U.S. Naval War College (NWC) has issued a "call for papers" in preparation of its 6th annual Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Conference that will be held May 31 to June 1, at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.

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, "Promoting Global Leadership," those with an interest or experience in WPS issues are encouraged to submit a paper on current events or historical commentary within the context of the four pillars of United Nations Resolution 1325: participation, conflict prevention, protection and relief and recovery.

An attempt should be made to incorporate the topic of "leadership" at some point in the ideas presented.

"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 March 31.

Papers should be in the English language only and saved as a Word document. The maximum word count is 5,000 words, double spaced with a 12-pitch Times New Roman font. Submissions should be emailed to mary.raum@usnwc.edu with the subject line heading, "WPS Call for Papers: Last Name."

While acceptance of a paper does not mean participation as a panelist, selected papers will be published and accessible via the NWC website at www.usnwc.edu.

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