# Remote Sensing for International Peace and Security: Its Role and Implications
## 1 Introduction
The type of information accessible from remote sensing for peace and security depends on the sensor's specific properties and platform. Recently, with the availability of high spatio-temporal data, remote sensing technology was actively used in the detection of genocide in Darfur and human and drug trafficking in Afghanistan [15; 16]. In addition to the applications in military purposes, aerial and satellite remote sensing have been significantly utilized for international peace through their role in preventing resource conflicts [17], disease control and prevention [18], human rights protection [19], and tracking genocide [20]. Earth observation satellites and communication technologies offer precise and accurate means for remote monitoring of conflict zones. Some of the worst forms of human rights violations have been deeply rooted in either war zones (in resource-rich regions) or regions lacking basic resources like water and food [21]. It can be difficult to monitor these dangerous zones using ground information. However, remote sensing techniques can help to monitor such remote and dangerous zones without physical contact. Remote sensing has also been used for verifying international laws, treaties, and resolutions, e.g., for monitoring oil pollution sources [22], exploring renewable energy resources [23]. The technological development and rise in using sensors have led to the surge in remote sensing companies, aiding in the usage of data for the larger social and environmental safety. Geospatial techniques can provide useful information for the implementation of The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs#16, i.e., to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, and provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels) [24; 25]. Several approaches of remote sensing for military and civilian applications have been investigated [26]. These studies displayed remote sensing's utility for international peace and security both from a macro-perspective and micro-perspective, respectively. At the macro-level, the application of Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques in identifying the role of historical precedents in territorial disputes has shown valid results. For instance, in the European context, the application of GIS helped in finding the relationship between historical boundaries and conflicts [27]. For instance, studying the micro-level effect on issues like migration led to violent situations in the Goma City (the Democratic Republic of Congo) [28] and city-level consequences of Arab Spring in Jordan [29; 30]. Furthermore, along with GIS techniques, other scientific tools like big data have been utilized to understand the intensity of such conflicts [31]. Remote sensing can also assist in understanding the issues emanating due to state classifications like ethnic fractionalization [32]. This, in return, can aid in the consolidation of socio-cultural theoretical frameworks of other humanities disciplines. This paper builds on the previously mentioned potential importance of space-borne technologies in peace and security missions by highlighting the role of image data in near real-time and archived sources. Based on the available literature, we classified various studies and performed its meta-analysis for understanding the trends, potential, and impediments in applying remote sensing to the issues of peace and security. The selective analysis was conducted for the academic papers, research reports, and handbooks from a wide variety of sources, tracing the development of remote sensing applications in peace, security, and allied areas. We explored conflict resolution and monitoring as a theme by looking at disturbed and volatile regions and investigating instances related to a refugee relief operation, armed conflicts, genocide, human rights, peace-building, and issues crucial for preventing and controlling human disease. In each of these cases, we highlighted how remote sensing was utilized on the ground.