changes in the current draft.
Rules of Engagement
A resolution to slash worldwide military spending.
Category: Global Disarmament | Strength: Strong | Proposed by: Cowardly Pacifists
The Member Nations of the World Assembly:
CONFRONTED with the fact that while military conflict between nations should be avoided wherever possible, nations will go to war;
CONVINCED that there are certain fundamentally wicked acts that are inappropriate and despicable even for nations engaged in armed conflict;
CONVINCED ALSO that the use of Weapons of Mass Destruction is among the worst of those fundamentally wicked acts;
RESOLVED that the rule of international law should be evoked to prohibit, prevent, and deter the use of such horrible weapons;
DETERMINED to set a standard of conduct in wartime for all the world;
The General Assembly hereby enacts the following provisions:
1. The term "Weapon of Mass Destruction" (WMD) is defined for purposes of this Act as: "any weapon that has been designed to (a) cause widespread destruction, injury and death in an indiscriminate manner on a very large scale, (b) cause severe damage to cities and civil centers, (c) obliterate natural structures or ecosystems, and/or (d) cause severe degradation to the environment." Categorical examples of WMDs include nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological weapons that substantially conform to the standards above.
2. Member Nations are prohibited from using WMDs in any conflict with another member nation.
3. Member Nations are strongly encouraged to enact diplomatic sanctions against Any Nation that uses WMDs in a military capacity, including trade sanctions and public condemnation.
4. Member Nations are permitted to take additional retributive measures they deem necessary in response to Any Nation's use of a WMD, to the extent authorized by law.
5. Nothing in this Resolution should be read to prevent future action by individual nations or the World Assembly to prohibit the possession and/or use of specific weapons.
It didn't take long for people to suggest that this resolution is really about rules governing the use of WMDs, so I've removed any other provision and focusing-in on that. The other stuff will have to wait for a more comprehensive Geneva Convention-style proposal, which I'm happy to work on with somebody if there's interest. But since the majority of the discussion has been about WMDs, I'm going to keep that my focus for now. It may be more controversial, but at this point I'm too invested.
For those who have been following this legislation here is my post describing the thought that went into the current draft.
For those who have been following this legislation here is my post describing the thought that went into the current draft.
Rules of Engagement
A resolution to slash worldwide military spending.
Category: Global Disarmament | Strength: Strong | Proposed by: Cowardly Pacifists
The Member Nations of the World Assembly:
CONFRONTED with the fact that while military conflict between nations should be avoided wherever possible, nations will go to war;
CONVINCED that there are certain fundamentally wicked acts that are inappropriate and despicable even for nations engaged in armed conflict;
CONVINCED ALSO that the use of Weapons of Mass Destruction is among the worst of those fundamentally wicked acts;
RESOLVED that the rule of international law should be evoked to prohibit, prevent, and deter the use of such horrible weapons;
DETERMINED to set a standard of conduct in wartime for all the world;
The General Assembly hereby enacts the following provisions:
1. The term "Weapon of Mass Destruction" (WMD) is defined for purposes of this Act as: "any weapon that has been designed to (a) cause widespread destruction, injury and death in an indiscriminate manner, (b) cause severe damage to cities and civil centers, (c) obliterate natural structures or ecosystems, and/or (d) cause severe degradation to the environment - specifically including nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological weapons."
2. Member Nations are prohibited from using WMDs in any conflict with another member nation.
3. Member Nations are strongly encouraged to enact diplomatic sanctions against any nation that uses WMDs in a military capacity, including trade sanctions and public condemnation.
4. Member Nations are permitted to take additional retributive measures they deem necessary in response to any nation's use of a WMD, to the extent authorized by law.
5. It goes without saying that Member Nations are expected to obey international law as a condition of their membership in the World Assembly. As such, any Member Nation that blatantly defies a provision of this Act shall not be entitled to claim the protections of that provision.
6. Nothing in this Resolution should be read to prevent future action by individual nations or the World Assembly to prohibit the possession and/or use of specific weapons or acts.
For those who have been following this legislation here is my post describing the thought that went into the third draft.
Rules of Engagement
A resolution to slash worldwide military spending.
Category: Global Disarmament | Strength: Strong | Proposed by: Cowardly Pacifists
The Member Nations of the World Assembly:
CONFRONTED with the fact that while military conflict between nations should be avoided wherever possible, nations will go to war;
CONVINCED that there are certain fundamentally wicked acts that are inappropriate and despicable even for nations engaged in armed conflict;
RESOLVED that the rule of international law should be evoked to prohibit, prevent, and deter such acts;
DETERMINED to set a standard of conduct in wartime for all the word;
The General Assembly hereby enacts the following provisions:
1. The term "Weapon of Mass Destruction" (WMD) is defined for purposes of this Act as: "any weapon that has been designed to (a) cause widespread destruction, injury and death in an indiscriminate manner, (b) cause severe damage to cities and civil centers, (c) obliterate natural structures or ecosystems, and/or (d) cause severe degradation to the environment - specifically including nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological weapons."
2. Member Nations are prohibited from using WMDs in any conflict with another member nation.
3. When engaging in military conflict, Member Nations shall distinguish between combatants and non-combatants. Member Nations shall take all practicable steps to protect those deemed non-combatants from humiliation, injury, and death, including but not limited to:
(a) Refraining from doing any violence to non-combatants,
(b) Refraining from taking non-combatants as hostages,
(c) Refraining from committing cruel or degrading acts against non-combatants
(d) Refraining from pillage or theft from non-combatants.
(e) Refraining from pretextual imprisonment or detention of non-combatants
4. When engaging in military conflict, Member Nations shall distinguish between combat zones and non-combat zones. Member Nations shall take all practicable steps to notify individuals that they are entering or leaving a combat zone, to the greatest extent possible without undermining the mission at hand.
5. Member Nations shall not go to war against another Member Nation unless doing so is absolutely necessary to meet a vital national interest. A "vital national interest" is an interest on the same level as a nation's interest in preserving their existence or preventing genocide.
6. Member Nations are strongly encouraged to enact diplomatic sanctions against any nation that uses WMDs in a military capacity, including trade sanctions and public condemnation.
7. Member Nations are permitted to take additional retributive measures they deem necessary in response to any nation's use of a WMD, to the extent authorized by law.
8. It goes without saying that Member Nations are expected to obey international law as a condition of their membership in the World Assembly. As such, any Member Nation that blatantly defies a provision of this Act shall not be entitled to claim the protections of that provision.
9. Nothing in this Resolution should be read to prevent future action by individual nations or the World Assembly to prohibit the possession and/or use of specific weapons or acts.
Rules of Engagement
A resolution to slash worldwide military spending.
Category: Global Disarmament | Strength: Strong | Proposed by: Cowardly Pacifists
The Member Nations of the World Assembly:
CONFRONTED with the fact that while military conflict between nations should be avoided wherever possible, nations will go to war;
CONVINCED that there are certain fundamentally wicked acts that are inappropriate and despicable even for nations engaged in armed conflict;
RESOLVED that the rule of international law should be evoked to prohibit, prevent, and deter such acts;
DETERMINED to set a standard of conduct in wartime for all the word;
The General Assembly hereby enacts the following provisions:
1. The term "Weapon of Mass Destruction" (WMD) is defined for purposes of this Act as: "any weapon that has been designed to (a) cause widespread destruction, injury and death in an indiscriminate manner, (b) cause severe damage to cities and civil centers, (c) obliterate natural structures or ecosystems, and/or (d) cause severe degradation to the environment - specifically including nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological weapons."
2. Member Nations are prohibited from using WMDs in any conflict with another member nation.
3. When engaging in military conflict, Member Nations shall distinguish between combatants and non-combatants. Member Nations shall take all practicable steps to protect those deemed non-combatants from injury and death, including but not limited to:
(a) Refraining from violence against non-combatants,
(b) Refraining from taking non-combatants as hostages,
(c) Refraining from committing cruel or degrading acts against non-combatants
(d) Refraining from pillage or theft from non-combatants.
4. Member Nations shall not go to war against another Member Nation unless doing so is absolutely necessary to meet a vital national interest. A "vital national interest" is an interest on the same level as a nation's interest in preserving their existence or preventing genocide.
5. Member Nations are permitted to enact diplomatic sanctions against any nation that uses WMDs in a military capacity, including trade sanctions and public condemnation.
6. Member Nations are permitted to take additional retributive measures they deem necessary in response to any nation's use of a WMD, to the extent authorized by law.
7. Nothing in this Resolution should be read to prevent future action by individual nations or the World Assembly to prohibit the possession and/or use of specific weapons or acts.
This is my first draft for WA rules of military engagement. This is pretty aspirational, and I know a lot of folks are going to want to modify what I've written before they would ever consider supporting it. So by all means, give me your suggestions.
I know that I'm wasting my breath to say this, but I've put a lot of thought into this so if you're just going to say "AGAINST" you better be ready to defend your position. That said, I certainly welcome the criticisms of those who will never support this. If you want to suggest amendments (despite your ultimate resistance to the resolution) I'll gladly discuss them. I'll even implement your suggestions - even if they ultimately weaken the draft - if you make a good point.
Best Regards.
I know that I'm wasting my breath to say this, but I've put a lot of thought into this so if you're just going to say "AGAINST" you better be ready to defend your position. That said, I certainly welcome the criticisms of those who will never support this. If you want to suggest amendments (despite your ultimate resistance to the resolution) I'll gladly discuss them. I'll even implement your suggestions - even if they ultimately weaken the draft - if you make a good point.
Best Regards.
Rules of Engagement
A resolution to slash worldwide military spending.
Category: Global Disarmament | Strength: Strong | Proposed by: Cowardly Pacifists
The Member Nations of the World Assembly:
CONFRONTED with the fact that while military conflict between nations should be avoided wherever possible, nations will go to war;
CONVINCED that there are certain fundamentally wicked acts that are inappropriate and despicable even for nations engaged in armed conflict;
RESOLVED that the rule of international law should be evoked to prohibit, prevent, and deter such acts;
DETERMINED to set a standard of conduct in wartime for all the word;
The General Assembly hereby enacts the following provisions:
1. The term "Weapon of Mass Destruction" (WMD) is defined for purposes of this Act as: "a weapon that can (a) bring significant harm to a large number of persons, (b) cause widespread damage to cities and civil centers, (c) obliterate natural structures, and/or (d) cause severe degradation to the environment - specifically including nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological weapons."
2. Member Nations are prohibited from using WMDs in any conflict with another member nation.
3. When engaging in military conflict, Member Nations shall distinguish between combatants and non-combatants. Member Nations shall take all practicable steps to protect those deemed non-combatants from injury and death, including but not limited to:
(a) Refraining from violence against non-combatants,
(b) Refraining from taking non-combatants as hostages,
(c) Refraining from committing cruel or degrading acts against non-combatants
(d) Refraining from pillage or theft from non-combatants.
4. Member Nations shall not go to war against another Member Nation unless doing so is absolutely necessary to meet a vital national interest. A "vital national interest" is an interest on the same level as a nation's interest in preserving their existence or preventing genocide.
5. Member Nations are required to enact diplomatic sanctions against any nation that uses WMDs in a military capacity. Such sanctions must include, at a minimum: trade sanctions and public condemnation.
6. Member nations are strongly encouraged to take additional retributive measures they deem necessary in response to a nation's use of a WMD, to the extent authorized by law.
7. Nothing in this Resolution should be read to prevent future action by individual nations or the World Assembly to prohibit the possession and/or use of specific weapons or acts.