CIAO DATE: 02/2008
December 2007
Pakistan and the Rule of Law: Judged and Found Wanting (PDF)
Irene Khan
When former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's son Bilawal became the leader of her Pakistan People's Party, following her assassination, he told the crowds that 'My mother always said democracy is the best revenge'. Yet, despite the fact parliamentary elections are now scheduled for February 18, Amnesty International sensed a general mood of hopelessness during a recent visit to the country. 'Pakistan is lost' was a refrain heard in many places.
Pakistan: Real and Imaginary Risks (PDF)
Anatol Lieven
Risk analysts are getting it wrong in Pakistan. Fears of an Islamic state, or loose nukes - the capture of the nation's arsenal by extremists - will only come about if the west makes policy mistakes. Instead, long-term issues like climate change and population growth are the real threats.
Britain's Food Supply: Lunch as a Strategic Issue (PDF)
Kate Bailey
The days when the consumer could command ample supplies of ever-cheaper delicacies from around the world may be over for ever. Food prices are rising dramatically, and probably permanently, hitting the world's leading economies. In developing countries, there have been queues for wheat in Pakistan, a shortage of rice in Bangladesh and Afghanistan has appealed for international help with supplies. Mealtime is about to become an important international issue for everyone.
Choosing Strategic African Partners: How Heavy are the Anchors? (PDF)
Alex Vines
A televised post-election crisis in Kenya demands a government response, but where are the west's partners in Africa and what are the strategic interests? And as several more states prepare to vote, which are the ones to watch?
National Security Strategy: Winning on Wicked Issues (PDF)
Charlie Edwards
Faced with the risks of organised crime, terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the public likes to believe that government is doing all it can to protect them. The idea that there might be inertia, or turf wars between departments charged with keeping them safe, is deeply disturbing. Now, the British government is publishing its first national security strategy, a chance to assess the threats and how best to respond.
Diplomacy: Foreign Office Futures (PDF)
William Wallace
Foreign ministries are more used to reporting on revolutions than being caught up in them. But now longstanding diplomatic practice faces its biggest challenge for generations. In an increasingly electronic environment, foreign services are squeezed between ambitious presidents and prime ministers who seek the limelight and the way domestic issues have become increasingly international.
Russia - The Presidency: Opaque as Always (PDF)
Malcolm Rifkind
The new man has arrived in the Kremlin as unexpectedly as his predecessor, who made the selection this time. With the Russian political season only half over - the formal presidential election is next month - thoughts are already focused on the decisions ahead.
Chinese Competition - Learning From Japan: China Challenge (PDF)
Simon Collinson, Bridgette Sullivan-Taylor
Cheap goods from a foreign competitor threaten our industries; have we been here before? What can the west learn from the way it handled phenomenal Japanese growth, and does it apply to China?