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rebel alumnus and Researcher at Project Ploughshares, Kelsey Gallagher, made headlines after the organization released a special report he authored on Canadian arms exports, titled, “Killer Optics: Exports of WESCAM sensors to Turkey.” The report detailed the use of Canadian-made sensors in Turkey’s drone operations and was soon picked up by a variety of news media.
Kelsey’s research noted, “Canada’s export of WESCAM sensors to Turkey poses a substantial risk of facilitating human suffering, including violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.”
The sensors in question are manufactured in Burlington, Ontario, and used for drone imaging and targeting systems. Soon after the report was released, it came to light that Turkey was using this technology against Armenian targets in the recently escalated Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in Azerbaijan. Canada has since suspended export permits for the sensors to Turkey, pending further investigation.
In an interview with Global News, Kelsey noted, “I would be astonished if Global Affairs did not have an idea that Turkey was actually misusing these weapons earlier.”
Kelsey graduated from the Master of Peace and Conflict Studies program in 2019 and soon after started working for Project Ploughshares (located in the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement at Grebel). He credits the program for helping him develop the professional and academic skill sets needed for a career in research and advocacy. As he described it, the program “was critical for generating the skill of research: how to find and gather actionable data to better deal with conflict issues.”
A major source of learning was an internship placement Kelsey completed with an advocacy organization based in London, England.
“The internship experience,” he said, “was good for both my personal and professional growth.” And part of what made it possible was the flexibility and support provided by faculty and staff. Additionally, he noted, “The internship undoubtedly gave me a leg up in looking for work after my degree.”
Now putting those skills to the test, Gallagher has shown how good research made public can have tangible effects in the real world.
GRAFFITI IN CONFLICT ZONES: MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
PACS Visiting Assistant Professor Eric Lepp is finding the deeper meaning behind graffiti, specifically in places affected by conflict.
PASSIVITY WAS NEVER A VIRTUE
Congratulations to Catherine Bergs who won second place in the 2020 intercollegiate C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest administered by Mennonite Central Committee US.
