World affairs Archives

Research Briefing

UK Government opt-in decisions in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice

Wednesday, 19 October, 2011

The creation of the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice is based on the Tampere (1999-04), Hague (2004-09) and Stockholm (2010-14) programmes. It derives from the pre-Lisbon Title IV TEC (Visas, asylum, immigration and other policies related to free movement of persons) and Title VI TEU (Provisions on police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters) and is now Title V of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the “Area of freedom, security and justice” (AFSJ). The AFSJ therefore comprises policies relating to border controls, asylum and immigration; judicial cooperation in civil matters; judicial cooperation in criminal matters and police cooperation.
Research Briefing

Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal

Monday, 17 October, 2011
- Research Briefing
- Defence
Research Briefing

In brief: elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Friday, 07 October, 2011

This note reviews the prospects for the presidential and parliamentary elections which are due to be held in the Democratic Republic of Congo on 25 November 2011
Research Briefing

Palestinian statehood

Thursday, 11 August, 2011

Disillusioned with the US-led peace process, Palestinian leaders are seeking a UN resolution in September 2011 in favour of Palestinian statehood. The political implications of such a resolution are likely to be bigger than its legal ones. But despite the momentum gained by the Palestinian proposal, it is possible that external and internal opposition could delay the initiative.
Research Briefing

Issues facing LGBT people in sub-Saharan Africa: suggested reading

Friday, 29 July, 2011

This bibliographical note gathers together a selection of press articles and official and civil society sources of information about the issues facing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people in sub-Saharan Africa today.
Research Briefing

Power struggle in Iran

Thursday, 28 July, 2011

This note looks at the internal politics of Iran and, in particular, the recent split in the conservative camp between supporters of Supreme Leader Ali Khamanei and the President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Research Briefing

Iran’s nuclear programme: an update

Thursday, 21 July, 2011

Shortly after taking office, US President Obama gave negotiations with Iran over its nuclear programme one year to produce results, promising to push for a new set of United Nations sanctions if there was no progress. The E3+3 countries, France, Germany and the United Kingdom plus China, Russia and the United States reached agreement on a fourth round of sanctions in June 2010 This note looks at Iran’s nuclear programme, the effects of UN, US and EU sanctions and possible alternative approaches to the problem.
Research Briefing

Defence Reform

Monday, 18 July, 2011

The Independent Report into the Structure and Management of the MOD was published by the Defence Reform Unit on 27 June 2011. That report makes 53 recommendations on the reorganisation of the MOD.
- Research Briefing
- Defence policy
Research Briefing

Turkey’s 2011 elections and beyond

Thursday, 14 July, 2011

At Turkey’s general elections on 12 June 2011, the governing Justice and Development Party (AK Party) won nearly 50% of the overall vote. This was the first time that a ruling party in Turkey has increased its vote in a third term. In the medium term its biggest challenges will be drafting a new constitution, stabilising the economy, and negotiating changing regional relationships, but in the short term it needs to diffuse a crisis over MPs boycotting parliament.
Research Briefing

CDC Group PLC (formerly the Commonwealth Development Corporation)

Friday, 08 July, 2011

This note describes the current purpose and structure of CDC, and discusses its financial performance and contribution to international development.
- Research Briefing
- International development
Research Briefing

Progress of the Afghan conflict: recent commentaries

Tuesday, 05 July, 2011

This note is a compilation of excerpts from a variety of official and think tank publications on the progress of and outlook for the west’s strategy in Afghanistan.
Research Briefing

The European Union Bill 2010-11: Lords Committee and Report Stages

Tuesday, 05 July, 2011

This Note looks at Lords amendments to the European Union Bill 2010-11 covering Committee and Report stages, and Third Reading.
Research Briefing

The International Criminal Court: new crimes and a new Prosecutor

Tuesday, 28 June, 2011

As the International Criminal Court (ICC) moves towards opening its fourth trial, its jurisdiction is being widened and its most public face, the ICC Prosecutor, is about to be replaced at the end of his term.
Research Briefing

Equatorial Guinea: a quick introduction

Friday, 24 June, 2011

Equatorial Guinea is often cited as a classic example of the ‘resource curse’ which can strike poor countries with weak formal institutions when oil is discovered. This note provides a brief introduction to Equatorial Guinea, including UK and EU relations with the country.
Research Briefing

Cyber Security – A new national programme

Thursday, 23 June, 2011

It is widely acknowledged that cyber attacks will increasingly be a key aspect of future warfare and organised crime. This note explains the increasing threat to national security posed by the new "front" of the cyber realm of networked, digital activities (often internet-based) and sets out the Government's response.

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