title: Terrorism, war and international law: the legality of the use of force against Afghanistan in 2001

authors: Williamson, Myra Elsie Jane Bell

subjects: United Nations' Security Council

abstract: The thesis examines the international law pertaining to the use of force by states, in general, and to the use of force in self-defence, in particular.  The main question addressed is whether the use of force, which was purported to be in self-defence, by the United States, the United Kingdom and their allies against al Qaeda, the Taliban and Afghanistan, beginning on 7 October 2001, was lawful.  

The thesis focuses not only on this specific use of force, but also on the changing nature of conflict, the definition of terrorism and on the historical evolution of limitations on the use of force, from antiquity until 2006.  In the six chapters which trace the epochs of international law, the progression of five inter-related concepts is followed: limitations on the resort to force generally, the use of force in self-defence, pre-emptive self-defence, the use of forcible measures short of war, and the use of force in response to non-state actors.

This historical analysis includes a particular emphasis on understanding the meaning of the 'inherent right of self-defence', which was preserved by Article 51 of the United Nations' Charter.  This analysis is then applied to the use of force against Afghanistan which occurred in 2001.  Following the terrorist attacks of 11 September, the US and the UK notified the United Nations Security Council of their resort to force in self-defence under Article 51.  Each element of Article 51 is analysed and the thesis concludes that there are significant doubts as to the lawfulness of that decision to employ force.  In addition to the self-defence justification, other possible grounds for intervention are also examined, such as humanitarian intervention, Security Council authorisation and intervention by invitation.

This thesis challenges the common assumption that the use of force against Afghanistan was an example of states exercising their inherent right to self-defence.  It argues that if this particular use of force is not challenged, it will lead to an expansion of the right of self-defence which will hinder rather than enhance international peace and security.  Finally, this thesis draws on recent examples to illustrate the point that the use of force against Afghanistan could become a dangerous precedent for the use of force in self-defence.

text: Terrorism, war and international law: the legality of the use of force against Afghanistan in 2001 The thesis examines the international law pertaining to the use of force by states, in general, and to the use of force in self-defence, in particular.  The main question addressed is whether the use of force, which was purported to be in self-defence, by the United States, the United Kingdom and their allies against al Qaeda, the Taliban and Afghanistan, beginning on 7 October 2001, was lawful.  

The thesis focuses not only on this specific use of force, but also on the changing nature of conflict, the definition of terrorism and on the historical evolution of limitations on the use of force, from antiquity until 2006.  In the six chapters which trace the epochs of international law, the progression of five inter-related concepts is followed: limitations on the resort to force generally, the use of force in self-defence, pre-emptive self-defence, the use of forcible measures short of war, and the use of force in response to non-state actors.

This historical analysis includes a particular emphasis on understanding the meaning of the 'inherent right of self-defence', which was preserved by Article 51 of the United Nations' Charter.  This analysis is then applied to the use of force against Afghanistan which occurred in 2001.  Following the terrorist attacks of 11 September, the US and the UK notified the United Nations Security Council of their resort to force in self-defence under Article 51.  Each element of Article 51 is analysed and the thesis concludes that there are significant doubts as to the lawfulness of that decision to employ force.  In addition to the self-defence justification, other possible grounds for intervention are also examined, such as humanitarian intervention, Security Council authorisation and intervention by invitation.

This thesis challenges the common assumption that the use of force against Afghanistan was an example of states exercising their inherent right to self-defence.  It argues that if this particular use of force is not challenged, it will lead to an expansion of the right of self-defence which will hinder rather than enhance international peace and security.  Finally, this thesis draws on recent examples to illustrate the point that the use of force against Afghanistan could become a dangerous precedent for the use of force in self-defence.

year: 2007

title: Evaluating the impact of authenticity and person-organisation fit on work attitudes

authors: McLeish, Georgia

subjects: authenticity

abstract: Person-Organisation (PO) Fit and authenticity play an important role in generating positive work attitudes such as job satisfaction, organisational commitment, organisational belonging and turnover intentions. However, the question remains: which is more important? Is one more closely related to these work attitudes? As such, this study explores the correlations of PO Fit and trait and state authenticity with job satisfaction, organisational commitment, organisational belonging and turnover intentions, as well as comparing the significance of their contribution towards these work attitudes. A sample of 285 participants drawn from the general population and University of Waikato undergraduate students completed an online questionnaire examining these concepts, and the hypotheses and research questions were empirically tested using correlation and multiple regression analyses. The results found that both PO Fit and state authenticity were significant contributors to job satisfaction, organisational commitment, organisational belonging and turnover intentions. Notably, one measure of PO Fit – the Person Organisation Fit Questionnaire emerged as the most significant contributor to all our chosen work attitudes. This study is among the first to compare PO Fit and authenticity on work attitudes, enriching the existing literature and offering vital insights for organisations. Indeed, it highlights the importance of prioritising PO Fit to enhance job satisfaction, nurturing organisational commitment and belonging, and reducing turnover intentions. Future research recommendations include investigating additional components within the broader Person-Environment fit framework, such as person-supervisor, person-job, and person-group fit, to better understand their influence on work attitudes. Additionally, intervention studies are recommended to evaluate strategies aimed at enhancing PO Fit and authenticity, and to assess their impact on positive work attitudes.

text: Evaluating the impact of authenticity and person-organisation fit on work attitudes Person-Organisation (PO) Fit and authenticity play an important role in generating positive work attitudes such as job satisfaction, organisational commitment, organisational belonging and turnover intentions. However, the question remains: which is more important? Is one more closely related to these work attitudes? As such, this study explores the correlations of PO Fit and trait and state authenticity with job satisfaction, organisational commitment, organisational belonging and turnover intentions, as well as comparing the significance of their contribution towards these work attitudes. A sample of 285 participants drawn from the general population and University of Waikato undergraduate students completed an online questionnaire examining these concepts, and the hypotheses and research questions were empirically tested using correlation and multiple regression analyses. The results found that both PO Fit and state authenticity were significant contributors to job satisfaction, organisational commitment, organisational belonging and turnover intentions. Notably, one measure of PO Fit – the Person Organisation Fit Questionnaire emerged as the most significant contributor to all our chosen work attitudes. This study is among the first to compare PO Fit and authenticity on work attitudes, enriching the existing literature and offering vital insights for organisations. Indeed, it highlights the importance of prioritising PO Fit to enhance job satisfaction, nurturing organisational commitment and belonging, and reducing turnover intentions. Future research recommendations include investigating additional components within the broader Person-Environment fit framework, such as person-supervisor, person-job, and person-group fit, to better understand their influence on work attitudes. Additionally, intervention studies are recommended to evaluate strategies aimed at enhancing PO Fit and authenticity, and to assess their impact on positive work attitudes.

year: 2024

title: Rumours of gold at Te Aroha

authors: Hart, Philip

abstract: From the time of the opening of the Thames goldfield, miners were tormented by the belief that the best gold would be found in Te Aroha mountain, on their southern horizon - so near and yet so far because of Maori resistance to prospecting that district. Some Maori claimed to have found gold there, and visiting Pakeha from at least the 1850s onwards detected gold in the vicinity. The first time gold in the Waiorongomai valley was noted was in 1868. Several prospectors claimed to have explored the district, illegally and, potentially, dangerously, especially after Ohinemuri was opened to mining in 1875. But not until Hone Werahiko found gold in 1880 and the field was officially opened on 25 November would it be possible to prove whether a payable goldfield existed.

text: Rumours of gold at Te Aroha From the time of the opening of the Thames goldfield, miners were tormented by the belief that the best gold would be found in Te Aroha mountain, on their southern horizon - so near and yet so far because of Maori resistance to prospecting that district. Some Maori claimed to have found gold there, and visiting Pakeha from at least the 1850s onwards detected gold in the vicinity. The first time gold in the Waiorongomai valley was noted was in 1868. Several prospectors claimed to have explored the district, illegally and, potentially, dangerously, especially after Ohinemuri was opened to mining in 1875. But not until Hone Werahiko found gold in 1880 and the field was officially opened on 25 November would it be possible to prove whether a payable goldfield existed.

year: 2016