Research Briefing
Some 30% of Europe’s gas supplies come from the Russian Federation and about 50% of these imports, or 15% of Europe’s total gas supplies, are transported through the Ukrainian gas pipeline system. Ukraine itself relies heavily on Russian gas for its own use in industry and for heating homes and offices with about 70% of
Research Briefing
Many observers fear that limited gains in women’s rights in Afghanistan are already being reversed and that the situation may become worse after the end of 2014.
Research Briefing
As 8 March, International Women's Day, approaches, this note briefly surveys efforts to combat violence against women and girls around the world, focusing strongly on those that involve the UK.
Research Briefing
This Standard Note sets out progress on the European Union (Referendum) Bill 2013-4 introduced by the Conservative MP James Wharton, who was first in the ballot for Private Members’ Bills. Research Paper 13/41 European Union (Referendum) Bill gives full background to the Bill.
Research Briefing
Examines how Germany’s economy has performed well in the post-war recession period due to low unemployment and a large manufacturing sector
Insight
Examines how Germany’s economy has performed well in the post-war recession period due to low unemployment and a large manufacturing sector
Research Briefing
Fears of a Russian military intervention in Ukraine are rising as the country faces a political crisis.
Research Briefing
The causes of the eurozone crisis are summarised in this two-page overview, which examines why Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Cyprus have had to take emergency loans - or "bailouts" - from other eurozone and EU governments and the IMF.
Research Briefing
President Francois Bozize was overthrown in March 2013 by a rebel coalition called Seleka, which then installed its leader, Michael Djotodia, as the new president. However, the country remained in turmoil and ‘self-defence groups’ opposed to Seleka, called Anti-Balaka, took up arms. By late 2013, senior UN officials were warning the conflict had turned into one between the Muslim minority and the Christian majority. They said there was a real danger of genocide. While not disputing the seriousness of the crisis, many experts caution against over-simplified narratives of ‘Christian versus Muslim’ and question claims of possible genocide. Despite the arrival of French and African peacekeepers and the resignation of Michael Djotodia - recently replaced by an interim president, Catherine Samba-Panza, who heads an transitional government - violence continues in many parts of the country, with some now fearing de facto partition.
Research Briefing
The Service Justice System provides a legal framework that ensures Service personnel are subject to a single disciplinary code that applies wherever they are serving.
Research Briefing
Burma’s international rehabilitation continues. However, critics argue that the pace of this rehabilitation is too fast because the outcome of the current Constitutional review process is not yet clear; a durable peace deal with the country’s ethnic insurgencies has not been achieved; and inter-communal violence between Buddhists and Muslims persists. There has been criticism of the UK Government for providing some training for the Burmese military.
Research Briefing
What is it? The Council of Europe (CoE) is primarily a human rights organisation. Its most important achievement is arguably the European Convention on Human Rights, a treaty designed to protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The CoE is sometimes confused with the European Union (EU), which is a different organisation although
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