Institutions Archives

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

Is Iran building a nuclear weapon?

Wednesday, 15 February, 2012

Iran’s nuclear programme remains at the top of the international agenda. Many commentators think that Iran has not made a decision to build a nuclear weapon, but that Iran may want to be at the threshold, with the technical ability and materials to build a weapon fairly quickly if the decision were to be made.
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

Oil embargo on Iran and the threat to the Straits of Hormuz

Thursday, 19 January, 2012

EU countries are preparing to impose a new round of sanctions on Iran, to include an embargo on the import of oil. The US has also enacted new legislation which will target the Iranian central bank and make oil trading more difficult for Iran. Iran has responded with some threatening comments about closing the Straits of Hormuz, leading to a rise in the oil price. It has also signalled that it is open to re-starting talks. This note details these developments and gives some samples of recent expert commentary.
Research Briefing

Russian revolt?

Tuesday, 03 January, 2012

The election for the Russian State Duma (lower house of parliament) saw a dramatic slump in the legitimacy of Vladimir Putin’s regime. The Kremlin was widely perceived to have falsified the results but still lost many seats. This note looks at the difficulties faced by the Russian elite and some possible consequences for relations with western neighbours.
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

Convention against enforced disappearance

Wednesday, 21 December, 2011

In 2006 the UN in 2006 adopted the International Convention on the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance. It creates new obligations on states and establishes a new Committee to monitor implementation. So far only 30 states have ratified the Convention; the UK is not one of them
- Research Briefing
- International law
Research Briefing

Drone attacks and the killing of Anwar al-Awlaqi: legal issues

Tuesday, 20 December, 2011

Anwar al-Awlaqi, a dual US-Yemeni citizen described as the “leader of external operations for Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula”, was killed by a US drone attack in Yemen on 30 September 2011. Whether this was legal under international or US law is a matter of considerable debate.
Research Briefing

Control orders and the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005

Monday, 19 December, 2011

This note is intended to provide a brief summary of the key provisions of the Act and the use that the Home Secretary has made of the powers under the Act since it came into force.
Research Briefing

In Brief: The Financial Restrictions (Iran) Order 2011

Tuesday, 13 December, 2011

Comprehensive financial sanctions were imposed on Iran by Statutory Instrument 2775, The Financial Restrictions (Iran) Order 2011, to be debated on a motion to approve on 13 December 2011.
Research Briefing

Afghan reconciliation and the Bonn conference

Monday, 05 December, 2011

This note describes briefly the security situation in Afghanistan, the progress or otherwise of attempts to reconcile and reintegrate insurgents with the government and looks at the conference to be held in Bonn, marking the 10th anniversary of the conference which set up the present government.
Research Briefing

In Brief: Egyptian election 2011

Friday, 25 November, 2011

A brief run-down of the first election in Egypt since the fall of Hosni Mubarak
Research Briefing

In Brief: Syrian crisis

Friday, 25 November, 2011

A short note on the deepening Syrian crisis
Research Briefing

Morocco and the 2011 election

Wednesday, 23 November, 2011

Morocco holds an important parliamentary election on 25 November. Under constitutional reforms proposed by the King, Muhammad IV, parliament will gain significant new powers.

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