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871. Do Trade Deals Encourage Environmental Cooperation?

Author:
Jean-Frédéric Morin, Vera Chaudhuri, and Mathilde Gauquelin
Publication Date:
06-2018
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
German Development Institute (DIE)
Abstract:
Trade agreements have mixed effects on the environment. On the one hand, trade generates additional pollution by raising production levels. Trade rules can also restrict the capacity of governments to adopt environmental regulations. On the other hand, trade agreements can favour the diffusion of green technologies, make production more efficient and foster environmental cooperation. Whether the overall effect is positive or negative partly depends on the content of the trade agreement itself. Recent studies have found that trade agreements with detailed environmental provisions, in contrast to agreements without such provisions, are associated with reduced levels of CO2 emission and suspended particulate matter (Baghdadi et al., 2013; Zhou, 2017). It remains unclear, however, which specific provisions have a positive environmental impact and how they are actually implemented.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

872. From Damage Control to Sustainable Development: European Development Policy under the Next EU Budget

Author:
Svea Koch, Niels Keijzer, Christine Hackenesch, and Julian Bergmann
Publication Date:
06-2018
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
German Development Institute (DIE)
Abstract:
The EU is one of the leading global players in international development, trade, peace and security. Therefore, a key part of the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) is the one reserved for action beyond EU’s borders. This budget heading is called ‘Global Europe’ (also referred to as Heading IV). Under the current budget for the period of 2014 to 2020, including the inter-governmental European Development Fund (EDF), over 90 billion euros are available for the EU’s external action. The lion’s share of this is reserved for development cooperation. In previous years, the EU has dealt with new challenges in external action mostly by creating specific initiatives and new financial instruments. At the start of the negotiations on the next MFF, Heading IV thus appears to be rather complex and fragmented compared to other headings.
Topic:
International Affairs and International Development
Political Geography:
Global Focus

873. A European Peace Facility Could Make a Pragmatic Contribution to Peacebuilding around the World

Author:
Mark Furness and Julian Bergmann
Publication Date:
06-2018
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
German Development Institute (DIE)
Abstract:
The question of how the EU should finance peacebuilding in developing countries has challenged policy-makers and pundits for many years. At one level this is a technical and legal issue of budget lines and financing rules. It nevertheless touches on the much deeper political and even moral issues of whether the EU should use development aid to finance security provision, how best the EU can respond to the legitimate needs of partners in conflict-affected countries and what kind of civil and/or military engagements the EU can support as part of its external relations. The question has come to resemble the proverbial can being kicked along the road by successive European Commissioners, Council working groups and parliamentary committees. It has come to a head again because intra-EU negotiations for the next Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027 are starting in earnest. This time, a sensible proposal is on the table which can potentially provide a pragmatic and workable solution, at least for a while.
Topic:
International Security and International Affairs
Political Geography:
Europe

874. How to Identify National Dimensions of Poverty? The Constitutional Approach

Author:
Francesco Burchi
Publication Date:
06-2018
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
German Development Institute (DIE)
Abstract:
With the signing of the 2030 Agenda, the international community has committed to ending poverty in all its forms. This first Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) recognises poverty as a multidimensional phenomenon that goes beyond the simple lack of a sufficient amount of income. However, the way the SDG 1 and, in particular, Target 1.2 – “reduce … poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions” – are formulated poses challenges for its operationalisation. Which specific dimensions of poverty should a country focus on? How can we identify them? Is it possible to agree on a universal set of dimensions with which to compare poverty across several countries?
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

875. From Urban Fragility to Urban Stability

Author:
Stephen Commins
Publication Date:
06-2018
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Africa Center for Strategic Studies
Abstract:
The growing share of Africa’s urban residents living in slums is creating a further source of fragility. In response, some cities are implementing integrated urban development strategies that link local government, police, the private sector, and youth to strengthen social cohesion and enhance stability.
Topic:
International Affairs, Urbanization, and Political stability
Political Geography:
Africa

876. The Maghreb’s Fragile Edges

Author:
Anouar Boukhars
Publication Date:
03-2018
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Africa Center for Strategic Studies
Abstract:
Persistent economic and social disparities between urban centers and outlying communities present an ongoing source of instability for countries in the Maghreb.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Maghreb

877. A Tale of Three Headlines

Author:
David Boaz
Publication Date:
08-2018
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Cato Institute
Abstract:
Democrats accuse President Trump of abuse of executive power and “thinking he is a dictator.” But then, Republicans made similar charges about President Obama. They all have a point. At least since the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt, there has been a flow of power from civil society to government, from the states to the federal government, and from Congress to the executive branch. But a recent newspaper headline reminded me of some other headlines that tell a story.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
America

878. Repeal, Don’t Replace, the AUMF

Author:
Gene Healy
Publication Date:
08-2018
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Cato Institute
Abstract:
For the past 17 years, presidents have used the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) as a blank check to wage war whenever and wherever they please. Congress is now debating several replacement AUMFs—but these, too, pose the danger of granting the president far broader war powers than the Constitution envisioned. At a Capitol Hill Briefing, Cato’s GENE HEALY and JOHNGLASER made the case for repealing, rather than replacing, the AUMF.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
America

879. Four ways in which the Syrian regime controls refugee return

Author:
Samar Batrawi and Ana Uzelac
Publication Date:
09-2018
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Clingendael Netherlands Institute of International Relations
Abstract:
Syrian society is more socially, politically and geographically fragmented than ever before. None of the social problems that caused the 2011 protests have been resolved. Nevertheless, during recent months the Syrian regime has been trying to foster the image that Syria is entering a post-war phase in which a unified and stable Syria can flourish under President Bashar al-Assad. The fact that more than half of the country’s pre-war population is living in exile and has no part in this new social contract of sorts is conveniently omitted from the image presented of this ‘new’ Syria. These refugees will likely continue to live in precarious conditions, with few prospects for safe and voluntary return.
Topic:
Conflict Resolution and International Security
Political Geography:
Syria

880. European strategic autonomy: Going it alone?

Author:
Margriet Drent
Publication Date:
08-2018
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Clingendael Netherlands Institute of International Relations
Abstract:
With the boost that has been given to the EU’s defence policy, some of the St. Malo reflexes have reoccurred in Washington. Mostly, there are some misgivings in the United States about the exact meaning of ‘European strategic autonomy’, as it featured in the 2016 EU Global Strategy. But also in Europe, it is not clear what strategic autonomy means. In light of the increasing uncertainty among the EU and European NATO-members about the solidity of the American security guarantees, strategic autonomy gains a new quality. If Europe were forced ‘to go it alone’, what would that take, both in terms of conventional and nuclear capabilities?
Topic:
International Affairs and Geopolitics
Political Geography:
Europe