Global Development

Jean-Claude Duvalier should be tried for more than corruption

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:20:38 +0000

Pull Quote:

The last thing (Haiti) needs right now is a resurfacing of Duvalierism, something that would be made possible if the government of President Martelly decides to go easy on Baby Doc.

Why Jean-Claude (“Baby Doc”) Duvalier, Haiti’s “president for life” from 1971 to 1986, decided to return to his native land a year ago is a mystery. Exiled dictators are not supposed to go back home, lest they expose themselves to charges of human rights violations and/or corruption. With some 30,000 people killed or “disappeared” during his 15-year rule, and $300 million to $800 million (U.S.) in estimated embezzled funds, one would think this would be of some concern to Duvalier.

What's on the Agenda for Prime Minister Harper's Visit to China?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:39:42 +0000

CIGI Senior Fellow Gregory Chin, and Greg Stringham, the vice president of CAPP Markets and Oil Sands, discuss Canada and China's relationship and what will be discussed on Harper's trip. Gregory Chin says that ensuring good government to government relations between Canada and China is important to the business relationship. Click here to watch the interview.

Prime Minister Harper Visits China

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:49:49 +0000

As Prime Minister Stephen Harper heads for China, CIGI Senior Fellow Gregory Chin provides expert analysis on what the expectations are for this second visit. He stresses the significance of this mission to re-establish Canada's relationship with China on more firm footing, and says the timing is important as Canada continues to deal with the turmoil in the world economy. To watch this interview, click here.

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.

Crisis in the Congo

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:28:34 +0000

Amid allegations of election fraud, rampant violence continues in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. If the First World doesn't get involved, could we face another Rwanda?

Thomas Tieku, (Leader Researcher for the Africa Initiative at CIGI), Former Director, New College's African Studies Program, U of T

Studying at McMaster 'extremely fulfilling' for visiting scholar

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:55:55 +0000

Although visiting scholar Lanre Ikuteyijo's time at McMaster was short, it had a profound effect both on himself and his research.

Ikuteyijo, a PhD student in sociology at Nigeria's Obafemi Awolowo University, will soon head back to his native country after spending three months at McMaster studying irregular migration and human rights in Africa.

CIGI's Millennium Development Goals Report Cited in UK Parliament

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:27:16 +0000

Pull Quote:

Perhaps the most interesting specific proposals come from the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Centre for International Governance Innovation. They have proposed 12 new goals that seek to build on existing MDGs while reflecting the changed international context, and they include new methods for devising targets and accounting for progress.

Today in a UK Commons debate in Westminster Hall, Member of Parliament for Harrow West Gareth Thomas discussed CIGI's contribution to the debate on post-2015 Millennium Development Goals.

Caribbean states should look to social partnerships to counter effects of economic and social crises, says new CIGI-CaPRI report

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:38:58 +0000

Current economic challenges offer Caribbean governments an opportunity to implement innovative social partnerships that can address short-term and long-term problems, says a new paper released by The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) and the Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CaPRI).

Fixing Haiti: MINUSTAH and Beyond (book review)

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:55:43 +0000

Demonstrably unable to govern itself, Haiti is now a permanent de facto international trusteeship, depending on the United Nations for its security and international donors for its economy. The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) is more vigorous than previous international efforts to assist the Haitians. It includes substantial numbers of Argentines, Brazilians, and Chileans, marking a new phase of regional self-assertiveness and collective responsibility.

CELAC y Canadá

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:11:57 +0000

CIGI Distinguished Fellow Jorge Heine comments on the creation of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in 2011 and Canada's relationship to the new organization. To listen to the full interview with RCI, click on the View Website link. (Interview and article in Spanish only.)