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CHATHAM HOUSE: NEWSLETTER MAY 2008

May 2, 2008 on 1:02 am | In Africa, Asia, Development, Economics, Financial, Globalization, History, Research, Third World, Uncategorized, United Kingdom, World-System | No Comments

Chatham House Newsletter –

May 2008

Thu 5/01/08

Chatham House’s May newsletter

Independent thinking on international affairs

Welcome to Chatham House’s May newsletter containing our latest news and events.

You can also view our more detailed printed newsletter which gives further information on forthcoming activities and events at Chatham House as well as more general news and announcements in relation to the institute.,SPECIAL EVENT INVITATION ***

In the first of a series of events ahead of the US Election, leading pollster John Zogby will present an insider’s view of the US polling process on 7 May. He will share his up-to-the-minute insights on the mood of the American electorate, the top issues in the campaign, and where the candidates stand in the latest polls.

This event is open to our newsletter subscribers but you must register to attend and registration will be closed when all spaces have been allocated.

Chancellor Announces New Group to Review Tax

Alistair Darling used a Chatham House conference speech to announce a new business-government working group to look at the long-term challenges facing the UK tax system. At the same event, David Nason, Under Secretary at the US Treasury, said that although regulation may ease downturns, it cannot prevent them entirely.

Press Release.

Revolution Needed to Meet Coming Food Demands
A revolution in agriculture is needed to meet a projected 50 per cent increase in demand for food by 2030, argues a new briefing paper, Rising Food Prices. Further, the question of ‘fair shares’ will emerge as a significant global issue as a burgeoning ‘global middle class’ consumes more grain by eating more meat and dairy products. Food Supply Project.

FBI Director Forecasts ‘Victory’

Over Terrorists
Robert Mueller told an audience at Chatham House that terrorism as a tactic would be defeated during his tenure as the head of the FBI. He said: ‘I don’t think it will be millennia or even generations. I think we’ll see victory on my watch.’ He also praised the relationship between the FBI and its UK counterparts. Video. Transcript.

Asia In Africa
A paper on India’s Engagement with the African Indian Ocean Rim States was published to coincide with the first India-Africa summit. The Africa Programme also jointly edited a special issue of the South African Journal of International Affairs, which explored the changing dynamics in the relationship between India and Africa. Asia in Africa project.

ALSO:

New Russia and Eurasia Programme Head

Chatham House is pleased to announce the appointment of James Sherr as Head, Russia and Eurasia Programme . Since the early 1980s, James has specialised in Soviet/Russian security policy and, since the mid-1990s, Ukraine, where he collaborates closely with official bodies, as well as the country’s large NGO community. More details.

President Bush Says NATO Must Transform Itself

The Bucharest Conference, organized by the German Marshall Fund, the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Chatham House, took place alongside the official 2008 NATO Summit in Bucharest. Keynote speakers included President George Bush, who called on the alliance to do more to transform itself for a new era of more disparate threats. Conference details. Policy Options for Biofuels Explored
Chatham House held an expert workshop last month to explore policy options for a sustainable biofuels sector. The session considered the complex opportunities and challenges posed by biofuels in terms of climate change, food production, biodiversity and rural development. A briefing paper will be published shortly. Read presentations.

New Briefing Papers on Economic Issues

New papers have been published on Prospects for an EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Area and An EU-Korea Free Trade Area: Playing Catch-Up or Taking the Lead?, both by Jim Rollo, and Market Risks and the EU Economy by Max Watson.

Online Poll

A topical online poll is a new feature on the Chatham House website home page with previous questions including ‘Is NATO’s mission in Afghanistan succeeding?’ and ‘Is Britain really better placed than the US to weather the credit crunch?’. Vote in the current poll.

IN THE NEWS:

New World Order? Dr Robin Niblett, Director, Chatham House analyses Britain’s role on the international stage and the changing circles of influence that may disrupt Gordon Brown’s plans on BBC Today. Listen to the interview.

In a Post-Mugabe Zimbabwe, Just What is to be Done?
Alex Vines, Head, Africa Programme, assesses the situation in Zimbabwe and the role of the international community and in particular South African President Thabo Mbeki. Read article.

A selection of forthcoming events are listed below. The full list of forthcoming Chatham House events can be found on our calendar of events.

The events listed below are for members only.

What Change for Russia Under Medvedev?

Tuesday 20 May 2008 17:30 to 18:30
Richard Sakwa, Professor of Russian and European Politics, University of Kent
Dr Edwin Bacon, Head of the School of Politics and Sociology, Birkbeck College, London

ASEANS’s Role in an Emerging East Asian Regional Architecture

Thursday 22 May 2008 13:30 to 14:30
HE Dr Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General, ASEAN

Protect, Respect, and Remedy: An International Framework for Business and Human Rights

Thursday 22 May 2008 17:30 to 18:30
Professor John G Ruggie, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Business and Human Rights

State-Building Strategies for the 21st Century

Friday 23 May 2008 13:30 to 14:30
Dr Ashraf Ghani, Chairman, Institute for State Effectiveness; Finance Minister, Afghanistan (2002-04)
Clare Lockhart, Co-founder and CEO, Institute for State Effectiveness

Chatham House Newsletter – May 2008

Independent thinking on international affairs

Chatham House’s May newsletter

Thu 5/01/08