On Maskirovka: the dynamics of delay in threat recognition

2021 ◽  
pp. 154851292110616
Author(s):  
Rodrick Wallace
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Armed Conflict ◽  
Threat Recognition

Across military Zweikampf and public health, error, blindness, and incompetence carry singular burden. Here, we adapt methods developed for the analysis of pandemic mismanagement to the study of armed conflict. Stability of control during such conflict depends on prompt recognition of, and response to, rapidly changing events. In addition to “conventional” Clausewitzian fog and friction, there are almost always inherent or induced delays to threat recognition. For a system to be stable without such delay, there will be a critical lag at which control fails, as it similarly does if institutional cognition sufficiently degrades. In such cases, tactical thrashing becomes manifest. In a military context, there is no way around such dynamics, which are routinely—often brilliantly—exploited.

scholarly journals Editorial: Armed conflict, war and public health

2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 903-906 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jürg Utzinger ◽  
Mitchell G. Weiss
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Armed Conflict

scholarly journals Armed conflict and public health: into the 21st century

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. e287-e298 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Garry ◽  
F Checchi
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Armed Conflict ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Future Generations ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Long Term Consequences

Abstract Background Many people worldwide are affected by conflict, and countries affected are less likely to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This review outlines the effects of conflict on health and focuses on areas requiring more attention. Methods We completed a search of the literature using Medline, Embase and Global Health. Results Health effects of conflict include trauma; mental health; non-communicable diseases (NCDs); child health; sexual, reproductive and maternal health; and infectious diseases. Conflict damages health directly through fighting, and indirectly through wider socioeconomic effects. Health outcomes are influenced by pre-existing population health and demographics, and access to appropriate healthcare. Vulnerable populations (the elderly, children, neonates and women) are especially at risk. Conclusion Several areas pose key challenges including: tactics of war as a public health problem; a lack of focus on neonatal care and NCDs; the long-term consequences of conflict across a life-course and into future generations; and the need to focus on wellbeing beyond standard health parameters. Clear decisions about prioritisation need to be made. The effects on civilians must be documented and recorded. Further research is required to understand chronic health needs and effects on future generations, to support fair and equitable resource prioritisation to best meet the needs of conflict-affected populations.

Health Care Providers in War and Armed Conflict: Operational and Educational Challenges in International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Conventions, Part II. Educational and Training Initiatives

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (03) ◽  
pp. 383-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick M. Burkle ◽  
Adam L. Kushner ◽  
Christos Giannou ◽  
Mary A. Paterson ◽  
Sherry M. Wren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Armed Conflict ◽  
International Humanitarian Law ◽  
Medical Setting ◽  
Humanitarian Law ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Educational Challenges ◽  
And Training

ABSTRACTNo discipline has been impacted more by war and armed conflict than health care has. Health systems and health care providers are often the first victims, suffering increasingly heinous acts that cripple the essential health delivery and public health infrastructure necessary for the protection of civilian and military victims of the state at war. This commentary argues that current instructional opportunities to prepare health care providers fall short in both content and preparation, especially in those operational skill sets necessary to manage multiple challenges, threats, and violations under international humanitarian law and to perform triage management in a resource-poor medical setting. Utilizing a historical framework, the commentary addresses the transformation of the education and training of humanitarian health professionals from the Cold War to today followed by recommendations for the future. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:383-396)

scholarly journals Preventing the next pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 68-75
Author(s):  
Michelle Matzko ◽  
Marie Floryan ◽  
Christian Loyo ◽  
Colin O'Leary ◽  
Allison Stout
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Pathogen Detection ◽  
Pandemic Preparedness ◽  
Supply Chain Disruptions ◽  
The Past ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
The World ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Threat Recognition ◽  
Health Messaging

Scientists have increasingly sounded the alarm about insufficient global pandemic preparedness, messaging which has appropriately escalated in the past two decades after the SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome), MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome), and Ebola outbreaks [1]. This global lack of readiness was revealed during the most recent COVID-19 pandemic via slow threat recognition, early mixed public health messaging, supply chain disruptions, and vaccine rollout challenges [2]. This article reviews how pandemic pathogens originate and describes methods of early pathogen detection. It also details how multi-level interventions such as public health messaging, widespread accessible testing, and international cooperation, including funding, are critical tools for mitigating the spread of disease. Finally, we discuss how advancements in biotechnology help counter widespread outbreaks, including the use of early molecular diagnostics, application of therapeutics, and the development of "plug and play" vaccines. The world demands early and strong preparation to prevent the next pandemic.

Collective violence

2021 ◽  
pp. 393-400
Author(s):  
Barry S. Levy
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Armed Conflict ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Weapons Of Mass Destruction ◽  
Environmental Consequences ◽  
Environment Model ◽  
Antipersonnel Landmines ◽  
Conventional Weapons ◽  
Public Health Workers ◽  
Education And Awareness

War and other forms of armed conflict cause many adverse effects on health and the environment, including morbidity and mortality due to weapons; damage to the health-supporting infrastructure of society; contamination of air, water, and soil; forced displacement; violation of international agreements and human rights; diversion of resources; and promotion of additional violence. While conventional weapons account for the vast majority of fatal and non-fatal injuries during war, weapons of mass destruction (including nuclear and radiological weapons, chemical weapons, and biological agents) as well as antipersonnel landmines and unexploded ordnance pose additional threats. Public health workers and other health professionals can help to minimize the health and environmental consequences of war and other forms of armed conflict and to help end war itself. Categories of preventive measures include documentation; education and awareness-raising; advocacy and support for policies and programmes to minimize the consequences of, and help to reduce the risks of, war and other forms of armed conflict; and provision of preventive services. Public health frameworks of prevention can be useful in identifying opportunities for prevention and designing, implementing, and improving policies and programmes. These frameworks include levels of prevention (primary, secondary, and tertiary) and the host-agent-environment model.

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