Jon Lunn Archives

Research Briefing

Madagascar’s political crisis

Tuesday, 01 May, 2012

The continuing political crisis in Madagascar began when Andre Rajoelina successfully ousted the incumbent President, Marc Ravalomana, in March 2009 and installed himself instead, albeit formally as a transitional leader pending elections. The international community considers Rajoelina illegitimate. Regional mediation efforts to return Madagascar to 'constitutional rule' led to a peace deal in September 2011, but implementation remains fraught and the danger reamains that the process could collapse.
Research Briefing

Sudan and South Sudan: All-out war?

Friday, 27 April, 2012

On 9 July 2011, South Sudan formally seceded from Sudan. But many issues remain unresolved and there has been an upsurge in conflict since then in Abyei, Blue Nile and South Kordofan - known as the 'Three Areas'. This note surveys the many challenges still facing the 'two Sudans'.
Research Briefing

The Chagos Islanders

Friday, 20 April, 2012

This note provides brief background about the situation of the Chagos Islanders, paying particular attention to the legal dispute over whether they have the right of return and the recent establishment of a Marine Protection Area around the British Indian Ocean Territory (with the exception of Diego Garcia). The note is not comprehensive in its coverage and will not be automatically updated.
Research Briefing

Chad: A political and security digest

Thursday, 12 April, 2012

This note provides a quick guide to political and security issues currently affecting Chad -a country that at the moment may seem superficially stable, but one for which the norm over the past half century has been a condition of permanent emergency
Research Briefing

In brief: Burma – the beginning of a new era?

Wednesday, 04 April, 2012

Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy achieved a stunning victory in recent by-elections, leading some to argue that Burma's democratic transition is no sham after all. This note briefly surveys the debate about what has been achieved so far, what remains to be done and whether the time has come to scrap Western sanctions.
Research Briefing

Does Somali piracy have any ‘developmental effects’?

Tuesday, 28 February, 2012

There has been growing debate about where the spoils of Somali piracy have been going. How far are they helping to support the Islamist terrorist group al-Shabaab? Is some of the money going into the pockets of local politicians and businessmen with links to the pirates? Could a surprisingly large portion of the spoils be percolating through to ordinary Somalis? This note briefly surveys recent debates on the last two of these questions.
Research Briefing

Somalia: recent political, security and humanitarian developments

Tuesday, 28 February, 2012

This note surveys the military set-backs experienced by al-Shabaab since the beginning of 2011, the motives behind the current Kenyan incursion into southern Somalia, recent international efforts to promote a viable political process on the ground and the continuing food crisis in the country.
Research Briefing

In brief: Pakistan’s multiple crises

Monday, 30 January, 2012

This note briefly surveys the current crisis in civil-military relations in Pakistan, which is symbolised by the 'memogate' scandal. With the Supreme Court also hearing a charge of contempt of court against Prime Minister Gilani, the government's position looks precarious. While a military coup is possible, early elections are more likely.
Research Briefing

North Korea’s dynastic succession

Tuesday, 03 January, 2012

This note briefly surveys the final month's of Kim Jong-Il's rule in North Korea and, following his death on 17 December 2011, the rise of his youngest son, Kim Jong-Un, to power.
Research Briefing

Southeast Asia: A political and economic introduction

Wednesday, 14 December, 2011

This paper provides a broad introduction to Southeast Asia. It offers key facts and figures about the region, followed by country studies of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. It then looks more analytically at two key issues for the region: democratisation and Islamist terrorism. It ends with a select bibliography.
Research Briefing

In brief: elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Friday, 07 October, 2011

This note reviews the prospects for the presidential and parliamentary elections which are due to be held in the Democratic Republic of Congo on 25 November 2011
Research Briefing

Issues facing LGBT people in sub-Saharan Africa: suggested reading

Friday, 29 July, 2011

This bibliographical note gathers together a selection of press articles and official and civil society sources of information about the issues facing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people in sub-Saharan Africa today.
Research Briefing

Equatorial Guinea: a quick introduction

Friday, 24 June, 2011

Equatorial Guinea is often cited as a classic example of the ‘resource curse’ which can strike poor countries with weak formal institutions when oil is discovered. This note provides a brief introduction to Equatorial Guinea, including UK and EU relations with the country.
Research Briefing

In brief: Burma’s ‘discipline-flourishing democracy’

Wednesday, 01 June, 2011

This note reviews developments in Burma since the November 2010 elections.
Research Briefing

In brief: Pakistan – probable disintegration or underlying resilience?

Wednesday, 11 May, 2011

Drawing on two recent studies of the country, this note briefly discusses two ways of understanding the trajectory and character of Pakistan

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