http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/rss/6 This feed contains all new content on the Chatham House website related to Africa. http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1237/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1237/ 08:00, 24th July 2009 - The Angola Forum at Chatham House will be celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. The Forum has been at the forefront in publishing important research and analysis on Angola and convening a host of events over the last ten years. This conference will draw attention to Angola's growing importance in international relations, and aims to raise the visibility of Angola in the UK and throughout Europe. For more information please contact Tighisti Amare. More about the Angola Forum >> Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:36:24 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2406/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2406/ Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:12:38 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2405/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2405/ The two books under review, The Tradition of Non-use of Nuclear Weapons, by T V Paul, and Deterrence: From Cold War to Long War. Lessons from Six Decades of RAND Research, by Austin Long, highlight the continued interest in the theory and practice of nuclear deterrence. Long traces the RAND Corporation's research on the subject, exploring the role that nuclear deterrence has played as a strategy of the Cold War. The author goes on to argue for the relevance of nuclear deterrence to the future strategic environment, considering threats from peer-competitors to non-state actors. By contrast Paul considers the rise and persistence of a tradition, or informal social norm, of non-use which has encouraged self-deterrence. Taken together, these books encourage further consideration of the relationship between nuclear deterrence and the tradition of non-use. Indeed, it is difficult to see how the two practices can successfully coexist if non-nuclear states have, as Paul suggests, already begun to exploit the existence of a tradition of non-use. Such deterrence failures, real or perceived, have profound implications for relationships between nuclear and non-nuclear states. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:11:42 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2404/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2404/ China's 30 years of reform are often presented as a seamless progression towards greater liberalization and opening up. This review article of Yasheng Huang's Capitalism with Chinese characteristics shows how the author makes a compelling argument about how radically China's economic reforms changed from before and after the Tiananmen Square incident in June 1989. The 1980s saw the pro-rural, largely equitable, and generally liberal economic policies, with a private sector able to find sources of capital from family or relationship networks, and the creation of a very flexible and largely unplanned town and village enterprise system across China. From the 1990s, however, China has been dominated by pro-urban, less equitable and much more heavily state-led economic policies. Shanghai exemplifies this, with a highly circumscribed non-state sector, stagnation of per capita GDP growth in favour of company growth, and the Pudong development area largely based on land grab, and disrespect for the private property rights of the former tenant farmers based there. China grapples with the legacy of this policy change in 1989 to this day, with an increasingly disenfranchised and impoverished rural population, and cities that are both unsustainable, but irrevocable. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:08:23 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2403/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2403/ Japan and China's ability to manage their bilateral relationship is crucial for the stability of the East Asian region. It also has a global impact on the security and economic development of other regions. For just as China's rise has inevitably involved an expansion of its global reach, so Japan's responses to the challenges posed by China have increasingly taken a global form, seeking to incorporate new partners and frameworks outside East Asia. Japan's preferred response to China's regional and global rise in the post-Cold War period has remained one of default engagement. Japan is intent on promoting China's external engagement with the East Asia region and its internal domestic reform, through upgrading extant bilateral and Japan-China-US trilateral frameworks for dialogue and cooperation, and by emphasizing the importance of economic power to influence China. Japan is deliberately seeking to proliferate regional frameworks for cooperation in East Asia in order to dilute, constrain and ultimately engage China's rising power. However, Japan's engagement strategy also contains the potential to tilt towards default containment. Japan's domestic political basis for engagement is becoming increasingly precarious as China's rise stimulates Japanese revisionism and nationalism. Japan also appears increasingly to be looking to contain China on a global scale by forging new strategic links in Russia and Central Asia, with a 'concert of democracies' involving India, Australia and the US. Nevertheless, Japan's perceived inability to channel China's rise either through regional engagement or through global containment carries a further risk of pushing Japan to resort to the strengthening of its military power in an attempt to guarantee its essential national interests. It is in this instance that Japan and China run the danger of a military collision. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:06:02 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2402/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2402/ The literature on China's regional rise reveals divergent understandings of why China changed its regional strategy and when such a transformation occurred. There are also different understandings of the extent of China's power in the region-or more often, the extent to which US power in East Asia is already challenged by China's regional rise. Nevertheless, there is a consensus of sorts over how Chinese policy has changed with an emphasis on a combination of proactive diplomatic initiatives and ever increasing economic interactions. After providing a brief overview of the existing literature, the main part of this article considers the role of China's 'soft power' in reconfiguring power relationships in East Asia. It suggests that while the US might have lost some of its ideational appeal, it is through working within existing frameworks and 'norms' (rather than establishing new revisionist alternatives) that China has had most success in assuaging fears of the consequences of its rise. However, the way in which others conceive of China's rise and Chinese power (and subsequently act) does provide a form of 'non-hard' power that might help China's leaders attain their regional objectives particularly in light of the continuing global economic crisis. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:01:51 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2401/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2401/ As its economic power, military strength and cultural influence expands, India draws ever closer to becoming a leading player in world politics. Yet relatively little is known about what Indians take to be the nature of international politics and, correspondingly, how their power and influence should be used. A survey of Indian political thought reveals sharp disagreements. Moralists wish for India to serve as an exemplar of principled action. Hindu nationalists want Indians to act as muscular defenders of Hindu civilization; strategists advocate cultivating state power by developing strategic capabilities; and liberals seek prosperity and peace by increasing trade and interdependence. This article argues that current trends indicate that India will increasingly prioritize its quest for prosperity and peace. But if this quest is thwarted by external threats, then calls to enhance India's military power will most probably grow louder, and be heeded more closely. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:47:43 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2399/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2399/ Historically the NATO allies have focused considerable attention on US 'extended deterrence' - that is, the extension by Washington of an umbrella of protection, sometimes called a 'nuclear guarantee'. A persisting requirement has been to provide the allies with assurance about the reliability and credibility of this protection. This article examines the definition of 'assurance' used by the US Department of Defense for most of the past decade and argues that it has drawn attention to long-standing policy challenges associated with US extended deterrence in NATO. The article considers the assurance roles of US nuclear forces in Europe, as well as elements of assurance in Washington's relations with its allies regarding extended nuclear deterrence. Whether the allies will retain the current requirements of extended deterrence and assurance in their new Strategic Concept or devise a new approach will be an issue of capital importance in the policy review launched at the Strasbourg/Kehl Summit. Contrasting approaches to these questions are visible in the United States and Germany, among other allies. The main issues to be resolved include reconciling extended deterrence with arms control priorities; managing the divisions in public and expert opinion; and avoiding certain potential consequences of a rupture with established arrangements. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:43:45 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2394/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2394/ Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:17:53 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1234/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1234/ 09:00, 13th July 2009 - The President will speak about the challenges facing Sudan and the implications for Southern Sudan as it approaches elections next year and a referendum on its constitutional future in 2011. He will also address the major political issues facing Southern Sudan and the rest of Sudan, including the conflict in Darfur. The President will outline how his government intends to fight the growth of corruption and counter inter-ethnic violence, as well as its plans for developing enterprise and improving the lives of its people. Salva Kiir Mayardit is the first Vice President of Sudan and the President of the Government of Southern Sudan. He succeeded to these posts following the death of Dr John Garang. Salva Kiir was a founder member of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement and is a former deputy leader of the SPLM. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:46:40 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1233/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1233/ 13:00, 6th July 2009 - THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED. This press briefing is an opportunity for the press to put questions to President Farole. President Farole will discuss the role his administration will play in tackling piracy and terrorism, issues that he made priorities during his election campaign. This event is only open to members of the press. For more information please contact the press office. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:56:03 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/759/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/759/ The Forum for China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), established to coordinate relations between the two entities, is due to hold its next meeting later this year. This paper assesses what the outcomes from that meeting will be on this evolving, dynamic, and complex relationship. China's involvement in African countries goes back many years. Relationships from mid 1950s to late 1970s based more on emotional intimacy than that of 1980s and the period after the cold war. To some extent, the current relationship builds more on pragmatic economic considerations. China is already Africa's third largest trading partner. China is a complex actor, and Africa a complex continent. China, while predominantly state led in its behaviour, differs depending on which country it works in Africa, how it works, and what actors are involved, be they state, or non state, companies. Some of this involvement has been positive, with major investment, under very flexible terms, going to aid projects. Some has been highly problematic, causing China reputational damage. In the coming years, China will almost certainly increase its interests in Africa. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:31:29 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/643/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/643/ Iran's elections were a monumental miscalculation and now the Islamic Republic faces the most serious crisis of authority in a generation, writes Ali Ansari in this month's The World Today. Hard liners may have overreached in their quest for democratic approval. On climate change, Bernice Lee and Antony Froggatt write that the international community is not doing enough to deviate from 'business as usual' in tackling greenhouse gas emissions. Politics is trumping science as national interests come before a concerted global effort to do something about emissions. Economist Max Watson outlines a programme of action for the Euro area where policy often lags behind events. He argues that the Euro area cannot afford to wait and see what strains emerge over the medium term; it needs stronger policy coordination now. Full contents Iran Elections: Monumental Miscalculation, Ali Ansari Democracy: Dicing With Democracy, Richard Youngs Democracy: The Quiet Democrat, Nicolas Bouchet Engaging Iran - European Lessons for America: Tempting Tehran, Riccardo Alcaro Burma: All Change or No Change?, Richard Horsey Burma: Trust the People, Maung Zarni Climate Change Politics: Dangerous Game of Dare, Bernice Lee and Antony Froggatt Russia: Strategic Loneliness, Vadim Kononenko Central Asia: Power Plays, Graeme P Hern and Katva Palazzolo Mexico - Swine Flu: Victor or Victim?, Rodrigo Delgado Aguilera The Euro and the Global Financial Crisis: Surviving Strain, Max Watson Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:49:40 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/641/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/641/ There is an urgent need for progress at the G8 on a number of key items that were not adequately addressed at the London G20 Summit, says this new briefing paper. Issues such as toxic assets, reform of economic governance and strong legal measures to counter protectionism were not resolved. The G8 agenda is much broader and includes a wider variety of issues - such as development, security, Africa or climate change - but there is a real need to continue to push for progress on the economic front, particularly since it seems that many G20 members have gone off and 'done their own thing' since April. Now that IMF resources have been increased, the priority should be reform of IMF governance. Discussing the EU representation within the IMF is politically difficult, but it cannot be avoided for much longer. Europe should show leadership and be the 'first mover', rather than be eventually forced to confront the question of IMF governance. It would be relatively easier for the Italians to raise the issue, given that Italy does not have a seat on the IMF's board. The Italian presidency should promote the idea of a single EU constituency. But most of all, it should seize the opportunity to link major economic discussions between the G8 leaders and key partners among developing countries, indicating that action is needed in the short term and ensuring clarity for the G20 agenda for Pittsburgh in September 2009. What is at stake is Europe's relevance at the international level. This is especially critical in view of the increasingly intense US-China dialogue. Europe's 'big four' (UK, Germany, France, Italy) therefore have a responsibility as well as the interest to bring up such a dialogue and move it forward. Notes to Editors From London to L'Aquila: Building a Bridge between the G20 and the G8 Chatham House and CIGI Briefing Paper, Paola Subacchi and Eric Helleiner, June 2009 Event: The G20-G8 Continuum: Global Governance in a World of Crisis Monday 6 July 2009, held in Rome. Chatham House and CIGI are jointly launching a blog to track the G8. Read >>Read more on Crisis and Reform of the International Financial Architecture >> The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) is an independent, nonpartisan think-tank that addresses international governance challenges. Contact Nicola Norton, Media Relations Manager +44 (0)20 7957 5739 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:34:44 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1215/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1215/ 12:00, 25th June 2009 - This event will launch the book, 'From Global Apartheid to Global Village: Africa and the United Nations'. The book examines the inequitable power relations between the rich North and poor South in the politics within the UN's principal organs; in peacekeeping and human rights; and in socio-economic development, centred on the efforts of sixteen UN specialised agencies, programmes, and funds. For more information please contact Tighisti Amare. Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:06:53 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1214/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1214/ 09:30, 18th June 2009 - The speaker will discuss the re-emergence of military involvement in West Africa, with a focus on Guinea-Bissau and Guinea. In Guinea-Bissau the early March assassinations of the president and military chief and the violent campaigns in the June presidential election have highlighted the country's critical situation. Similarly, with presidential and legislative elections at the end of the year tentatively set to restore civilian rule, it is too soon for Guinea to slip down the international agenda. For more information please contact Tighisti Amare. Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:00:50 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1211/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1211/ 12:30, 23rd June 2009 - The speaker will address the opportunities and challenges for peaceful social movements, to replace armed struggle, as the agents of political change in post-colonial Africa. Morgan Tsvangirai was sworn in as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe in February 2009. For further information, please contact Members Events Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:46:14 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1205/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1205/ 11:00, 22nd June 2009 - The Procurement for Development Forum brings together food business leaders to discuss ways that purchasing practices can help development in African countries. It provides a neutral space where retailers, manufacturers and specialist importers can identify ways that their purchasing practices can do more to encourage sustainable development in the developing world, and develop business models that bring more benefits for the poor. The Forum has focused on how supply chains for food products - from cocoa to fresh vegetables - can bring more benefits to the developing world, especially in Africa. The Forum is coming to the end of its first year. This public meeting, which will be opened by Gareth Thomas MP, Minister of State for International Development, will discuss the various perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of pro-poor procurement, with special reference to the UK's food supply chain. For more information please contact Lucy Ellinas. Information on the Procurement for Development Forum >> Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:11:27 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/620/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/620/ In a major key note speech aimed at people across Africa, Lord Malloch-Brown, Minister for Africa, called for an 'Africa first' policy to counter the growing threats from global recession, and increase Africa's influence in global affairs. Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, formerly a United Nations Deputy Secretary General, warned that the continent of Africa 'is in trouble' because of the world economic crisis but with an 'Africa first' approach to regional markets, infrastructure and institutions, 'African lions' may emerge from the financial recession with an ever greater voice in global discussions, including on the UN Security Council. He told the audience in Maputo, Mozambique on Tuesday 9 June, that aid, trade and investment are all needed in Africa, but that African governments should use the financial crisis as an opportunity to speed up the process of regional integration across the continent. Declining investment, slow growth and high job losses mean that ordinary people are suffering, he said, and there are signs that the economic storm 'may yet whip up its political counterparts across Africa'. He pointed to the fragile political situations in Kenya, Southern Sudan and the DRC, as well as the recent coups in Madagascar, Mauritania, Guinea and Guinea Bissau as examples of this. Lord Malloch-Brown also pointed out the economic problems Uganda had recently faced from the political turmoil in Kenya, as a good example of how problems in one country can affect other parts of the continent. Lord Malloch-Brown pointed out that in a recent survey nine out of ten Africans said they wanted to live in a democracy and that voter turnout is far higher in African countries than in the UK. He praised the African Union, regional organizations and African leaders who have used their influence across the continent to resolve conflict, and urged them to continue their efforts for the common good. African regional initiatives to uphold justice and reconciliation were also praised. Lord Malloch-Brown said he rejected the 'rhetoric of neo-colonial conspiracy', pointing out that the International Criminal Court had been ratified by thirty African countries with cases referred to it by the governments of the DRC, Central African Republic and Uganda. 'African institutions of justice must come first with the international courts as a last resort', he said. However, he said that it is equally important to beat the current global crisis by speeding up the positive economic reforms that have been sweeping the continent in recent years and led to growth rates of up to 10% prior to the world financial crisis. This means opening up regional markets, as the Southern African Development Community have done and the Economic Community of West African States is doing through the planned introduction of a single currency. It also means further regional cooperation on infrastructure such as the British supported North-South Corridor through southern and eastern Africa. He concluded his speech by urging the adoption of an 'Africa first' policy to implement the kind of markets, infrastructure and institutions that will make a real difference to sustainable growth and development across the continent. By doing so, not just Africa, but the international community as a whole will benefit from Africa's increased influence in global discussions. Full transcript and audio available>> NOTES TO EDITORS Lord Malloch-Brown was speaking at an event in Mozambique which was co-hosted by Chatham House and the Instituto Superior de Relações Internacionais (ISRI). Event details >> More information on the work of the Africa Programme >> For more details contact Tom Cargill, Assistant Head, Africa Programme - +44 (0) 207 957 5718. Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:14:23 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/751/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/751/ This paper looks at the relationship between Mozambique and the UK. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:48:52 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/750/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/750/ This paper looks at the relationship between Angola and the UK. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:47:58 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1198/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1198/ 14:00, 11th June 2009 - Nuradin Dirie will address the viability of Puntland, Somaliland, and other local authorities. He will also discuss Somali piracy and the economics of piracy. He will conclude by offering suggestions for moving forwards in the region. Nuradin Dirie is a former Presidential Candidate in Puntland. Prior to his Presidential bid, he served as Senior Advisor to the United Nations. He has also coordinated humanitarian aid to Somalia, overseeing the operation following the 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean. For more information please contact Tighisti Amare. Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:14:07 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1196/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1196/ 14:00, 8th June 2009 - Mr Haavisto will offer his insights into the conflicts in Somalia and Darfur and seek to identify some potential areas for progress. In January the Finnish Foreign Minister appointed Mr Haavisto as Special Envoy for African Crises, with special emphasis on the conflicts in Somalia and Sudan. During recent years Mr Haavisto has been working on the Darfur Peace Process. He was the first EU Special Representative for Sudan (2005 -2007). THIS MEETING IS FULL. REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED. For more information please contact Tighisti Amare. Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:34:43 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1193/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1193/ 10:00, 3rd July 2009 - There is a new determination, and increased funding, to promote science-based agricultural development in Africa. But why are spending and commitments so sluggish? Is this because 'He that complies against his will is of his own opinion still'? Many African leaders, now under pressure to respond to the growing demand for fertilisers, irrigation and modern plant breeding, harbour deep doubts about these - as do some opinion-forming NGOs. Do the physical crises of African agriculture - food output per head lower than in the 1960s, soil erosion and nutrient loss, water scarcity - require 'organic', low-input, farming with minimal modern inputs, or science-based, yet conservation-sensitive, farm development and research? For more information please contact Tighisti Amare. More information about the project, The Role of Agriculture in African Development >> Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:56:46 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1192/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1192/ 14:00, 9th June 2009 - This speech comes at a watershed for Africa, as the global recession takes effect and the way forward looks far from certain. Mark Malloch Brown will remark on how Africa can continue its development despite global challenges. This event is co-hosted by the Instituto Superior de Relações Internacionais (ISRI). Chatham House is cooperating with the ISRI on a capacity-building project sponsored by the British High Commission in Mozambique. For more information please contact Tighisti Amare. Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:44:50 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1190/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1190/ 10:00, 9th June 2009 - It is generally assumed that elections in the Southern Mediterranean largely lack credibility, that they are managed events used by political elites to gain as much political legitimacy with as little challenges to the status quo as possible. This assumption is not wrong, but it is too simplistic. By presenting their findings of a six-month research project, the speakers will address this assumption as well as look at potential roles for the EU in promoting electoral reform agendas. To support electoral processes successfully, it will be argued that strategies need to be built on an analysis of each country in question. This event is jointly organized with the EuroMeSCo Secretariat. THIS EVENT IS FULL. REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED. For more information please contact the Middle East and North Africa Programme. Fri, 29 May 2009 17:09:20 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/747/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/747/ This is a summary of a meeting held at Chatham House on 20 May 2009 with Guillaume Soro, Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire. Fri, 22 May 2009 15:58:52 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1183/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1183/ 23:00, 19th May 2009 - Prime Minister Guillaume Soro will outline his country's progress since the signing of the Ouagadougou Agreement and discuss the forthcoming elections set for November 2009. For more information please contact the Africa Programme. Fri, 22 May 2009 15:52:02 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/606/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/606/ In this month's issue, Dr David Heymann, Head of Chatham House's new Centre on Global Health Security, and formerly Assistant Director-General at the World Health Organization, traces the means of managing the risks of influenza and outlines today's challenges for practitioners to identify emerging infections such as swine flu. Prem Shankar Jha, columnist and former editor, The Hindustan Times, argues that the Obama administration must understand that there will be no peace settlement in Afghanistan if India is left out of the process. And Kerry Brown, Senior Research Fellow, Chatham House, writes on how China is rising again but faces a major task in communicating what it calls its 'benign objectives and intentions' to the rest of the world. Full list of contents: Afghanistan and Pakistan: Obama's Quagmire, Prem Shankar Jha Afghanistan and Pakistan: Taliban Toxin, Wolfgang Danspeckgruber and William Maley Health: Preparing for Pandemics, David L Heymann Health - China and Russia: Life Support, Christopher Davis Group of Eight - Aid in Africa: Party Over, Tom Cargill Group of Eight: Thinking, Not Talking, Alex Vines China: Rising Again, Kerry Brown Coal and Climate Change: Electrifying Issue, Michael Hogan Coal and Climate Change: Between a Rock and a Hard Place, Jon Gibbins Europe: Jobs for the Boys, Richard Whitman Thu, 21 May 2009 15:51:04 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1906/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1906/ Elections are divisive, pitting parties against each other in the pursuit of power. In Afghanistan the presidential poll could increase conflict too, with the Taliban exploiting easy targets and the risk of fraud high and rising. If things do go wrong, the shockwaves could cross the border into Pakistan where the Taliban toxin has been spreading. Tue, 19 May 2009 13:52:35 +0100