Research Briefing
Political progress in Libya?
Has Libya built on the achievement of successful elections in 2012 to make real progress towards a modern, democratic and secure state?
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Research Briefing
Proposal to increase the number of EU Court of Justice Advocates-General
This Note looks at a draft Council decision to increase the number of Advocates-General at the EU Court of Justice in the context of reform of the EU Court of Justice.
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Research Briefing
In brief: Kenya after the March 2013 elections
The 4 March presidential elections saw Jubilee Alliance candidate Uhuru Kenyatta win a narrow victory in the first round. , Kenyatta and his deputy, William Ruto, are both due to be tried by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with the violence that followed the December 2007 elections. The victory of Kenyatta and Ruto has presented Western governments with a dilemma. While Western rhetorical support for the ICC remains strong, many in Kenya and beyond believe that pressure is being exerted on it ‘behind the scenes’ to soften its position so that the cases do not excessively impede Western cooperation with the new Government.
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Research Briefing
Obama and Iran’s 2013 elections: The role of presidents in the nuclear crisis
Iran's presidential election, due on 14 june, is unlikely to change Iranian policy over nuclear enrichment.
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Research Briefing
In brief: UK withdrawal from Afghanistan
The drawdown of British troops in Afghanistan has begun. The number of British troops in Afghanistan will be reduced to 5,200 by the end of 2013.
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Research Briefing
Voting Behaviour in the EU Council
This Note looks at the voting behaviour of Member States in the EU Council when a Qualified Majority is required for the adoption of an EU measure, and at other factors which may influence the outcome of a QMV decision. It also considers the UK’s voting record and possible future scenarios when the voting rules change and the Eurozone expands.
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Research Briefing
Disputes over the British Indian Ocean Territory: a survey
Between 1968 and 1973 the British Government cleared the entire Chagos Archipelago of its inhabitants, opening the way for a US military base on the biggest island, Diego Garcia. The Archipelago was made a British overseas territory, the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). Two main disputes have arisen from these events. One has been between the Chagos Islanders and the British Government over the legality of the former’s removal and whether they have a right to return. The other has been between the UK and Mauritius about sovereignty over the BIOT. The UK has said that it will cede sovereignty to Mauritius once the BIOT is no longer required for defence purposes.
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Research Briefing
Burundi: recent political and security developments
Since 2010 President Jean-Pierre Nkurunziza and his CNDD-FDD government have been at loggerheads with the main opposition parties. The stand-off has raised concerns that Burundi’s status as a ‘post-conflict’ country might be in jeopardy. These concerns have been compounded by occasional armed skirmishes between the security forces and remaining rebel groups. However, with the next elections due in 2015, in recent months there has been some progress in terms of promoting political dialogue.
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Research Briefing
Rwanda: recent political and security developments
Paul Kagame and the Rwandan Patriotic Front remain in a dominant position domestically, with parliamentary elections due in September 2013 and presidential elections set for 2017. President Kagame has indicated that he may step down then. But criticism continues of the government's intolerance of open dissent. Rwanda's role in in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo remains controversial too and there is virtually complete consensus across the international community that it has been providing support to rebel groups, including most recently M23.
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Research Briefing
In brief: Future Reserves 2020
The Defence Reform Bill announced during the Queen’s Speech 2013 will increase the size and role of the Reserve Forces. This note provides a short overview of the changes proposed to the Reserve Forces.
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Research Briefing
In brief: Outsourcing defence procurement
The Defence Reform Bill will allow the Government to proceed with its plans to change the way defence equipment is procured.
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Research Briefing
Israel’s new government
A brief summary of the new Israeli government and of the domestic and international issues facing it.
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Research Briefing
United Arab Emirates uncovered
The latest development from the oil-rich nation of United Arab Emirates
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Research Briefing
Military Search and Rescue to end in 2016
The Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy will no longer provide a Search and Rescue Helicopter service in the UK after March 2016. A wholly civilian service run by Bristow Helicopters Ltd and managed by the Department for Transport will provide the Search and Rescue Helicopter capability for the UK.
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