Selects: Why Landmines Are The Deadliest Legacy Of War
Landmines remain one of the most devastating legacies of war, with an estimated 100 million still buried in over 70 countries. In this episode, the hosts of Stuff You Should Know explore the origins and evolution of these insidious weapons, tracing their development from crude explosives in the American Civil War to sophisticated anti-personnel and anti-tank mines used in the World Wars.
They provide an eye-opening account of the international campaign to ban landmines and the ongoing challenges of detection and removal. Despite efforts, casualties continue to rise, underscoring the immense toll of these indiscriminate killers that linger long after the battles have ended.
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Origins and Early Use
According to Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark of Stuff You Should Know, landmines originated during the American Civil War as "torpedoes" or "sub-terra shells" developed by Confederate Colonel Gabriel Rains. These early landmines, buried in unconventional places like flour sacks, shocked Union troops and were condemned as "murderous and barbarous."
Widespread Use in WWI and WWII
Landmines became more sophisticated and widespread in World Wars I and II, designed to destroy vehicles and harm infantry. The Nazis heavily mined North Africa, Bryant and Clark note, leaving millions of unexploded mines that still threaten Egypt today.
Anti-Personnel Mines
Anti-personnel mines like the lethal Bouncing Betty use a Belleville spring to detonate under light pressure, spraying shrapnel. The M14 contains 31 grams of Tetral explosive, enough to sever a foot or leg.
Anti-Tank Mines
These require over 300 pounds of weight to trigger. Packed with up to 23 pounds of Composition B explosive, they target the underside of armored vehicles.
Banning and Eradicating Landmines
The International Campaign to Ban Landmines was instrumental in the 1997 Ottawa Treaty prohibiting landmines, signed by 164 nations. Despite this, Bryant and Clark say the U.S. and others held out, citing security concerns.
While global casualties dropped after peaking in 1999, they surged again in 2016 due to new conflicts using old mines. An estimated 100 million mines remain across 70 countries.
Detection and Removal Challenges
Manual probing was an early method, but modern plastic mines defy metal detectors. Researchers have developed ground-penetrating radar, chemical agents, and remote-controlled removal machinery to help.
Animals like rats and dogs aid detection through smell, though ethically concerning. Low-cost drones like Mine K-FON can map, mark, and remotely detonate mines from a safe distance.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The origins of landmines can be traced back even earlier than the American Civil War, with some forms of explosive devices used in limited capacities in earlier conflicts.
- The condemnation of landmines as "murderous and barbarous" is a moral judgment that may not be shared universally, especially considering the context of war and the historical norms of the time.
- While the Nazis did heavily mine North Africa, it's important to note that many countries used landmines during WWII, and the issue of unexploded ordnance is a global problem, not limited to the actions of one nation.
- The effectiveness and ethical considerations of using animals for mine detection might be debated, with some arguing that the benefits outweigh the risks to the animals involved.
- The statement that the U.S. and others held out from signing the Ottawa Treaty solely due to security concerns simplifies a complex decision that may also involve geopolitical strategy, military doctrine, and other factors.
- The resurgence of landmine casualties in 2016 might be attributed to a variety of factors, including increased conflicts, non-state actors' use of landmines, and the deterioration of previously cleared areas.
- The estimated number of mines remaining across 70 countries is subject to change as new mines are laid and old ones are cleared, and the accuracy of such estimates can be difficult to verify.
- The effectiveness of new technologies such as ground-penetrating radar and drones in mine detection and clearance can vary greatly depending on the environment and the specific characteristics of the mines.
Actionables
- You can raise awareness about the dangers of unexploded ordnance by creating a visual storytelling project. Use your smartphone to take photos of everyday objects that could represent landmines, like a flower pot or a toy, and post them on social media with captions explaining the historical context and current dangers of landmines. This can help people visualize the hidden dangers that landmines present in affected areas.
- Start a book club focused on novels and memoirs that deal with the impact of landmines. By reading and discussing literature that explores the human side of this issue, you and your friends can gain a deeper understanding of the consequences of landmines on individuals and communities. This can foster empathy and potentially inspire collective action or support for demining efforts.
- Encourage critical thinking about global security issues by hosting a debate night with friends or family. Use the topic of landmines and the Ottawa Treaty as a starting point to discuss broader themes of war, peace, and international cooperation. This can help participants articulate their views on complex issues and consider the balance between national security and global humanitarian efforts.
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The history and evolution of landmines as a weapon of war
Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark of Stuff You Should Know delve into the grim history of landmines, pointing out the intractable problems they continue to pose long after the end of active conflicts.
Landmines first emerged as a weapon during the American Civil War, with the development of early "torpedoes" or "sub-terra shells" by Confederate Colonel Gabriel Rains.
Landmines as we recognize them today began to emerge during the American Civil War, originally known as "torpedoes" or "sub-terra shells." Gabriel Rains, a Confederate Colonel from North Carolina, played a pivotal role in the development of these devices, eventually obtaining a patent for his landmine design, known as the "Rains Patent." These early landmines were a shock to Union troops, being considered a form of guerrilla warfare, and were met with moral outrage, labeled as "murderous and barbarous conduct" by Union generals.
These crude but effective devices, buried in the ground, posed a new and terrifying threat to Union troops, shocking the military establishment at the time.
Gabriel Rains was among the first to employ these devices, laying early landmines on the road to Richmond, where they took the Union Army by surprise. They were booby-trapped, hidden in unconventional places such as flour sacks or around water wells, and were detonated by stepping on them or interacting with connected objects.
Landmines became more sophisticated and widespread during World War I and World War II, with the development of anti-tank and anti-personnel mines intended to disable vehicles and harm infantry.
Landmines were not just intended to cause explosions; they were part of a larger strategy to control the movement of enemy forces. During World War I and World War II, their use expanded significantly. They were primarily used to deter enemy troops and tanks from advancing or to force a redirection of their path until reinforcements could ar ...
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The history and evolution of landmines as a weapon of war
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Counterarguments
- The development of landmines can be seen as a response to the changing tactics and technologies of war, where non-state actors or states with fewer resources might have sought equalizers against more powerful conventional forces.
- The moral outrage against landmines during the American Civil War might be contrasted with the acceptance of other forms of warfare that were equally or more devastating, suggesting a possible inconsistency in what was considered "barbarous conduct."
- While landmines have been used to control the movement of enemy forces, they have also been used defensively to protect civilian populations or strategic locations, which is a dimension not fully explored in the main ideas.
- The figure of 23 million unexploded mines in Egypt is a point that could be updated or clarified, as demining efforts are ongoing and the number may have changed since the time of the source's information.
- The estimate of eleven hundred years to rid the Earth of landmines may not account for advancements in demining technology or increased international efforts that could potentially accelerate the process.
- While landmines are a deadly legacy of war, there are other legacies such as nuclear wast ...
Actionables
- You can raise awareness about the impact of landmines by writing a blog post or social media content that highlights their historical context and current challenges. Explain how landmines have evolved from the Civil War to modern times and discuss the ongoing efforts to remove them. Use storytelling to connect readers emotionally to the issue, perhaps by sharing narratives of affected communities or individuals working in demining operations.
- Start a virtual book club focused on novels and memoirs that deal with the aftermath of war, including the issue of landmines. This can foster a deeper understanding of the human cost of these weapons and encourage empathy. Select books that cover different conflicts and periods, ensuring a broad perspective on the subject.
- Encourage responsible tourism by resear ...
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The different types of landmines and how they work
Landmines come in various types and designs, each specialized for specific targets, such as personnel or armored vehicles. Here’s an overview of how these lethal devices function.
Anti-personnel mines
Anti-personnel mines are designed to maim or kill individuals. One example is the M14 blast mine.
M14 blast mine and Bouncing Betty
These mines, including the notorious Bouncing Betty, are built to explode upon the application of relatively light pressure. They often contain metal ball bearings or other shrapnel to cause maximum damage upon detonation. The triggering mechanism involves a Belleville spring—a conical, disk-shaped spring—which holds up the firing pin. With sufficient pressure, the spring compresses and the firing pin activates the mine's detonator.
The M14 mine contains 31 grams of an explosive material referred to as Tetral. Upon detonation, this explosive charge is capable of causing injuries so severe that they often result in loss of a foot or leg amputation.
Anti-tank mines
Anti-tank mines are engineered to take out armored vehicles such as tanks.
These mines require the application of significant weight to trigger detonation, typically ov ...
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The different types of landmines and how they work
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Actionables
- You can deepen your understanding of the impact of landmines by supporting organizations that aid landmine victims. Look for reputable charities that provide medical assistance, rehabilitation, and advocacy for those affected by landmines, and consider donating or volunteering to help improve the lives of victims.
- Educate your community about the dangers of landmines by creating informative content. Use your social media platforms or local community boards to share facts and statistics about the devastation caused by landmines, emphasizing the importance of international efforts to ban their use.
- Advocate ...
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The international efforts to ban landmines and address the global landmine crisis
The podcast hosts delve into the significant, yet challenging, international efforts to combat the crisis of landmines worldwide.
The International Campaign to Ban Landmines
Formed in 1992, The International Campaign to Ban Landmines played a critical role in the establishment of the Ottawa Treaty. This international agreement, signed by 164 countries, prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines.
The U.S. and a handful of other nations have not signed the treaty
Despite the widespread support for the Ottawa Treaty, the U.S. and a few other nations, including Cuba, have not signed the agreement. The U.S. has cited strategic concerns such as the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. Nonetheless, the U.S. remains a significant financial backer of global demining efforts, contributing to eradication and assistance for victims.
Lingering crisis despite the treaty
Although the Ottawa Treaty raised awareness and garnered significant international support, the landmine problem persists.
Global landmine crisis impact
An estimated 100 million active landmines are scattered over 70 countries, causing thousands of civilian casualties each year. The ...
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The international efforts to ban landmines and address the global landmine crisis
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Counterarguments
- The effectiveness of the Ottawa Treaty can be questioned, as significant landmine producers and users have not signed it, which may limit its global impact.
- The U.S. refusal to sign the Ottawa Treaty might be seen as undermining international norms, despite its financial contributions to demining efforts.
- Financial contributions to demining are important, but they do not address the root causes of landmine deployment or prevent future use by non-signatory states.
- The persistence of the landmine problem despite the treaty could suggest that international agreements alone are insufficient without robust enforcement mechanisms.
- The estimated number of active landmines might not be accurate due to the difficulties in data collection and changing situations on the ground.
- While children are disproportionately affected, the focus on children should not overshadow the impact on all civili ...
Actionables
- You can raise awareness by sharing information on social media about the impact of landmines, particularly on children, to inform your network about the issue.
- By posting facts, infographics, or stories about the effects of landmines on communities, you can contribute to a broader understanding and concern among your peers. For example, create a graphic that illustrates the number of children affected by landmines each year and encourage your friends to share it.
- Consider supporting organizations that aid landmine victims by purchasing products that fund prosthetics or rehabilitation services.
- Many non-profits sell goods where proceeds go directly to helping those injured by landmines. You could buy these products as gifts or for personal use, thereby helping fund the necessary support for victims. For instance, look for online stores that sell crafts made by landmine survivors.
- Educate yourself on the current status of landmine clearance and victim assis ...
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The challenges and methods of locating and removing landmines
Traditional methods of landmine detection
Traditional landmine detection methods involve labor-intensive and time-consuming processes such as manual probing with sticks or bayonets, indicating a method of manual detection. Metal detectors, traditionally used in mine detection, often result in false positives as they signal for any metal objects, not solely mines. This can be problematic since many modern mines contain little to no metal or are almost entirely made of plastic, making them difficult to detect with metal detectors.
Experimental techniques using ground-penetrating radar, chemical agents, and remote-controlled machinery have shown promise in improving the efficiency and safety of landmine clearance operations.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed innovative technologies including ground-penetrating radar (GPR), which works in tandem with metal detection and reacts to explosives underground to indicate anomalies. This technology is complemented by chemical agents that solidify the triggering mechanism and the surrounding soil, followed by another agent that immobilizes the rest of the mine, allowing the mines to be safely removed from the ground. The hosts also discuss a berm processing assembly, a machine that effectively separates mines from mounds of dirt.
The use of specialized animals
The use of animals with acute senses, such as trained dogs, rats, and even elephants, has been explored to detect the presence of buried landmines by using their heightened sense of smell. However, while the use of animals can be effective, it has raised ethical concerns due to the danger posed to the animals and cases where animals have suffered injuries or death in the process.
Innovative, low-cost solutions for landmine removal
Given the high cos ...
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The challenges and methods of locating and removing landmines
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Traditional methods, while slow, have a proven track record and can be more reliable in certain contexts where newer technologies may not be as effective due to soil composition or other environmental factors.
- Ground-penetrating radar and chemical agents, although promising, may not be universally applicable in all mine-affected areas due to varying terrain and the technical expertise required for operation.
- The development of technologies by researchers, such as those at Ohio State University, may not always translate into practical solutions in the field due to cost, complexity, or maintenance challenges in resource-poor settings.
- The use of animals in detecting landmines, despite ethical concerns, may in some cases be the most effective method available, especially in areas where technological solutions are not feasible.
- The Mine K-FON drone, while innovative, may face operational challenges such as batte ...
Actionables
- You can raise awareness about the ethical concerns of using animals in landmine detection by writing opinion pieces for local newspapers or online platforms. Explain the moral dilemmas and promote alternative technologies that ensure animal welfare, such as the advancements in remote-controlled machinery or drones like the Mine K-FON.
- Start a crowdfunding campaign to support organizations that invest in safe landmine removal technologies. By doing so, you contribute financially to the development and deployment of innovative methods like ground-penetrating radar, which could save lives and expedite landmine clearance without putting humans or animals at risk.
- Educate your community about the dangers of landmines an ...
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