JUST WAR
To better understand what makes people, organizations and nations develop the intent to use violence or armed force against potential adversaries, this project examines the various ethical and moral justifications used in past and present conflicts. The pre-conflict ‘justifications' are important potential early-warning indicators of pending conflict. By understanding the grievances and justifications of potential adversaries, a wider range of prevention and mitigation strategies become apparent.
RELIGIONS ON WAR AND PEACE
Decisions by nations or armed groups to fight are life-and-death judgements informed by and sometimes determined by ethical principles and religious beliefs. World religions all provide guidelines on when armed force is justified. Are the permissions and prohibitions similar among religions? This research seeks to map out the range of religious approaches to armed force.
>> Religions on War and Peace research page
PEACE OPERATIONS
Peace operations, called peacekeeping operations by the United Nations, are an essential but problematic instrument for conflict prevention, management and resolution. Peacekeeping has had some remarkable successes (e.g., Cambodia, Central America, Mozambique, East Timor) and some difficult failures (the 1993-95 missions in Somalia, Bosnia, and Rwanda). The majority of operations have been qualified successes.
How can this instrument of the international community be made more effective? Dr. Dorn explores some possibilities.
>> Peace Operations research page
He recently published the book "Keeping Watch."
Relevant Publications and some Presentations (PPT) are available on this site.
OTHER
Walter Dorn conducts research in other areas as well, including: arms control; intelligence studies; and international criminal law.
For research in national and international security, a useful list of primary source documents (with URLs) has been compiled.