http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/rss/2 This feed contains all new content added to the Chatham House website - news, events and publications. http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1441/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1441/ 09:00, 18th February 2010 - The combination of rapid economic and demographic growth in Asia set against a long-term slow-down and increasing carbon emissions regulation in the Atlantic region has resulted in a paradigm shift in global energy demand. At this meeting, energy market expert Johannes Benigni will discuss the development of oil demand growth and refining capacity to markets East of Suez and what this will mean for the downstream industries in North America and Europe. He will also look at how the changing demand for different oil products is affecting price and investment choices. The roundtable will be a chance to discuss some of the wider implications of these changes from an economic and geopolitical perspective. Johannes Benigni is Managing Director of JBC Energy GmbH in Vienna, Austria. Mr Benigni founded the company in the early 1990s, focusing mainly on oil brokering in Central and Eastern Europe. Over the years Mr Benigni has steered the company away from oil brokering to specialise in consulting, research, and training. Attendance at this event is by invitation only. For more information please contact Tim Eaton. Fossil Fuels Expert Roundtable >> Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:32:36 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1440/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1440/ 13:30, 17th February 2010 - Recent years have shown that events in Georgia can have repercussions for states far beyond the South Caucasus. Georgia is a pivotal point in Europe's security architecture, a key NATO partner, and an important transit state for diversification of energy supplies to Europe. The speaker will discuss Georgia's significance for its neighbours, the region, and the West. E-TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT WILL BE SENT OUT BY 18.00 ON MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY AND MUST BE PRESENTED ON ARRIVAL. For more information, please contact Members Events. Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:24:38 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/933/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/933/ Britain's participation in the invasion of Iraq in 2003 marked a dramatic shift in the direction and focus of British relations with the Middle East. This new Chatham House book provides the first extensive examination of the impact of 9/11 on the UK's policy towards this critical region. The book places Britain's involvement firmly within the rich historical context which is essential for understanding the legacy of empire and demonstrates how the New Labour leadership willfully ignored the lessons to be learned from past experience. It also argues that Britain not only paved the way for US engagement in the Middle East, but also became tainted by association with a US project for reforming the region that has foundered. Dr Rosemary Hollis analyses in detail how the Blair government handled the Iraq crisis, invasion and fallout, including developments in relations with Iran. She also documents Britain's 'niche' role in the Middle East peace process, arguing that arms sales, trade and finance bind Britain to the Arab Gulf states. Praise for Britain and the Middle East in the 9/11 Era: 'A wonderful and fascinating contribution to our understanding of Britain's place in the morass created by 9/11. This is the first work to set these current events in their true historical context. An absolute must for anyone wishing to understand the UK's role in the wider Middle East.' Jon Snow, Newscaster, Channel 4 News 'Rosemary Hollis combines breadth of vision with painstaking attention to detail in this comprehensive analysis of New Labour and the Middle East. Anyone who wishes to understand the complexities of the region and the impact on British foreign policy of our relationship with the United States need look no further.' Sir Menzies Campbell MP, former leader, Liberal Democrats 'This account of Britain's role in the Middle East under New Labour is a well-written and significant contribution to our understanding of the modern Middle East. It not only sheds light on the Blair government's involvement in Arab-Israeli peacemaking and the post-9/11 'war on terror', but also enhances our understanding of EU involvement and US leadership. Yossi Alpher, former director, Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies 'Dr Hollis incisively dissects Britain's relations with the Middle East under New Labour as well as Blair's path to war in Iraq. This is as close to a definitive account as we are going to get for some time.' Tarak Barkawi, Senior Lecturer, Politics and International Studies, University of Cambridge Notes to editors More details about the book >> The author Rosemary Hollis is available for interview. Please contact her directly on +44 (0)7866 459 662. Book launch Thursday 25 February 2010 18:00 - 19:00 British Foreign Policy in the Middle East Dr Rosemary Hollis Dr Maha Azzam, Middle East and North Africa Programme, Chatham House Sir Harold Walker, HM Ambassador to Iraq (1990-91); President, British Society for Middle Eastern Studies Register: pressoffice@chathamhouse.org.uk About the author Dr Rosemary Hollis is Director of the Olive Tree Scholarship Programme and Visiting Professor at City University, London. She was previously Director of Research (2003-5) and Head of the Middle East Programme (1995-05) at Chatham House. Her research focuses on international political and security issues in the Middle East. During the 1980s she was a lecturer in Political Science and International Affairs at George Washington University in Washington, DC, where she gained a Ph.D. in Political Science. She also holds a BA in History and an MA in War Studies from the University of London, King's College. For all other media enquiries Nicola Norton: +44 (0)20 7957 5739 pressoffice@chathamhouse.org.uk ENDS Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:57:24 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1439/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1439/ 08:00, 26th February 2010 - Where next for this fragile Arabian Peninsula state that faces resurgent terrorist networks, southern separatists, civil war and an escalating resource crisis? Ginny Hill, Associate Fellow and Convener of the Chatham House Yemen Forum, assesses Yemen's prospects for 2010. 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. About Nominees Breakfast Briefings >> For more information please contact Medha Basu. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:19:16 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1438/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1438/ 18:30, 24th February 2010 - This event offers the opportunity to pit your wits against fellow Chatham House members to see whose knowledge of global affairs is the greatest! After last year's successful quiz, Chatham House Director, Dr Robin Niblett, will return to test teams of U35 members on questions of international politics, geography, history and much more. One guest per member is allowed. If you wish to create a team of fellow members of up to 6 people, please indicate so when registering, otherwise we will be happy to allocate you to a team. For more information please contact Members Events. Under 35s Forum >> Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:50:08 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1437/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1437/ 08:00, 17th February 2010 - Andrew Mitchell MP will set out the Conservative Party's approach to international development, focusing on securing value for money in aid, promoting wealth creation, and addressing conflict and instability. 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. For more information, please contact Medha Basu. About Director's Breakfast Briefings >> Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:19:30 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1436/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1436/ 10:15, 10th February 2010 - There have been significant political developments in the South Caucasus in recent months as Armenia and Turkey have sought to normalise diplomatic relations and re-open their common border. The unprecedented level of diplomatic exchange between the countries has implications for the whole region. At the same time, however, Armenia's relations with Azerbaijan remain frozen, and the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh is far from resolved. President Serzh Sargsyan will discuss the prospects for the normalisation process with Turkey, developments in the wider South Caucasus region, and the security challenges facing Armenia in the coming year. E-TICKETS WILL BE SENT OUT BY 6PM ON MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY AND MUST BE PRESENTED ON ARRIVAL. For more information, please contact Members Events. Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:34:20 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/832/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/832/ Diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing Israel and the Palestinians back to the negotiating table, however concerted, are not sufficient by themselves to change the underlining dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They need to be accompanied by swift progression to implementation, with international monitoring, training and support. The deployment of a robust international peacekeeping presence in the West Bank and Gaza is increasingly considered a key part of creating and maintaining momentum towards realizing positive change on the ground. An international peacekeeping mission would primarily work in partnership with the Palestinian Authority to assist in the rebuilding of its governance capacities. Containing both military-security and civilian components, it would serve as a bridge until trust is rebuilt between Israel and the Palestinians and would transform the broader conflict environment. International intervention should not be seen as inimical to Israel's strategic concerns and security interest. It can assist Israel in meeting many of the security challenges it currently faces, facilitate Israeli-Palestinian security cooperation and monitor Palestinians' compliance on their commitments to combat terrorist operations against Israel. Any form of international intervention would demand the sustained commitment of the contributing nations, in terms of both political support and material costs. It would also need to be considered as part of a broader policy initiative, which could act as a catalyst for a change in Israel's overall security environment and its broader strategic concerns. Project International Intervention and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict >> Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:56:41 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/924/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/924/ British defence policy is in a 'muddle', writes Andrew Dorman in The World Today. The forthcoming Strategic Defence Review looks likely to inherit two new aircraft carriers without the aircraft to go on them, a substantially smaller helicopter force ready for Afghanistan two years after the US plans to begin withdrawing, and job cuts for both civil servants and the military. A more sensible plan would look at how to deal with the defence deficit in the long-term rather than proposing short, quick-fix solutions; tackle the obvious problem of three increasingly top-heavy armed services instead of slowing recruitment; and invest in sufficient military equipment. Cutbacks in defence spending frequently reflect the internal battle within the Ministry of Defence over the allocation of resources as well as the government's concerns about the forthcoming election. Defence savings is likely to remain a contentious issue. Read >> Full contents Haiti: Aftershocks, David L Heymann Yemen: Test for the West, Ginny Hill Afghanistan: It's About Development, Stupid, Joseph Ingram and Claire Lockhart The Internet and the British Election: Politicians Get Their Clicks, Andy Williamson British Middle East Policy After the Election: Time to Reconsider, Rosemary Hollis British Defence Spending: Divorced from Reality, Andrew Dorman South Africa's Continuing Leadership Challenges: Will the Real Jacob Zuma Please Stand Up?, James Hamill Nigerian Leadership: Rising Political Heat, Bob Dewar Future of Cities: Urban Opportunities, Cheong Koon Hean Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:01:07 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/923/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/923/ In this new programme paper, Ayesha Khan examines US engagement with Afghanistan and Pakistan in the context of the AfPak military strategy. The paper concludes that the AfPak strategy has created the opportunity to reverse the Taliban momentum and 'disrupt and dismantle' the terrorist threat from the border region. However, the strategy lacks implementation mechanisms and analysis of the border region to manage the insurgency and quell the violence. Its contradictions, anomalies and structural flaws risk further destabilizing the borderland region. AfPak remains a 'work in progress', under constant review and revision by the Obama administration. But to succeed it will need to articulate and implement a political and development plan for the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region outside the military paradigm. The 'civilian surge' is an important aspect of this, but will only be effective following a revamp of civil-military relations. By amalgamating the insurgency in Afghanistan and militancy in Pakistan into one geopolitical unit, the AfPak strategy oversimplifies the nature of the insurgency on both sides of the Durand Line, and fails to appreciate the differences in security trajectories and capabilities of the two states. The strategy is likely to create friction between the two neighbours, rather than the cooperation necessary to defeat the Taliban insurgency. Notes to editors Read Conceptualizing AfPak: The Prospects and Perils >> Contact pressoffice@chathamhouse.org.uk +44 (0)20 7 957 5739 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:10:55 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/831/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/831/ The AfPak strategy has created the opportunity to recalibrate US engagement with Afghanistan and Pakistan to reverse the Taliban momentum and 'disrupt and dismantle' the terrorist threat from the border region. However, the strategy lacks implementation mechanisms and analysis of the border region to manage the insurgency and quell the violence. Its contradictions, anomalies and structural flaws risk further destabilizing the borderland region. AfPak remains a 'work in progress', under constant review and revision by the Obama administration. But to succeed it will need to articulate and implement a political and development plan for the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region outside the military paradigm. The 'civilian surge' is an important aspect of this, but will only be effective following a revamp of civil-military relations. By amalgamating the insurgency in Afghanistan and militancy in Pakistan into one geopolitical unit, the AfPak strategy oversimplifies the nature of the insurgency on both sides of the Durand Line, and fails to appreciate the differences in security trajectories and capabilities of the two states. The strategy is likely to create friction between the two neighbours, rather than the cooperation necessary to defeat the Taliban insurgency. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:43:01 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1435/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1435/ 18:00, 25th February 2010 - To mark the publication of her new book, Rosemary Hollis will discuss Britain's relationship with the Middle East. She will suggest that Britain's decision to join the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 was more than just another episode in the history of British accommodation to American ascendancy after its own imperial 'moment' had ended. She will argue that this was a fateful decision which made Britain a junior partner in an adventure that has rocked the region, emboldened radical elements and left US influence diminished. Copies of Dr Hollis's book will be available to purchase at the discounted rate of £14 for members. For more information, please contact Members Events. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:54:07 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1434/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1434/ 13:30, 15th February 2010 - THIS MEETING IS FULL AND REGISTRATION HAS NOW CLOSED. The speaker will discuss the security challenges the country faces, ranging from an insurgency in the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, to a spate of bomb blasts that appear to be growing in intensity. Do these bomb attacks suggest that the militant groups are on the back foot in the tribal areas, or that they are growing in confidence? General Musharraf will discuss the regional context, and how he sees the current state of Pakistan's relations with India, and with Afghanistan. For more information, please contact Members Events. Press enquiries and registrations should contact the Press Office. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:39:28 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/922/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/922/ Chatham House is pleased to have been ranked the 'No. 1 think-tank based outside the United States' by an international survey for the second year in a row. It is also listed as the top think-tank in Western Europe and sixth among the 'top security and international affairs think-tanks' worldwide. The survey, 'The Global "Go-To Think-Tanks" 2009' is carried out under the leadership of Dr James McGann at the University of Pennsylvania and offers the most comprehensive ranking of the world's leading think-tanks. The survey was launched at the United Nations University Office at the UN, New York, on 21 January 2010. Director Dr Robin Niblett said, 'I am delighted that the work of Chatham House and its staff has been recognized in this way for a second consecutive year. The "think-tank" space is becoming increasingly competitive as existing institutions vie with new ones to offer ideas to policy- and decision-makers around the world. Chatham House continues to do a great job in anticipating some of the momentous shifts in the global balance of political and economic power such as that we have witnessed this past year. We cannot be complacent about the complex challenges that these shifts present to us analytically and institutionally and are committed to maintaining the reputation we have earned for independent analysis and creative thinking on international affairs.' Notes to editors Read Survey in full >> (pdf) Contact Chatham House Press Office pressoffice@chathamhouse.org.uk +44 (0)20 7957 5739 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:33:26 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1997/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1997/ Letters in response to our articles on a European diplomatic service and the International Criminal Court, from last month's edition. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:09:20 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1996/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1996/ More people live in cities than ever before, creating burgeoning demands for housing, services and infrastructure. Cities face the challenge ofmeeting these needs, in addition to problems of rapid development such as congestion, pollution and environmental degradation. Cities also need to tackle climate change by reducing carbon emissions and introducing adaptation measures. Thus, the wellbeing of current and future generations will depend largely on how well cities can grow in a sustainable manner. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:07:06 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1995/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1995/ Just over ten years since returning to democracy, after a turbulent twelve months, and shortly before fifty years of independence, Nigeria is again at a key point. Its President, Umaru Yar'Adua, is ill in Saudi Arabia, many are asking for constitutional clarity. In recent years the country has commendably wanted to set good standards abroad. Applying those standards at home is now more important than ever, for Nigeria and for Africa. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:05:19 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1994/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1994/ It is twenty years since Nelson Mandela walked free from prison on February 11 1990 and over fifteen since the advent of democracy in South Africa. The country has faced multiple challenges, but only one of the post-apartheid presidencies - that of Mandela himself - has risen to meet them, and even then only partially. Thabo Mbeki's presidency was notable for an abdication of responsibility in crucial areas, and, so far, Jacob Zuma appears more concerned with a careful balancing of party interests than providing bold leadership and a coherent government agenda. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:02:24 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1993/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1993/ For the first time in a generation, defence has become an election issue in Britain. Over the last eighteen months the Conservative opposition has been highly critical of Labour's defence policy and its handling of the war in Afghanistan. This has tapped into a wider public sentiment which has separated support for the armed forces from its opposition to Britain's wars. Cost cutting and policy reviews are already out of step. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:00:45 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1992/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1992/ Whoever takes office after the British general election must conduct a comprehensive review of the country's posture in the Middle East. Siding with the United States, whoever presides in Washington, may seem logical, given the extent of US influence in the region. Yet anti-Americanism has dramatically increased since September 11 2001, because of the invasion of Iraq, the extent of US support for Israel and seeming disregard for Palestinian rights and grievances. A broader, more eclectic approach might be better, and Europe - including Britain - has clout. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:58:18 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1991/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1991/ Britain's general election - most likely in early May - will once again be heralded as the first true 'internet election' and once again, it will probably disappoint. Although much media attention has been given to the use of the internet in the last American presidential election and, from this, conclusions will be drawn about the internet's impact here, it is important to step away from the hyperbole and look at a few key facts and, most importantly, key differences. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:54:24 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1990/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1990/ For four years after 2001, a very successful programme dealt with development, poverty reduction and social justice in Afghanistan, but it was ultimately allowed to fail. Now it must be re-started. Two critical meetings - one in London, the other inKabul - should soon clarify the Afghan government's plan in these areas and how the international community will work with it. Fears that it will be costly are misplaced, because much of the money is poorly spent now and, in the right circumstances, the country can generate its own wealth. Success in Afghanistan can only be achieved with such an approach. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:52:41 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1989/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1989/ The botched plot to bomb North west Airlines Flight 253 - believed to have been hatched in Yemen - has turned the media spotlight on terrorism in this strategic Arabian peninsula state. Speaking after the attempted attack, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown described Yemen as 'an incubator and potential safe haven for terrorism' that presents 'a regional and global threat.' Rising concern about the country's future has prompted the British government to host an urgent international summit on radicalisation there. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:49:26 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1988/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1988/ Hundreds of thousands are likely to have died, millions are in need, their homes having been lost. Many wait for medical care. Safe water is in short supply and the rainy season starts in May. Could it have been different in Haiti? Would good planning have eased the pain of the shocks? Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:48:21 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/830/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/830/ China's direct investment in France remains surprisingly low even compared to other EU states although the targets are quite similar, being heavily biased towards export-support and services rather than industrial activities. In terms of motivations, Chinese companies are primarily seeking access to the French and European market, although strategic asset-seeking considerations also prevail in some cases. In terms of performance, Chinese investors have seen mixed results, at best, with a number of spectacular failures and a more limited number of success stories. Some acquisitions have been win-win deals, with Chinese investors building up international competitiveness and the French firm also benefiting, not only by surviving but also by gaining better access to the booming, but often difficult to penetrate, Chinese market. The modest presence of Chinese firms in France is not surprising given domestic comparative advantages in many manufacturing activities. But country-specific characteristics also account for this relatively poor position. France appears to be overshadowed by Germany's strength in key industrial sectors and by the UK's attractiveness. It is no doubt in the interest of the French government to take appropriate steps to improve opportunities for both bilateral trade and Chinese investment. Enhancing the country's reputation for openness in trade and investment relations should rank high on the policy priority list. Project Chinese Investment in Europe >> Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:34:05 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/829/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/829/ This is a transcript of a speech made by Bob Ainsworth MP, Secretary of State for Defence, UK, at the 2010 European Defence and Security conference at Chatham House on 25 January 2010. Conference details >> Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:57:25 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1433/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1433/ 16:00, 27th January 2010 - On 1 January 2010, Kazakhstan became the first ex-Soviet state to chair the OSCE, a significant milestone in the country's post-Communist history. Kazakhstan's chairmanship offers opportunities to increase the Organisation's role in Central Asia and provide a multilateral forum to overcome regional problems such as water management, border control, east-west transit, terrorism and smuggling. The country also faces challenges to make good on its commitment to uphold the OSCE's democratic values and prevent the marginalisation of the Organisation within Europe's security architecture. Mr Saudabayev will discuss the main challenges facing the OSCE, and set out his agenda for Kazakhstan's Chairmanship. Attendance at this event is by invitation only. For more information please contact Alex Nice. Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:14:18 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1432/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1432/ 17:30, 17th February 2010 - More people die as a result of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa than any other part of the world, and most of these deaths are among children under the age of five. Malaria is a major impediment to development and costs the African economy billions of dollars each year, despite being a preventable and treatable disease. A number of organizations have been working to significantly reduce the prevalence of malaria with initiatives, such as the Roll Back Malaria Partnership and the World Health Organization's Global Malaria Programme. At this event the speakers will discuss the progress that has been made in the fight against malaria and the key challenges that slow or prevent progress. For more information, please contact Members Events. Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:43:57 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1431/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1431/ 17:00, 16th February 2010 - After decades of neglect and declining support from both national governments and donors, African agriculture is attracting growing attention. But who will benefit from this increasing investment and political interest? Rules and institutions governing the distribution and security of land ownership will be one of the crucial factors determining whether this revival of interest in agriculture leads to broadly based long-term growth and poverty reduction - or whether the benefits accrue mainly to a new group of large-scale (and therefore less employment-generating) landowners, both domestic and foreign. Land reform is on the agenda in many African countries, but so is land grab. For more information, please contact Members Events. Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:36:17 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1430/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1430/ 13:30, 11th February 2010 - As anticipated, the first round of the Ukrainian presidential elections produced no overall winner and a run-off will now be held on 7 February between Viktor Yanukovych and Yulia Tymoshenko. The speakers will discuss the implications of the second-round result for Ukraine's domestic politics, and relations with Russia, the EU and the wider region. After an election campaign dominated by personalities over policies, how significant will the people's choice be for Ukraine's internal development and geopolitical orientation? For more information please contact Members Events Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:16:36 +0000