Political Economy

Does Democratization Equal Peace?

Joely Denkinger • Jun 22 2010 • Essays

The unstable phase somewhere between autocracy and well-established democracy presents the most challenges to peace at home and abroad. Limited definitions of the transition process and its endpoint are counterproductive for democratizing countries, as is bestowing the label of ‘democracy’ when it is inaccurate, and relying solely on elections. We cannot hope for the democratic peace thesis to be realized until countries move out of the transition phase and become truly established democracies

Does regionalism challenge globalisation, or build on it?

Jonathan Weitzmann • Jun 14 2010 • Essays

The 21st century has continued to promote multiculturalism, increased communications cross-border and a greater level of interdependence. The influence of regional institutions has meant that quasi-supranational institutions such as the European Union have been able to challenge the influence of globalisation particularly in the form of ‘New Regionalism’ which is taking shape in a far more multi-polar world order.

The EU strategy towards the Developing World

Fiona Cumberland • May 21 2010 • Essays

The African, Caribbean, and Pacific states-European Union Partnership Agreement, known as the Cotonou Agreement, is a partnership in name, but arguably not in nature.

Does Regionalism challenge Globalisation, or build on it?

Mareike Oldemeinen • May 13 2010 • Essays

In a world where the concepts of Globalisation and Regionalism both seem to gain more and more power, it was only a matter of time until the relationship between those two seemingly contradictory processes would become the issue of discussion. What Andrew Hurrell has called the “one world/many worlds relationship” has now become the subject of great academic interest and debate.

What are the contradictions implicit in the idea of a global civil society?

Yulia Kiseleva • Apr 29 2010 • Essays

‘Globality’ can hardly be achieved if it does not embrace at least the majority of the Earth’s population. While global civil society may be a reality as an occurrence that has no precedent in history, this does not necessarily lead to the conclusion that global civil society is ‘global’ in the way it is envisioned by its most ardent supporters.

Economic Development and Democratisation in the Middle East

anon • Mar 23 2010 • Essays

There is an incompatibility between the purpose and mode of Middle Eastern economic development to date and the fraught efforts towards forms of democracy across the region. Additionally, the importance of certain economic developments to specific actors has successfully outweighed the importance of democracy in the region, and will persist in doing so for the foreseeable future.

Hegemonic Stability Theory and the 20th Century International Economy

Rahul Prabhakar • Jan 8 2010 • Essays

The theory of hegemonic stability does not explain the failure of the interwar and the success of the post-1945 international economic orders. Domestic influences upon international monetary cooperation in major states were a crucial determining factor in the global economic stability or lack thereof in the interwar and post-WWII periods.

Sustainability and Water Resources in the Middle East

Caroline Smith • Nov 9 2009 • Essays

The Middle East is one of the most water-short regions in the world: almost all countries in the region (with the arguable exceptions of Iran and Turkey) have less (in most cases, significantly less) water available – through rainfall and other sources – than the 1,000 cubic metres per person, per year, which is traditionally taken to be a minimum human requirement.

The Relationship between the Spread of HIV/AIDS and Inequality in Africa

Daniel Gray • Sep 12 2009 • Essays

HIV/AIDS a poses serious threat to public health around the globe. Africa in particular has suffered from the ravages of HIV/AIDS for decades and attempts at containing and eradicating the disease have missed important groups within African society.

In the Post-9/11 Era is “The Responsibility to Protect” Irrelevant?

David Sykes • Aug 20 2009 • Essays

The responsibility to protect individuals from violations of their human rights around the world has been a movement increasing in intensity since the end of the Cold War. Since 9/11, the responsibility to protect has perished, and its corpse is now being used as a disguise for self-interest and self-security

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