Sheridan Ward

2 months ago | lowyinstitute.org | Sheridan Ward

Japan, famously, has a pacifist constitution, although that has not prevented the country amassing a formidable military force for “self-defence”. And while Japan’s constitution was forged in the aftermath of devastating conflict, it is not the only country to choose to ban war.

Jan 20, 2025 | pina.com.fj | Sheridan Ward

In a country where trust in the police is already fragile, bringing in more weapons won’t help. By Sheridan WardSolomon Islands is one of 26 nations in the world without a standing military. Yet the Pacific nation is also one of only two non-militarised countries – alongside Haití – to experience armed conflict. Solomon Islands offers a cautionary tale of the risks that gun importation can bring, and the value of pursuing disarmament as a tool for promoting peace.

Jan 12, 2025 | lowyinstitute.org | Sheridan Ward

Solomon Islands is one of 26 nations in the world without a standing military. Yet the Pacific nation is also one of only two non-militarised countries – alongside Haití – to experience armed conflict. Solomon Islands offers a cautionary tale of the risks that gun importation can bring, and the value of pursuing disarmament as a tool for promoting peace. Holding caches of weaponry in the country can be fraught with risk.

Oct 16, 2024 | lowyinstitute.org | Sheridan Ward

There are a select few countries on this earth that stand out as regional leaders for peace. The most famous would have to be Switzerland, renowned and admired for its constitutional Law of Neutrality, which dictates that the country should ensure its own defence yet never engage in war. Second perhaps is Costa Rica, often referred to as “the Switzerland of Central America”, famous for abolishing its military in 1948.

Sep 5, 2024 | lowyinstitute.org | Sheridan Ward

Tonga is a unique country in many regards. It is illegal to exercise or do chores on Sundays and every Tongan high school has a brass band. Tonga was also the only Pacific country to avoid being colonised. But Tonga’s military – with only 590 personnel including support staff, and today one of only three sovereign militaries in the Pacific – was not set up to deter potential aggressors from attack or to project power. Tonga’s military instead serves as an arm for peace and diplomacy.