http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/rss/11 This feed contains all new content on the Chatham House website related to International Economics. http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/471/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/471/ A new paper by Chatham House says that the once-in-a-century economic meltdown means that OECD countries' simultaneous collapse in consumer and business spending will get worse and more extraordinary 'out of the box' measures may still be needed before the situation turns around. The paper, Synchronized Dive Into Recession: Focus on Damage Limitation, by Vanessa Rossi, Senior Research Fellow, International Economics Programme, also analyzes China's increasingly important role as the single largest contibutor to economic growth. Summary Points The global financial system has suffered a once-in-a-century meltdown that almost brought the world economy to a halt in late September. Confidence and trust have been shattered. In spite of concerted and extraordinary efforts on the part of central banks and political leaders, including recapitalizing the banks, it is not yet certain that the waves of panic and destruction have been halted. Many of the repercussions have yet to emerge, including possible legal action as well as economic damage. Even before this latest explosion, the leading OECD economies were plunging into an unusually synchronized recession, driven by the simultaneous collapse in consumer and business spending. This will now get worse. Will a severe OECD recession engulf the rest of the world? Up to mid-2008, the emerging markets remained strong - 'decoupling' did work. Now the crisis has deepened, no region will remain immune to shock waves. This time round, the outcome for China will be much more important because it has doubled its share of world GDP over the last decade and is now the single largest contributor to global growth. China will fight to avoid recession, but can it win? If it can keep up growth, bolstered by its enormous pool of savings pent up in the banking system, this will provide important sustenance for the global economy. Without doubt, this crisis will require substantial, persistent and coordinated global efforts to turn around - possibly including yet more extraordinary 'out of the box' measures. The US and EU are now getting to grips with the immensity of the task. The message has become 'whatever it takes' to halt further widespread destruction. Note to Editors Read Synchronized Dive Into Recession: Focus on Damage Limitation Vanessa Rossi is Senior Research Fellow, International Economics Programme, Chatham House. Contact Nicola Norton Media Relations Manager ++ (0) 20 7957 5739 ENDS Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:13:40 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/669/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/669/ The global financial system has suffered a once-in-a-century meltdown that almost brought the world economy to a halt in late September. Confidence and trust have been shattered. In spite of concerted and extraordinary efforts on the part of central banks and political leaders, including recapitalizing the banks, it is not yet certain that the waves of panic and destruction have been halted. Many of the repercussions have yet to emerge, including possible legal action as well as economic damage. Even before this latest explosion, the leading OECD economies were plunging into an unusually synchronized recession, driven by the simultaneous collapse in consumer and business spending. This will now get worse. Will a severe OECD recession engulf the rest of the world? Up to mid-2008, the emerging markets remained strong - 'decoupling' did work. Now the crisis has deepened, no region will remain immune to shock waves. This time round, the outcome for China will be much more important because it has doubled its share of world GDP over the last decade and is now the single largest contributor to global growth. China will fight to avoid recession, but can it win? If it can keep up growth, bolstered by its enormous pool of savings pent up in the banking system, this will provide important sustenance for the global economy. Without doubt, this crisis will require substantial, persistent and coordinated global efforts to turn around - possibly including yet more extraordinary 'out of the box' measures. The US and EU are now getting to grips with the immensity of the task. The message has become 'whatever it takes' to halt further widespread destruction. Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:44:04 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2312/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2312/ Meme theory has been attracting much attention in recent years. Pioneered by Richard Dawkins and Daniel Dennett it suggests that there are self-replicating units of culture analogous to genes. Like genes these 'memes' seek to copy themselves as widely as possible. One of them may be war. Memetics remains in its infancy but the truly sobering aspect is that 'fitness of purpose' for a meme may have little to do with the biological fitness of the people who are 'programmed' by it; it simply evolves because it is advantageous for itself. Memes also persist because they flourish in the presence of other memes (such as religion) in what Dawkins calls 'memeplexes'. One of the most persistent memes is honour, and another is revenge for dishonour imagined or real. War is a powerful medium for both. Even if meme theory never catches on it encourages us to think about war more creatively. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:19:24 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/470/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/470/ The current financial crisis should come as no surprise, writes Dr Paola Subacchi in this month's The World Today. As early as 2004 structural cracks became apparent and now the stability of the international financial system is at stake. The ultimate goal is to prevent a systemic crisis but it is not clear who should take the lead. Also in this month's issue: Martin Plaut, Africa Editor of the BBC World Service, examines the crisis facing South Africa following the removal of President Thabo Mbeki from office. He concludes that what is at stake is the question of whether the judiciary is above political interference. Romilly Gregory of Oxfam explains how cheap mobile phone devices and mobile internet services are fast-becoming critical tools in helping a billion people around the world. Other articles look at Russia and Georgia and the international arms trade. More about The World Today >> Full list of contents: Financial Crisis: Panic, Blame and Crash Avoidance Paola Subacchi Economic Crisis: Down They Fall Vanessa Rossi Russia and Georgia: A Dangerous GameJames Sherr Moscow's Domestic Policy: Russian Roulette Lilia Shevtsova Georgia, Russia and Energy: Going for Gas John Roberts Two-Tier NATO: Alliance DividedTimo Noetzel and Benjamin Schreer Food Reserves: Just One Failed Harvest...Daryll E Ray and Harwood D Schaffer Mobile Phones: Dialling Change Romilly Gregory South African Judicary: Threat to JusticeMartin Plaut South Africa's Leadership: Uncertain Future James Hamill International Arms Trade Treaty: Gun Control Paul Cornish Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:56:19 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/461/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/461/ The collapse of World Trade Organization talks in July this year is a severe - perhaps fatal - setback for the Doha world trade round. Restoring momentum will be an arduous task as the breakdown is due to more than just differences between members, but is indicative of the deep institutional problems in the WTO. This is the conclusion of a Chatham House Report, After the Doha Débâcle: What Next for the Global Trade System? The report highlights the problems facing any future talks and suggests alternatives to trade rounds. Summary: The troubled history of the Doha trade talks, which suffered their latest breakdown in July 2008, is due to more than differences between members' negotiating positions. It is a symptom of deeper institutional problems in the WTO, as it struggles to adjust to global economic change. At stake are not only prospects for a further push to open world markets, but the primacy of the WTO as the maker and enforcer of the multilateral rules that underpin the international economic order. Although reforms of WTO procedures may be desirable, they will not be enough to restore momentum. WTO members need also to develop a new model of leadership, define a clearer mission for the organization and pursue domestic policies that buttress its role. It is unclear whether governments possess the political energy or commitment required to undertake that effort. But continued drift risks weakening the organization and could, in the longer term, undermine the integrity of the rules-based trade system. In the conclusion, Guy de Jonquières, author of the paper, notes that Brazil has already said it is considering challenging the legality of US and EU farm subsidies in the WTO, which could potentially prompt retaliatory legal action on other issues. This could lead to further breakdowns in the Doha talks, alternatively threats to the integrity of the WTO could push members into tackling the challenges facing the WTO. Notes to Editors: Read After the Doha Débâcle: What Next for the Global Trade System? Guy de Jonquières is a senior research fellow with the International Economics Programme at Chatham House. For media enquiries please contact: Nicola Norton, Media Relations Manager Direct: +44 (0)20 7957 5739 Mobile: +44 (0)7917 757 528 Email Nicola Norton Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:07:09 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/916/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/916/ 11:30, 25th September 2008 - Recent trends in the global economy have certainly confounded the pessimists, especially those who argued from the onset of the US slowdown in late 2005 that this weakening would deliver a rapid blow to Asian trade prospects and world growth. The developing world has enjoyed at least five years of buoyant growth, putting emerging markets into the global driving seat: China already contributes more to global GDP growth than the US, and the emerging market world is contributing more than the major developed countries combined. This trend is likely to develop in the coming decade even if the emergers slow down over the next year. But does this prove the case for 'decoupling' or not? This is not such a simple question as it may seem. This event is strictly by invitation only. Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:07:49 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/conferences/view/-/id/139/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/conferences/view/-/id/139/ 23:00, 26th April 2009 - The Chatham House City Series Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:07:49 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/conferences/view/-/id/138/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/conferences/view/-/id/138/ 23:00, 15th June 2009 - The Chatham House City Series Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:35:33 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/conferences/view/-/id/137/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/conferences/view/-/id/137/ 23:00, 29th March 2009 - Corporate Responsibility 2009 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:00:25 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/conferences/view/-/id/133/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/conferences/view/-/id/133/ 00:00, 19th February 2009 - Defence and Security 2009 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:52:23 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/654/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/654/ The troubled history of the Doha trade talks, which suffered their latest breakdown in July 2008, is due to more than differences between members' negotiating positions. It is a symptom of deeper institutional problems in the WTO, as it struggles to adjust to global economic change. At stake are not only prospects for a further push to open world markets, but the primacy of the WTO as the maker and enforcer of the multilateral rules that underpin the international economic order. Although reforms of WTO procedures may be desirable, they will not be enough to restore momentum. WTO members need also to develop a new model of leadership, define a clearer mission for the organization and pursue domestic policies that buttress its role. It is unclear whether governments possess the political energy or commitment required to undertake that effort. But continued drift risks weakening the organization and could, in the longer term, undermine the integrity of the rules-based trade system. Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:43:59 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/910/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/910/ 09:00, 17th September 2008 - In the light of growing Chinese investment in Europe, this workshop aims to bring together market practitioners and researchers to explore how far the EU economy is benefiting from, or being buffeted by, the current rise in Chinese FDI. How is Chinese investment in Europe impacting on Europe's economy, companies and markets, and how should policy-makers respond? This research workshop will explore various topics including an overview of Chinese firms' rise in Europe, the decision-making process of Chinese investment in Europe and the mapping of Chinese FDI in Italy. The workshop will be chaired by Paola Subacchi, Research Director, International Economics, Chatham House. This event is by invitation only. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:03:04 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/900/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/900/ 23:00, 17th September 2008 - Please note this event is strictly by invitation only. This event will launch a Chatham House Commission Report, A British Agenda for Europe. The report addresses some of the key policy challenges facing Britain in the next couple of decades, and considers the part the European Union has to play in tackling them. Commission Chair Sir Stephen Wall and other Commission Members will introduce the key findings and recommendations of the report. There will then be opportunity for an in-depth discussion of these issues and to question the Commission members. During 2007-08 Chatham House convened a Commission on Europe after Fifty: Policy Implications for Britain, whose members would bring to the study a combination of different areas of individual expertise and experience on the European Union, including economics, energy, security and foreign policy. The majority of the Commission members are British, however, non-British perspectives were also included in the Commission in order to encourage a more rounded discussion of British policy options and how they might be received in other European capitals. More about the work of the Commission. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:11:07 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/459/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/459/ As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights approaches its sixtieth anniversary, this month's The World Today looks at the status of human rights worldwide. Louise Arbour, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights 2004-8, writes that while there may be much to celebrate, the goal of making human rights truly universal is far from being achieved. Profound and deepening divisions between rich and poor, a security environment that exposes minorities to additional risks, and an expanded UN membership, have all amplified and exacerbated cultural, religious and political divisions especially on issues such as human rights. Against this background of shifting interests and values, in the name of which, all too often, discrimination is perpetrated, international human rights law provides the best, most reliable and fairest guide for managing and protecting multiple identities. The task now is not only to prompt states to give real effect to human rights but also to create a constituency for the middle ground where different national and regional interests, concerns and experiences can meet, be reconciled and directed to honour the purpose of the Universal Declaration. This will ensure future generations are better equipped to uphold the Declaration's universal principles. Read article. More about The World Today >> Full list of contents: Human Rights Anniversary: Without Want or Fear Louise Arbour China and Human Rights: Power to the People Kerry Brown Rights in Africa: Why Africa? Bonita C. Meyersfield Children's Rights: Young and Vulnerable Mary Buckley Islam and Human Rights: In the Name of Islam Maha Azzam United States and Human Rights: Ending Lapse into Lawlessness Kenneth Roth US Presidential Election: Choice or Echo? Robert Singh UN and EU Terrorist Blacklists: I've Got a Little List Monika Heupel Book Review: Punishing the Wicked David Bentley Ukraine and NATO: Destination Unknown James Sherr Angola Elections: Back to Ballots Indira Campos Politically-Capped Reserves: Let the Oil Flow? Daniel Litvin Securing Electricty: Blackout Bill Durodié Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:37:15 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/458/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/458/ In this issue of International Afffairs, Thomas Hegghammer traces the history of the Saudi jihadist movement. Based on primary sources and extensive fieldwork in the Kingdom, the article argues that jihadism in Saudi Arabia differs from jihadism in the Arab republics as it's driven primarily by extreme pan-Islamism and not socio-revolutionary ideology. The article also traces the outbreak - and failure - of the 2003 terrorist campaign by 'Al-Qaeda on the Arabian Peninsula' (QAP). This campaign was made possible by the presence in 2002 of a critical mass of returnees from Afghanistan, a clever two-track strategy by Al-Qaeda, and systemic weaknesses in the Saudi security apparatus. The near-absence of violence in the Kingdom before 2003 was due to Al-Qaeda's weak infrastructure in the early 1990s and bin Laden's 1998 decision to suspend operations to preserve local networks. Now, the Saudi regime is more stable and self-confident - and therefore less inclined to democratic reform -than it has been in many years. Read article. Full list of contents: The Responsibility to Protect and the Problem of Military Intervention Alex J Bellamy Righting the Course? Humanitarian Intervention, the 'War on Terror' and the Future of Afghanistan Fatima Ayub and Sari Kouvo The Vienna Negotiations on the Final Status of Kosovo Marc Weller Iran Under Ahmadinejad: Populism and its Malcontents Ali Ansari Islamist Violence and Regime Stability in Saudi Arabia Thomas Hegghammer 'An Enemy at the Gates' or 'From Victory to Victory'? Russian Foreign Policy Andrew Monaghan Security and Democracy: The ASEAN Charter and the Dilemmas of Regionalism in South-East Asia David Martin Jones Using Negotiation to Promote Legitimacy: An Assessment of Proposals for Reforming the WTO Cecilia Albin The Dynamics of British Military Transformation Theo Farrell The End of Impunity? Lessons from Sierra Leone Gillian Wigglesworth Book Reviews Other Books Received Index of Books Reviewed Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:21:50 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/639/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/639/ When Europe's Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) became effective nearly a decade ago, the euro was seen as having the potential to be the second pillar of the international monetary system. It was expected to share leadership in monetary affairs with the United States. Ten years later, however, the story looks quite different. Although the euro has firmly established itself as an international currency, the degree of change has been considerably less than expected. Europe's joint money remains at a distinct disadvantage in relation to America's greenback, limiting the role it can play in global monetary governance. The euro is not yet ready for 'prime time' and can at best play only a subordinate role to the dollar in the global system. This can be described as a one-and-a-half currency system - certainly not a two-pillar world. The problem lies in the governance structure of EMU. Because the euro is a currency without a country, based on an inter-state agreement, participating members find it difficult to speak with a single voice. The solution lies in a reform of EMU's governing rules and institutions that would put greater emphasis on the euro's external dimension. On the one hand this calls for more proactive management of the currency's exchange rate by the European Central Bank (ECB), together with an explicit commitment by the Eurogroup -the euro zone's informal committee of finance ministers - to undertake effective coordination of national fiscal policies. On the other hand it means designating a single representative of EMU with real authority to speak on behalf of members in international councils. Unless the euro zone can learn how to project power more successfully than it has until now, dual leadership of monetary affairs at the global level will remain out of reach. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:43:10 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/637/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/637/ In an important shift, inspired partly by drift in the Doha Round negotiations, the EU announced in 2006 that it would seek new free trade area arrangements with fast-growing economies, particularly in Asia. The plan, which ended a moratorium on the launch of bilateral trade talks, in place since 1996, was billed explicitly as a contribution to the EU's own growth and jobs strategy as well as a market-opening exercise. However, the policy has so far been no more effective than multilateral negotiations in producing concrete results. Negotiations with South Korea and ASEAN have made only slow progress, while the state of talks with India remains unclear. The EU spent most of 2007 renegotiating long-standing agreements with African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries in an effort to satisfy WTO rules. Meanwhile, the EU's partnership agreements with China and Russia have expired, and appropriate successor arrangements are still being sought. In both cases, a number of important bilateral problems and strains will need to be dealt with. With its various trade negotiations treading water, the EU may need to review its options. One could be a more aggressive pursuit of market access, modelled on the US approach. Alternatively, the EU's traditional preference for multilateral engagement may reassert itself. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:36:45 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/456/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/456/ As President Sarkozy prepares to reinvigorate the regional arrangement between the EU and the Mediterranean - the Barcelona Process - Claire Spencer argues in Europe and the Mediterranean: Eyeing Other Shores, that the project is flawed having failed 'to escape its underlying logic: that it is a European initiative'. As such, the process has been designed to meet Europe's own regional objectives rather than foster cooperation and integration. It is not clear why there is a need for another regional Mediterranean Partnership. The slow results of existing efforts suggest the current framework could be part of the problem as much as the solution. And yet, President Sarkozy has gone to great lengths in promoting his new framework for regional cooperation, soon to be adopted by the EU. With France leading the union's initial launch and project selection, there are grave suspicions that it will be used to advance French commercial interests under an EU umbrella. To survive, the scheme must be flexible and new mechanisms will be needed to overcome the deficiencies of the Barcelona Process itself, as well as its new addition. It must be visible through the direct engagement of those most immediately motivated by shared interests on both sides of the Mediterranean. More about The World Today >> Full list of contents: European Union Treaty: Trust the PeopleRobin Shepherd Ireland No Vote: Ways Out of the Irish Puzzle Thomas Legge Europe and the Mediterranean: Eyeing Other Shores Claire Spencer South Africa: Fundamental Failures Merle Lipton Book Review: Good for Government Alex Vines Small Arms: Gun Control Eric Berman The Gulf in the G8 Agenda: Top Table Time? Vanessa Rossi and Ruth Davis Saudi Arabia's Foreign Policy: Discreet Persuasion Neil Partrick Energy for Asia: Chasing Pipe Dreams Elizabeth Mills Burma after the Cyclone: Making a Disaster Out of a Cyclone Ashley South Analysing North Korea: Big Wheel Turning Rudiger Frank Profile - Sir Richard Dearlove: Overestimating Al Qaeda?Sean Armstrong Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:44:40 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/455/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/455/ A new report from Chatham House examines the prospects for the GCC (Gulf) states' economies and the potential development of the region as a Global Financial Centre (GFC) over the next decade. 'The Gulf as a Global Financial Centre: Growing Opportunities and International Influence' concludes that the Gulf's global economic status is impressive, underpinning significant growth in the financial sector and potentially the rise of the GCC as a top rank global financial centre. In principle, the GCC could overtake both Australia and a weakened Japan in the IFC rankings over the next decade. Economic growth and wealth creation will continue to provide the big punch behind the GCC 'brand' - regional GDP will comfortably exceed the $1 trillion mark in 2008, moving the GCC further up the top 10 in terms global GDP rankings. However, appropriate recognition of this status is needed in order to support the GCC's aspirations in global finance: remarkably for economies of such high standing, they are typically still treated as 'developing countries' in spite of GDP/capita being well above emerging market levels, even excluding the energy sector. None of these countries has joined the OECD and there is notably no representation at the world's top table, the G8 summits. However, the continued development of the region's economic and financial power suggests an urgent need for the GCC's position to be reviewed by all parties and new channels of communications, discussion and influence to be opened up. This review should also acknowledge the importance of Gulf finance and the aspirations for development of the region's financial sectors. The GCC is well positioned to act as a key hub in global financial markets, serving the wider Asia-MENA region. To enable the GCC to leverage its position, an important development would be the creation of a larger, deeper debt market, whether based on Western-style bonds or the Sharia model, building on the region's strength in Islamic finance. This implies a radical departure for the GCC in terms of the role played by government debt and project finance, its potential in promulgating local market activity and broadening the base of the financial sector. If successful, this move could open up a much larger role for the GCC in global debt markets, especially across the Middle East and Asia. This would provide a massive 'hinterland' within which the GCC's financial sector could expand and fulfil the target of becoming a GFC. It would also help the global community to meet the task of coping with the surge in "new wealth", reducing global asset imbalances. GCC cooperation will be essential in achieving these goals and a positive step in this direction is the recently confirmed plan to set up a common Monetary Council by next year, another step towards a common currency. Notes to Editors: 'The Gulf as a Global Financial Centre: Growing Opportunities and International Influence' is published by Chatham House at 14:00 on Thursday 26 June 2008. The author is Vanessa Rossi, Senior Research Fellow, Chatham House. Chatham House undertook this study in conjunction with the leading financial centres in the Gulf region, namely Bahrain, Dubai and Qatar. The project forms part of the cooperation effort across these centres and reflects their joint efforts to foster further progress in the area of finance and development. The views expressed in this report remain those of the Chatham House authors. For further information, please contact: Press Office Direct: +44 (0) 20 7957 5739 ENDS Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:16:34 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/633/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/633/ This report examines the prospects for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies and the potential development of the region as a Global Financial Centre (GFC) over the next decade, focusing primarily on the economic underpinning, current standing of the financial sector and the region's potential to overcome existing weaknesses in terms of product offering and the scale of operations. More about this project - A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Area. Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:06:50 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/877/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/877/ 07:00, 11th July 2008 - At July's G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit, world leaders will discuss the world economy, environmental concerns, African development and other pressing issues that must be tackled. Jon Cunliffe will review the outcomes from the Toyako G8 Summit 7-9 July and provide an overview of the Japanese Presidency of the G8 in 2008. This event is strictly by invitation only. To enable as open a debate as possible, this event will be held under the Chatham House Rule Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:15:09 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/876/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/876/ 15:00, 2nd July 2008 - US Treasury Secretary Henry M Paulson will discuss the challenges facing the global and US economy. As US Treasury Secretary, Paulson is the President's leading policy advisor on a broad range of domestic and international economic issues. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:12:13 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/874/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/874/ 11:30, 30th June 2008 - Climate change involves three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, environmental and social. The Secretary-General will argue that all stakeholders should be involved in dialogue to address the challenges posed by climate change and to reach viable solutions. He will emphasise the importance of having a long-term perspective on how our actions today will affect future generations. This event is held in association with Bloomberg. E-TICKETS (WITH DIRECTIONS) WILL BE SENT ON FRIDAY 27 JUNE AND MUST BE PRESENTED ON ARRIVAL. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:35:27 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/873/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/873/ 13:00, 18th July 2008 - In recent decades Taiwan, parts of China, and Thailand have boomed famously. However, economically and politically the Philippines have remained relatively stagnant. Booms in the tiger economies came after agrarian reform and was predominantly driven by small and medium-size enterprises. Business politics now dominates all four countries. This meeting will examine important causes and effects of booms, or non-growth, in the four countries and the political as well as the economic factors. Lynn White is a specialist in Asian development with an emphasis on China. His particular interests include post revolutionary reforms, politics in non-state institutions, urban politics (esp. in Hong Kong and Shanghai), the modernization of economic institutions, Chinese media, ecological approaches to politics, concepts of corruption, political anthropology, the effects of economic booms on local politics in East and Southeast Asia, the Taiwan Strait issue, and the use of Chinese materials to refine theories of comparative politics. He is the author of Careers in Shanghai: The Social Guidance of Personal Energies in a Developing Chinese City, 1949-1966; Shanghai Shanghaied? Uneven Taxes in Reform China; Policies of Chaos: The Organizational Causes of Violence in China's Cultural Revolution; Unstately Power; and co-editor of Political System and Change and Social Policy Reform in Shanghai and Hong Kong. This event is in association with the China Policy Institute and supported by the Great Britain China Centre, the 48 Group Club and the Foreign Policy Centre. Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:52:17 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/books/view/-/id/961/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/books/view/-/id/961/ This book examines the Gulf region as a financial centre and an economic power hub, focusing on its role in the world economy and capital markets. In particular, the authors address the issue of whether wealth alone is enough to create an international financial centre. Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:18:43 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/858/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/858/ 07:00, 27th June 2008 - A full decade after Europe's leaders took the historic decision to launch Economic and Monetary Union, the euro has emerged a resounding success. It has become the second most important currency in the world; it has brought economic stability; it has promoted economic and financial integration, and generated trade and growth among its members. At the same time, the internal functioning of EMU and its external representation could be strengthened. The European Commission is using this annniversary to launch a debate on EMU and to develop a renewed agenda for the euro that will help secure Europe's prosperity for decades to come. This event is strictly by invitation only. To enable as open a debate as possible, this event will be held under the Chatham House Rule Fri, 30 May 2008 11:41:52 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/857/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/857/ 17:30, 18th June 2008 - Mining companies are increasingly having to develop resources in relatively remote and sometimes volatile societies. In her lecture, Cynthia Carroll, will discuss how leading companies seek to calibrate political risks and ways in which they can contribute legitimately to policy development and governance questions. She will also explore how countries can avoid the so-called 'resource curse' and outline the measures being taken by Anglo American to increase its understanding of the priorities and social dynamics of its host communities and to improve its linkages into local economies. To apply for a place at this event please contact Emily Blott Fri, 30 May 2008 11:30:04 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/855/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/855/ 07:00, 10th June 2008 - To apply for a place at this event please contact Emily Blott To enable as open a debate as possible, this event will be held under the Chatham House Rule Fri, 30 May 2008 10:56:13 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/853/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/853/ 12:15, 12th June 2008 - Lunch will be available from 12:30 (£10 charge). For years 'the China price' was a term executives used to describe ultra-cheap exports from China. Today, that price is finally starting to rise, as raw materials, wages, environmental pressures and land prices increase. Thousands of factories are closing in southern China, and executives say this is only the beginning. What does the future hold for China's export sector? How are the new labour and environmental rules and enforcements affecting business? Will we be talking about 'the Vietnam price' in a few years time? Alex Harney has been based in Hong Kong for a number of years, working for the Financial Times. She took temporary leave from the FT in 2006 to work on The China Price while based as a visiting fellow at the University of Hong Kong's Institute of Economics and Business Strategy. As part of her research for the book she travelled extensively interviewing Chinese migrant workers and factory owners in Guangdong province and other areas of China. The speaker will talk on the record. Tue, 27 May 2008 10:03:04 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1778/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1778/ Seven interest rate cuts in the United States since September have seen rates more than halved in the attempt to avoid recession. British rates have fallen more slowly, with just three cuts in five months. The Bank of England has warned that the economic crisis could get worse. But is the Bank's own interest rate policy intensifying a storm ahead? Fri, 23 May 2008 11:43:57 +0100