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1821. The Politics of Patents and Drugs in Brazil and Mexico: The Industrial Bases of Health Activism

Author:
Ken Shadlen
Publication Date:
12-2007
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University
Abstract:
This paper analyzes the politics of intellectual property (IP) and public health in Brazil and Mexico. Both countries introduced pharmaceutical patents in the 1990s, to comply with their international obligations. Indeed, both countries' IP systems were markedly similar in being favorable to the interests of the transnational, innovation-based pharmaceutical sector. Yet since the late 1990s the two countries have diverged in dramatic fashion. In Brazil the response to the high price of drugs and societal demands to reform the IP system has been to make obtaining private ownership over knowledge more difficult and to increase the rights of third parties to access and use knowledge. In Mexico, the response to similar demands has been to raise impediments to third parties' rights of access and use and effectively extend the periods of protection granted to patent-owners.
Topic:
Government, Health, and Science and Technology
Political Geography:
Brazil and Mexico

1822. Megaton nuclear underground tests and catastrophic events on Novaya Zemlya

Author:
Johnny Skorve
Publication Date:
01-2007
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Norwegian Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
During the first NUPI study of the Novaya Zemlya underground nuclear test site in 1991–92, much information was generated. This relates both to facilities and testing activities. One of the most important discoveries made was the enormous catastrophic rockslide caused by an underground test. In recent years, new information has become available also from Russian sources. Declassified US satellite imagery made it possible for NUPI to study in more detail the effects of the powerful underground nuclear tests on Novaya Zemlya. This report contains the most pivotal discoveries and findings during the three years of studying this arctic test site.
Topic:
Development, Nuclear Weapons, and Science and Technology
Political Geography:
Russia and United States

1823. Qualifications and Lifelong Learning

Publication Date:
04-2007
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Abstract:
Learning one set of skills at school, technical college or university is no longer enough to carry people throughout their working life. But there is one basic skill that is becoming increasingly important in today's fast-changing technological universe: being able to learn and adapt to the new skills and training that will be required. But learning to learn is not enough; people also need to be sure that they acquire new skills during their careers as efficiently as possible – and that means ensuring that qualifications systems give them credit for the experience and knowledge they have gained, whether in the classroom, in the workplace or elsewhere.
Topic:
Civil Society, Demographics, Education, and Science and Technology

1824. Korea: Progress in Implementing Regulatory Reform

Publication Date:
03-2007
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Abstract:
Regulatory reform is a priority in the effort to promote sustainable economic growth, complementing sound macroeconomic policies. It can help shift economic activity to higher value-added production and services, encourage the use of appropriate and new technology and make national economies more resilient to economic shocks. Regulatory reform is a very important asset as countries move forward in the process of globalisation.
Topic:
Development, Economics, Globalization, and Science and Technology
Political Geography:
Korea

1825. Ammunition Technical Assessment of Montenegro and Disposal of Heavy Weapon System

Publication Date:
03-2007
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
South Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons
Abstract:
The Government of Montenegro has demonstrated a firm commitment to resolve their conventional ammunition problems, but lack the resources to do so. Therefore they requested assistance from UNDP Podgorica for an assessment of the ammunition stockpile management and demilitarization situation within Montenegro. As a result of this request, SEESAC undertook an Ammunition Technical Assessment (ATA), (in partnership with an independent consultant), of Montenegro during January and February 2007, and the results will be briefed to interested stakeholders at the EUCOM South East European Clearinghouse Working Group meeting in Podgorica on 14 March 2007. The Government of Montenegro will then determine 'next steps'
Topic:
Arms Control and Proliferation, Development, and Science and Technology
Political Geography:
Europe

1826. Weapons Registration and Stockpile Management Software

Publication Date:
05-2007
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
South Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons
Abstract:
In May 2007 the Weapons Registration and Stockpile Management (WRSM) software application became fully operational in the Macedonian Ministry of Interior. The WRSM software is a complete solution for registration and licensing of all types of civilian weapons and their stockpile management. The software architecture contains two components: a core block containing the main processes and a customizable part to reflect the national legislation. This allows for the deployment of the software in many countries after customizing it to relevant legislation.
Topic:
Arms Control and Proliferation, Development, Government, and Science and Technology

1827. Internet Freedom in the Middle East: Challenges for U.S. Policy

Author:
Andrew Exum
Publication Date:
02-2007
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Abstract:
On February 22, Egyptian blogger Abdul Karim Suleiman was sentenced to four years in prison for messages posted on his personal website. Suleiman, who blogs under the name Kareem Amer, was a student at Cairo's al-Azhar University when he posted comments deemed by Egyptian authorities as blaspheming Islam, inciting sedition, and insulting President Hosni Mubarak. For the first two offenses, he drew three years' imprisonment; for the third, an additional year. Among other things, Suleiman posted comments harshly critical of Muslims in his native Alexandria during their violent 2005 clashes with Coptic Christians. He also labeled his conservative religious university "the university of terrorism" and called Mubarak a "dictator."
Topic:
Civil Society and Science and Technology
Political Geography:
United States, Middle East, North Africa, and Egypt

1828. Chinese missile technology control-regime or no regime?

Author:
Niels Aadal Rasmussen
Publication Date:
02-2007
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies
Abstract:
Since China has an interest in delivery systems of Weapons of Mass Destruction, and the main strategic capability available to the country is missile technology, China has a range of ballistic and cruise missile capabilities. China's technology export or proliferation of ballistic missile technology is of particular and serious concern. China has not joined the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), but has applied for membership and pledged to abide by its main control mechanisms. The Brief concludes that it seems unhelpful to deny China's accession to the MTCR on the grounds of inadequate missile export control, in stead of seeking ways to bring China's missile technology export control policy and infrastructure to the acceptable level. The MTCR in the present international situation appears increasingly less dependent on exclusively bringing likeminded countries inside the regime and more on inclusiveness.
Topic:
Defense Policy, International Political Economy, Science and Technology, and Weapons of Mass Destruction
Political Geography:
China

1829. Cyber Attack: Risk Management Primer for CEOs

Publication Date:
12-2007
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Atlantic Council
Abstract:
Today's businesses rely increasingly on corporate IT networks and their connection with the global Internet as the backbone of their sales, sourcing, operating, and financial systems. However, the convenience of global connectivity comes at a cost-the vulnerability of network infrastructures and systems to the malicious actions of cyber criminals and espionage agencies. Yet few CEOs or managing directors are prepared to lead their companies against these dangers. Too often CEOs and directors fail to understand the level of potential risk and liability, and cede responsibility for dealing with cyber attacks to their IT department. Instead, leaders of corporations, nongovernmental and not-for-profit organizations, and public sector agencies in the 21st century must know enough to at least ask the right questions of their chief information officer.
Topic:
Security, Globalization, International Trade and Finance, and Science and Technology

1830. Understanding the Iranian Nuclear Equation

Author:
Jason J. Blackstock and Manjana Milkoreit
Publication Date:
05-2007
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Public and International Affairs (JPIA)
Institution:
School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA), Princeton University
Abstract:
Since mid-2005, the Iranian regime has embarked on a course of aggressive and public brinksmanship regarding its domestic nuclear program. This article explores this new Iranian behavior by first elucidating the range of strategic variables comprising the Iranian nuclear equation and then evaluating how recent evolutions in the international and domestic environments have altered the influence of the equation’s different variables. The analysis demonstrates that Iran’s recent brinksmanship gambit was driven largely by the regime’s desire to use the nuclear issue to garner domestic public support, and was enabled by the growing perceived inability of the international community to enact effective coercive measures against Iran. The article culminates with a recommendation that U.S. and EU policymakers seriously evaluate the hitherto dismissed alternative of accepting nuclear fuel cycle facilities on Iranian soil under the control of a multinational or international consortium. Emphasis is placed on the importance of considering such alternatives before Iran achieves nuclear technological independence.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Nuclear Weapons, Science and Technology, and Domestic Policy
Political Geography:
Iran and Middle East