History Lessons for the Euro Zone

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:52:24 +0000

Pull Quote:

History has shown that the “unthinkable” can quickly become the “inevitable.”

Following S&P’s downgrading of European debt in early January, German Chancellor Angela Merkel used her keynote speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to implore her euro zone colleagues to implement the budget austerity needed to secure their goal of a “fiscal compact.” While European interest rates fell in the wake of the European Central Bank’s (ECB) decision to provide a long-term funding facility for banks, unfortunately, the higher borrowing costs that will eventually result from lower credit ratings will make the goal of fiscal probity more elusive.

Searching for Disruption, Sustainability and Transformation at Davos

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:26:08 +0000

Pull Quote:

The Occupy movement spread to 900 cities last year in a matter of days, but its impact is slow and not as grand as I and many others would wish. The same for the Arab Spring.

Heads of state and leading figures from business and academia gather this week in Davos, Switzerland to “shape global, regional and industry agendas,” as part of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) annual meeting.

Global Sustainability: Pursuing the Elusive Prize

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:08:06 +0000

Pull Quote:

Reforming financial markets so they play their historic role of investing in a resilient, sustainable economy for future generations is a notably brave feature of the panel’s message.

As the world’s political and business leaders head home from the World Economic Forum in Davos, it is right asking which of the world’s toughest challenges were identified, let alone solved, on the “Magic Mountain.” Timely, then, that today the UN launches the report of the UN Secretary General’s High-Level Panel on Global Sustainability.

Strategic Support to Security Sector Reform in Afghanistan, 2001-2010

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:59:03 +0000

A lack of strategic direction and political agreement in security sector reform (SSR) in Afghanistan is an ongoing struggle. This issue paper focuses on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, in addition to police and army reform. Through two case studies, the paper considers the weaknesses of an SSR process driven by operational activities without a clear overall strategy. The Office of the National Security Council in the Afghan government, and its role in the lack of strategic direction in SSR, is examined.

Policing in Palestine: Analyzing the EU Police Reform Mission in the West Bank

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:59:40 +0000

Police reform in the Palestinian Territories has faced many challenges. Rebuilding the police force in a post-conflict environment is not an easy task, and must take into account the community’s needs in order to build legitimacy. In 2006, the European Union Police Coordinating Office for Palestinian Police Support was established to support the short-term objectives of the Palestinian Civil Police and provide longer-term transformational change assistance. This issue paper discusses a number of questions to address gaps in the evaluation of police reform efforts.

Brazil as an Emerging Environmental Donor

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:56:52 +0000

Over the last 10 years, Brazil has expanded its own domestic development strategies to include offering assistance to other countries and their national efforts. Former President Lula da Silva has suggested that the country’s experience solving problems in unfavourable conditions make it a good partner for other developing countries. Approaching its external development assistance from the perspective of a recipient, Brazil endorses an egalitarian “solidarity diplomacy” that puts the focus on holistic development in its partners — with sustainable growth as the ultimate goal.

UN Panel Calls for Integration of Environment into International Economic Reforms

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:16:47 +0000

Pull Quote:

A country with a bankrupt environment is no more capable of success than one whose economy is broke.

A quarter of a century ago, the Brundtland Commission outlined the concept of sustainable development for the first time. It began its rather sobering report with the memorable phrase, “The Earth is one but the world is not,” to describe the interactions between the world’s environmental and economic and political systems. Sustainable development was to provide a new paradigm for economic growth, social equality and environmental sustainability.

Our peak oil premium

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:52:34 +0000

Pull Quote:

The world’s cheap and easy-to-get oil is disappearing fast. So, on average, each additional barrel requires more work, more complex technology, more environmental risk to get and refine than the last.

Peak oil – it’s history, right?

Everything has changed so fast.

Two years ago, the world was facing an intractable oil crisis. “By 2012, surplus oil production capacity could entirely disappear,” the U.S. Defence Department declared in a major report. “A severe energy crunch is inevitable without a massive expansion of production and refining capacity.”

Russia and China provide cover for Assad’s Syria

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:31:49 +0000

Pull Quote:

Russian and Chinese support for the Syrian regime will ensure two powerful Security Council vetoes to any resolution calling for armed intervention and toughened economic sanctions.

Gulf Arab countries, led by Qatar’s Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, have stepped up their criticism of the Syrian regime and recalled their observers from the Arab League mission to Syria. It is expected that they would favour a United Nations resolution advocating military intervention. But don’t expect much to transpire. As the death toll continues to rise above 5,000 Syrian lives, it is time to come to terms with the likelihood of a protracted stalemate.

Ship of fools

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:41:36 +0000

TORONTO — The temperature of the west’s relations with Iran is hot and getting hotter, and activists North America-wide are getting out their “No war on Iran” placards for a major mobilization this weekend (February 4).

The EU recently imposed sanctions on Iranian oil (to take effect in July), and this week U.S. director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper Jr. ratcheted up tensions when he charged that some Iranian leaders are now willing to conduct an attack on American soil.

Most Popular Topics

History Lessons for the Euro Zone

Searching for Disruption, Sustainability and Transformation at Davos

Global Sustainability: Pursuing the Elusive Prize

Strategic Support to Security Sector Reform in Afghanistan, 2001-2010

Policing in Palestine: Analyzing the EU Police Reform Mission in the West Bank

Brazil as an Emerging Environmental Donor

UN Panel Calls for Integration of Environment into International Economic Reforms

Our peak oil premium

Russia and China provide cover for Assad’s Syria

Ship of fools