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761. Primary Schooling, Student Learning, and School Quality in Rural Bangladesh

Author:
Mohammad Niaz Asadullah and Nazmul Chaudhury
Publication Date:
12-2013
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Center for Global Development
Abstract:
Using a primary school curricular standard basic mathematics competence test, this paper documents the low level of student achievement amongst 10-18 year old rural children in Bangladesh and tests the extent to which years spent in school increases learning. Our sample includes children currently enrolled in school as well as those out of school. About half of the children failed to pass the written competence test, a finding that also holds for those completing primary schooling. Even after holding constant a wide range of factors such as household income, parental characteristics, current enrollment status, and a direct measure of child ability, there remains a statistically significant correlation between schooling attained and basic mathematics competence above and beyond primary school completion. This pattern is more pronounced for girls who have lower competence compared to boys despite higher grade completion.
Topic:
Development, Economics, Islam, and Poverty
Political Geography:
South Asia

762. Growth and Poverty

Author:
Jeffrey D. Sachs, Amartya Sen, and Edmund S. Phelps
Publication Date:
12-2013
Content Type:
Video
Institution:
Columbia University World Leaders Forum
Abstract:
This World Leaders Forum program titled, "Growth and Poverty" will feature a conversation between Amartya Sen, Thomas W. Lamont University Professor; Professor of Economics and Philosophy, Harvard University; 1998 Nobel Laureate in Economics; Edmund S. Phelps, Director, Center on Capitalism and Society, Columbia University; 2006 Nobel Laureate in Economics; and Jeffrey D. Sachs, Director, The Earth Institute; Quetelet Professor of Sustainable Development; Professor of Health Policy and Management, Columbia University. The discussion will be followed by a question and answer session with the audience. In his book, An Uncertain Glory: India and its Contradictions (Princeton University Press), Amartya Sen and co-author Jean Drèze provide a comprehensive analysis of India's developmental history, arguing against relying only on liberalization and citing the success of large scale social programs aimed at improving healthcare, education, and utilities among the poor. On this occasion, Professors Phelps and Sachs will engage with Professor Sen on his analysis of the parallel phenomena of India's booming economy and widespread poverty, as well as the global implications concerning environmental sustainability.
Topic:
Development, Economics, Education, Poverty, and Health Care Policy

763. Mauritania and Newly Emerging Economies in Africa Turkey and China

Author:
Fouad Farhaoui
Publication Date:
01-2013
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
International Strategic Research Organization (USAK)
Abstract:
Pre and post-independence policies have yielded volatile problems for African States. North African states, in particular, have seen disintegration between their Arab, Berber, and Black ethnic groups.
Topic:
Security, Foreign Policy, Defense Policy, Development, Economics, and Bilateral Relations
Political Geography:
Africa, China, Turkey, and Arabia

764. South Korea: Responding to the North Korean threat

Author:
Bruce E. Bechtol
Publication Date:
11-2013
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research
Abstract:
South Korea is in a unique position. It is an economic powerhouse and a thriving democracy that faces the most ­ominous and imminent threat on its borders of any democracy in the world. Moreover, this is a threat that continues to evolve, with increasing missile, cyber, special operations, and nuclear capabilities and a new leader who shows no signs that he will be any less ruthless or belligerent than his father. To meet this threat, Seoul has undertaken a number of efforts to better deter and defend against North Korean capabilities and provocations, including increasing the defense budget, upping training with US forces, creating new command elements, and establishing plans for preemptive strikes against imminent North Korean missile launches. However, in part because of administration changes in Seoul, the South Korean effort has been uneven. And decisions remain to be made in the areas of missile defense, tactical fighter aircraft, and command-and-control arrangements that will be significant for not only South Korea but all states that have an interest in Northeast Asia's peace and stability.
Topic:
Conflict Resolution, Security, Democratization, Development, Emerging Markets, Nuclear Weapons, Bilateral Relations, and Territorial Disputes
Political Geography:
United States, East Asia, South Korea, and North Korea

765. Falling short: How bad economic choices threaten the US-India relationship and India's rise

Author:
Aparna Mathur, Sadanand Dhume, Julissa Milligan, and Hemal Shah
Publication Date:
10-2013
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research
Abstract:
Two decades after the end of the Cold War, US–India relations stand at a crossroads. Not so long ago, many in Washington viewed the signing of the historic US–India civil nuclear deal as the advent of a dynamic partnership with the potential to transform Asia and the world. Today US–India ties are just as often characterized as unrealistic or oversold.
Topic:
Democratization, Development, Diplomacy, Emerging Markets, International Trade and Finance, Treaties and Agreements, and Bilateral Relations
Political Geography:
United States, South Asia, Washington, and India

766. The Ocean Community Report: Building an Aligned and Supportive Ocean Conservation Community

Publication Date:
12-2013
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Aspen Institute
Abstract:
There is no question within the ocean conservation community that the world's oceans are in peril and that the threat has been caused primarily by human activities. Skillful conservation leaders have stepped forward in the last three decades to respond to this great threat to the integrity of our oceans and the livelihoods of those who depend upon them.
Topic:
Climate Change, Development, Economics, Environment, and Food
Political Geography:
Europe

767. ASEAN-Canada Forum and Public Symposium 2013: Reflections on an Inclusive and Equitable ASEAN Community in 2015

Publication Date:
08-2013
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
Abstract:
The ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership Plan of Action (2010- 2015) represents the latest effort in a relationship that dates back to 1977, the year that Canada became one of the first countries to be designated a Dialogue Partner of ASEAN. According to the Plan of Action, ASEAN and Canada will 'work and consult closely in responding to regional and international challenges, and in building an ASEAN-centred regional architecture which is open and inclusive'. They will also 'promote the development of enhanced ASEAN connectivity which will help foster the building of an ASEAN Community by 2015'.
Topic:
Development, Economics, and Treaties and Agreements
Political Geography:
Canada and Asia

768. Civil Society Engagement with Political Parties During Elections: Lessons from Ghana and Sierra Leone

Author:
Francis Kwakye Oppong, Franklin Oduro, Mohammed Awal, and Emmanuel Debrah
Publication Date:
12-2013
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Oxfam Publishing
Abstract:
Oxfam commissioned the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) to conduct a study into how civil society organizations (CSOs) can effectively engage with and/or influence political parties during election campaigns. The fundamental question underlying the study was: "What conditions and contexts facilitate the most effective mechanisms to advance long-term success by CSOs in influencing the political commitments and programmes of political parties during election campaigns?? The study aimed to contribute vital knowledge on this subject, about which there was very little pre-existing documentation, particularly concerning West Africa. The study was based on CSOs? experiences from the 2012 elections in Ghana and Sierra Leone.
Topic:
Civil Society, Democratization, Development, and Mass Media
Political Geography:
West Africa, Sierra Leone, and Ghana

769. How Disasters Disrupt Development: Recommendations for the post-2015 development framework

Author:
Debbie Hillier and Katherine Nightingale
Publication Date:
12-2013
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Oxfam Publishing
Abstract:
According to the United Nations, over the past twenty years disasters from natural hazards have affected 4.4 billion people, claimed 1.3 million lives and caused $2 trillion in economic losses. For the first time, disaster losses globally have topped $100bn for three consecutive years (2010-2012), far outstripping humanitarian aid. According to Ban Ki Moon, 'Economic losses from disasters are out of control.
Topic:
Climate Change, Development, Economics, Humanitarian Aid, Natural Disasters, and Infrastructure
Political Geography:
United Nations

770. Achieving sustainable development objectives in international investment: Could future IIAs impose sustainable development-related obligations on investors?

Author:
Janani Sarvanantham and John Gaffney
Publication Date:
11-2013
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
Abstract:
A number of influential international organizations recently have issued publications that discuss the promotion of sustainable development in international investment. These organizations include the United Nations; UNCTAD; FAO, IFAD, the UNCTAD Secretariat, and the World Bank Group; the Commonwealth Secretariat; the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD); the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC); and the South African Development Community (SADC).
Topic:
Development, Economics, Emerging Markets, International Organization, Foreign Aid, and Governance
Political Geography:
United Nations