U.S. Naval War College (NWC) is issuing a ‘call for papers’ in preparation of its fifth annual Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Conference to be held, August 2017, at the college.

In an effort to gather theoretical and practical ideas from a wider audience not normally represented in a limited conference format, the conference series chair is soliciting papers from academics, researchers, military personnel, non-governmental organizations and individuals who have an interest or experience in issues pertaining to WPS.

“Conferences have limited room for participants,” said Mary Raum, NWC professor and chair of the WPS Conference series. “To have available, online and in the networked world, some quality thoughts on components of WPS from thinkers and practitioners who have a direct tie to the subjects being discussed is an invaluable resource.

“This call for papers will allow for a broader reach in exchanging ideas and enable us to network on a global scale – a first step for formalizing the sharing of ideas allied with conference precepts.”

Since the inception of the U.S. National Action Plan on WPS in 2011, NWC has been at the forefront of exploration into national and international issues involving WPS, working toward the goal of empowering women in conflict prevention and peace.

According to Raum, the conference continues to grow in perspective and scope to ensure the participation and inclusion of ideas from sister services and international partners across the globe.

“Any person tasked with protecting the national interest must be aware of the linkages between the security of women and the security of states,” said Raum. “They should also be aware of the broad-level interconnections of the role of WPS with military, economic and social freedoms around the globe.”

In support of the conference theme, “The Next Decade: Amplifying the Women, Peace and Security Agenda,” those with an interest or experience in WPS issues are encouraged to submit a paper on one of the following subjects:

– Department of Defense programs and issues (with particular interest in the Pacific hemisphere, peace and support operations, security force training, education, and international joint programs).
– Female populations and international piracy.
– Cyber violence, internet recruiting and links to female terrorism.
– Sexual violence and human trafficking.
– Gender and policy (to include discussions on the post-election dynamics of the ‘next four years’).
– Humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
– Academic programs in the field of WPS.
– International security (with particular emphasis on Russia, China and inclusive security inequalities).

“Being a contributor to this call for papers will allow for an additional avenue of exchange between theorists and practitioners in academia, military and non-governmental organizations,” said Raum. “These ideas are important for better operationalizing WPS components in the most meaningful way possible.”

Proposals must be submitted by June 1, 2017.

Papers should be in the English language only and saved as a Word document. The max word count is 3,000 words, double spaced with a 12-pitch font. Submissions should be emailed to mary.raum@usnwc.edu with the subject line heading, “WPS Call for Papers: Last Name.”

Selected papers will be published and accessible via the NWC website at https://www.usnwc.edu.