http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/rss/7 This feed contains all new content on the Chatham House website related to Americas. 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/publications/papers/view/-/id/758/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/758/ The REP Programme paper Dealing with Russia: The Reset Button by Andrew Wood was published in May 2009. Three experts have written short comment pieces in response to this paper. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:37:37 +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/1212/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1212/ 12:00, 22nd June 2009 - Professor Park is one of Korea's leading Cold War diplomatic historians. He will discuss his paper, based on multi-archival research and the recent declassification of important Korean diplomatic records, which casts new light on key aspects of Korea's involvement in the Vietnam War. The speaker has served as advisor to the Korean Presidential Transition Committee (2003), and as advisor to the Ministry of Unification (2007). He is Editorial Board Member of Critical Review of History and of Pacific Affairs (UBC). In addition to his position at GSIS, Professor Park is Director of the International Studies Center for Korean Studies at Seoul National University. For more information please contact the Asia Programme. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:59:46 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1185/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1185/ 16:30, 15th June 2009 - Franklin D Roosevelt's creation with Churchill of a 26 nation United Nations in January 1942 was at the time heralded as a landmark in international cooperation, but has since barely been noted in history. The speakers will discuss the relevance of this wartime alliance for the twenty first century debate on a 'Global New Deal' and will outline new research in Chatham House's archives which have vital lessons for contemporary politics. For more information please contact Members Events Fri, 22 May 2009 16:09:00 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1181/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1181/ 12:00, 2nd June 2009 - 2008 represented the lowest point for Russia's relations with the US in the post-Cold War period. Whilst is imperative for the US to re-evaluate its policy towards Russia, the West cannot and should not hope for a tabula rasa. 'Resetting' relations might not achieve greater cooperation unless there is understanding of the Kremlin's ideological and psychological hardwiring. Will the West be able to draw a line under recent disputes if the policy thinking which provoked them continues to direct Russian foreign policy? Should the US launch a new relationship with Russia before it has defined what it wishes to achieve, and how? Two leading US experts will present the findings of their report on the future of the US-Russia relationship. The report can be read on the Georgetown University website. Dr Eugene Rumer is a Senior Fellow at the Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University. Previously, he served at the State Department, on the staff of the National Security Council, and at the Rand Corporation. Dr Angela Stent is Professor of Government and Director of the Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies at Georgetown University and a Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the Brookings Institution. She previously worked on the region at the National Intelligence Council and US State Department. Attendance at this event is by invitation only. For more information please contact Alex Nice. Fri, 22 May 2009 15:12:33 +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/papers/view/-/id/745/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/745/ A new US administration has encouraged Russia experts to advocate a fresh approach to the US-Russia relationship. However, the emerging consensus, focussing on the need to 'reset relations' with Russia, overlooks several key issues: the role of the EU and EU countries; the evolution of former Soviet countries; and the realities of Russia itself. Washington's impatience with the diversity of opinion on Russia within the European Union has led it to adopt an unduly bilateral approach. This is understandable but misguided; the depth of the EU's relationship with Russia means that its members, both collectively and severally, have a central role to play in the evolution of US-Russia relations. A renewed emphasis on the US-Russia bilateral relationship may also provoke concern amongst Russia's neighbours that the interests of the 'lands in-between' may be overlooked. US policy must remain aware of Russia's position vis-à-vis its 'near abroad', in particular Ukraine and Georgia, but avoid anything which might appear to accommodate the anxieties and interests of Russia above those of neighbouring states. Those devising strategies on Russia must avoid projecting unrealistic policy aims which ignore the realities of contemporary Russia. Western policy makers should be cognisant of Russia's interests and motives, but not indulge them when they conflict with their own interests or values. Pressing the reset button should not imply that the ideas and emotions which underpin Moscow's attitudes and aspirations are true and justified. Your Comments Would you like to comment on this paper? Please send us your views using the following link: Send your feedback >> PLEASE NOTE: If you decide to send us your comments you agree to allow us to publish them below. If you do not want your name to be published here please make this clear on the feedback form. We reserve the right to decide which comments to publish. Acceptable Use Policy Information Wed, 20 May 2009 10:05:01 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1174/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1174/ 17:00, 30th June 2009 - THIS MEETING IS NOW FULL AND REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED The speaker will look towards the future of international relations, and define his view of the new shape of world power: 'Ashdown's third law', or why the world will never be the same again and what we should do about it. The lecture is held in honour of Lord Garden, a former Director of Chatham House and a foreign affairs, defence and security expert. Following a thirty-year career in the Royal Air Force, he pursued an active career in academia and then politics. For more information please contact Members Events. Mon, 18 May 2009 16:08:01 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1172/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1172/ 16:30, 18th June 2009 - The speaker will argue that during the Bush years the two sides of the Atlantic were united by fear and divided as to the best answer to threats posed. He will consider whether, since the election of Barack Obama, they are coming closer politically or drifting away emotionally, with more collective hope and more individual fear in America, and less collective hope and less individual fear in Europe. For more information please contact Members Events. Mon, 18 May 2009 15:54:12 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/744/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/744/ Latin America and the Caribbean are currently seeing severe collateral damage to their economies owing to the impact of the global downturn. Although this comes after the longest period of sustained growth since the 1970s, one which has left previously crisis-prone countries with stronger economic credentials than before, forecasts by the major international institutions (IMF, World Bank, ECLAC) are likely underestimating the scale of the local crisis in 2009. The region has primarily suffered as a result of the slump in demand in the industrialized economies, and the subsequent weakening in trade and commodity prices. This has been compounded by the losses in capital and income flows and the tightening of international credit. Regional currencies also witnessed severe devaluations last year although many have recovered some of the lost ground. The impact of the crisis will be particularly severe for the most vulnerable sectors of the population, many of which might be pushed deeper into poverty or unemployment, reversing the gains made during the growth period. However, the macroeconomic lessons gained as a result of previous crises have secured unprecedented fiscal discipline and monetary credibility, leading to the accumulation of foreign reserves and a reduction in the debt burden. This, in turn, has been reflected in upgrading by credit rating agencies and lower country risk premia, which have increased only slightly over the last year, comparing favourably with previous bouts of instability. These factors should help the region to cope with global turbulence and local recession, making it likely to emerge ready for a robust recovery once growth picks up in the industrialized economies. Nevertheless, while medium term prospects appear bright, fundamental concerns remain regarding the region's long-run economic performance, specifically the need for more balanced growth and the alleviation of poverty and social inequalities. Mon, 18 May 2009 14:47:42 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1167/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1167/ 12:30, 28th May 2009 - HE Fernando Henrique Cardoso will discuss the future of global drug policy, including the trade in illegal narcotics with a special focus on Latin America. He will also look at the challenges and costs of current tactics and the need for an in-depth analysis of alternative strategies. Thu, 14 May 2009 14:04:32 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1145/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1145/ 16:30, 6th May 2009 - The speaker, one of the US's leading constitutional theorists, will discuss the relevance of the 'war on terror'. More than six years since the United States proclaimed a 'war on terror', the speaker will ask are we still at war? And did this notion ever make sense? Professor Philip Bobbitt has previously served as Associate Counsel to the US President, the Counselor on International Law at the State Department and Senior Director for Strategic Planning at the US National Security Council. Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:28:24 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/580/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/580/ Climate of Change? Ahead of the Copenhagen summit in December, this month's The World Today looks at how China, Russia and Brazil are preparing for a post-Kyoto climate change agreement. Linda Jakobson, Senior Researcher, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, writes on the delicate balancing act the Chinese government are pursuing: while some Chinese leaders are adamant that combating climate change must not deter economic development, they are also keen to show they are willing to shoulder international responsibilities in line with the status of a rising power. However, the view that China is a victim of climate change, rather than a country to be held responsible for it, is shared across the party. Looking ahead to Iran's presidential elections, Ali Ansari, Associate Fellow, writes that the faltering economy will be a key issue, but with political comebacks beckoning and harsh criticisms of Ahmadinejad by potential candidates rife, one thing stands out: everyone is arguing about the need for change. And, Tony Elumelu, Chief Executive, United Bank for Africa, writes on how in a world of largely negative economic growth, African stocks and shares are showing strong results. But Africa needs to get the message across that it is a continent of growing economies, with institutions and entrepreneurs willing to play important roles in providing solutions to the economic crisis. Full list of contents: Climate Change: China's Changing Climate, Linda Jakobson Russia and Climate Change: Costs or Benefits?, Anna Korppoo Brazil and Climate Change: Global Positioning, Paulo Wrobel Moldova: Question of Power, James Sherr Global Economc Crisis: Crunching Eastern Europe, Sean Hanley European Elections: Big Yawn, or Wake-Up Call?, Julie Smith Europe's Eastern Partnership: Between Europe and Russia, Georgy Bovt Council of Europe: Conscience of a Continent, Martyn Bond The Global Economic Crisis and Africa, Tony Elumelu Iranian Presidential Elections: Ghost at the Election Banquet, Ali Ansari Lebanon Elections: Into the Shadows, Hussain Abdul-Hussain Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:23:36 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1139/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1139/ 09:30, 24th April 2009 - This briefing - organized exclusively for journalists - will draw on the expertise of senior Chatham House researchers to offer a non-US perspective on the impact of President Obama's first one hundred days in office. The panel will discuss what has changed so far and what is likely to change in the coming months and years. They will analyze the diplomatic 'resets' already outlined and predict what they will really mean in practice for the US and the rest of the world. Attendance at this meeting is reserved for journalists. For more information please contact the Press Office. Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:26:42 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1118/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1118/ 16:30, 30th April 2009 - THIS MEETING HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED, WE APOLOGISE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE CAUSED Chatham House senior researchers will assess the impact of President Obama's first hundred days on their area and region of study. They will discuss what has or has not changed in the early days of the new administration and look ahead to what they expect to change in the coming months and years. Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:38:23 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/546/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/546/ Prime Minister Gordon Brown should offer to give up Britain's single seat on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the London summit as part of a fundamental consolidation of European representation on the Fund. By making this radical offer, Britain would demonstrate strong leadership on the need to reform the governance of the international financial system. It would also serve as a critical signal for immediate action by the G20 leaders to kick-start the world economy and make this summit a success. This is one of the recommendations contained in a new report, New Ideas for the London Summit: Recommendations to the G20 Leaders. The report is a joint partnership between Chatham House and The Atlantic Council of the United States which seeks to build transatlantic consensus on the summit agenda. Its recommendations are drawn from 20 papers by European and American specialists. Its overall conclusion is that G20 leaders should commit to two sets of actions at the London summit - those that will have an immediate effect on stemming the global financial and economic crisis and those that will have a longer-term structural impact. Key recommendations include: Actions for immediate impact to deal with the crisis First, rather than recommending one-size-fits-all fiscal stimulus packages, G20 leaders need to agree on how they will share the burden of the stimulus. Each national plan must be cast in a credible medium-term framework as well as having an immediate impact. Second, the US and other G20 leaders need to follow the example of Japan and the EU and provide credit lines that will immediately increase IMF lending facilities to help the most vulnerable countries deal with the crisis. Third, reject all forms of protectionism by committing to a twelve-month freeze on new protectionist measures, including those that are WTO-legal. Actions for medium and long-term impact Fourth, strengthen the international financial and regulatory architecture by agreeing to improve supervision and rules for all financial institutions and instruments, including credit derivatives and other structured investment vehicles. This regulation must be appropriate and correctly targeted. Fifth, a major increase in the IMF's financing capacity is necessary, and must be accompanied by reform of the IMF's governance to increase the voting weight and representation of emerging economies. Sixth, in order to address long-term economic imbalances, set up a 'caucus on currency misalignments' within the G20 that would include China, Japan, the euro-zone and the US, with two rotating seats for G20 countries with the largest accumulation of foreign exchange reserves. NOTES TO EDITORS Read New Ideas for the London Summit: Recommendations to the G20 Leaders >> Read Executive Summary >> EVENT Wednesday 1 April 2009 09:30 to 11:00 The London Summit: Multiple Perspectives on the G20 Dr Youssef Boutros-Ghali, Minister of Finance, Egypt; Chairman, International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) Lord Malloch-Brown, Prime Minister's Special Envoy for the G20 London Summit Stephen Roach, Chairman, Morgan Stanley Asia Dr Paola Subacchi, Research Director, International Economics, Chatham House Chair: Dr Robin Niblett, Director, Chatham House For media enquiries, please contact Nicola Norton: +44 (0)20 7957 5739 +44 (0)79 1775 7528 ENDS Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:21:31 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1105/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1105/ 08:30, 1st April 2009 - With economies around the world at a critical moment, expectations for the London Summit on 2 April are running high. However, there is a limit to what the G20 can realistically achieve. A panel of experts will ask what the leaders' key priorities should be - boosting demand, halting protectionism, reforming the IMF or agreeing new rules for international financial regulation? The event will mark the launch of the Chatham House-Atlantic Council report: New Ideas for the London Summit: Recommendations to the G20 Leaders. For more information please contact Members Events. Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:00:34 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2372/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2372/ The book under review fills an important gap in examining American foreign policy during the years between the fall of the Berlin Wall and the events of September 11, 2001. The book largely focuses on the thinking of the foreign policy elites and, in the opinion of this reviewer, might have said more about American domestic politics at this time. The rise of the conservative movement, the belief in the unfettered free market, and the seemingly unconditional support for Israel were largely rooted in domestic politics but had important foreign policy implications. One paradox, so this reviewer argues, was the way in which some in the West-the Cold War victors-seemed disorientated or even demoralized by their own victory. One underlying problem, implicit in this book, is that of achieving cohesion in the absence of a common enemy. For that reason peace can sometimes be as difficult as war. Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:33:43 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1093/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1093/ 08:00, 12th March 2009 - Registration and coffee will be available from 07:30. Diplomacy is one of the world's oldest professions but in today's world of high speed global communications, do we still need diplomats? The speaker will discuss the role of diplomats and foreign ministries in the twenty-first century and consider what they need to be doing differently in order to succeed. This meeting is held in association with the Young Diplomats in London. For more information please contact Charmaine Monteiro. Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:12:32 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/515/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/515/ We are pleased to announce the nominees for the 2009 Chatham House Prize. The nominees are: Prince Saud Al-Faisal Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Saudi Arabia Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President of Liberia HE Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil The Chatham House Prize is awarded to the statesperson deemed to have made the most significant contribution to the improvement of international relations in the previous year. The winner will be announced later this year and will be presented with the crystal award. The award ceremony will take place in the autumn at a City of London venue. More about the nominees >> About the Chatham House Prize The selection process for the nominees draws on the expertise of Chatham House's research teams and three presidents - Lord Ashdown, Lord Hurd and Lord Robertson. Our members are then invited to vote for the winner in a ballot. The winner will be announced later this year. The winner is presented with a crystal award and a scroll signed by our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen at an award ceremony in the City of London in early autumn, with keynote speeches by leading figures in international affairs. Previous winners include: President John Kufuor of Ghana (2008), HH Sheikha Mozah, Chairperson, Qatar Foundation (2007), HE Joaquim Chissano, former President of Mozambique (2006) and HE President Victor Yushchenko of Ukraine (2005). More about the Prize and previous winners >> Contact Nicola Norton, Media Relations Manager +44 (0)20 7957 5739 +44 (0)79 1775 7528 nnorton@chathamhouse.org.uk Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:45:36 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/706/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/706/ Download executive summary This report by Director of Chatham House Dr Robin Niblett draws on Chatham House's international expertise and contacts to offer an in-depth analysis of President Obama administration's ambitions to renew US leadership in the world. The report explores how the Obama administration can promote US global leadership at a time when many of the pillars of its international role have been weakened. Looking at how the US will need to craft new ways of using its unique power and capacity to influence others, the report's key conclusions are as follows: America needs to change how it uses its power by sharing leadership where partners have as much - or more - to offer. America needs to focus less on its 'opponents' and more on supporting its friends and allies in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia. America needs to place less emphasis on individual leaders and parties and more on governance and political processes. More information on Chatham House project - Rethinking America's International Role >> Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:34:02 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/509/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/509/ A major new Chatham House report, drawing on our international expertise and contacts, offers an in-depth analysis of the Obama administration's ambitions to renew US leadership in the world. One month into Barack Obama's presidency, Chatham House is publishing a major new report, Ready to Lead? Rethinking America's Role in a Changed World. It explores how the Obama administration can promote US global leadership at a time when many of the pillars of its international role have been weakened. The report concludes that America must change the way it uses its power. The spread of democracy that US governments have championed over recent decades - and that reinforces its claim to international leadership - has stalled. The invasion of Iraq in 2003 has left the US directly entangled in the instability of Middle East rather than an external contributor to its security. Further, China and the EU are challenging US leadership regionally and on global issues such as climate change and international financial coordination. Dr Robin Niblett, Director of Chatham House and the report's author, says: 'In just four weeks, President Obama has moved rapidly to address questions about the legitimacy and the future direction of American foreign policy. However, restoring America's leadership role will be far more difficult.' This report looks at how the US will need to craft new ways of using its unique power and capacity to influence others. Its key conclusions are as follows: America needs to change how it uses its power by sharing leadership where partners have as much - or more - to offer.President Obama has promised to strengthen multilateral cooperation. He can do so if he chooses to share leadership in certain areas, such as tackling climate change and the global financial crisis, or even serve as one among equals in others. The US needs to focus less on its 'opponents' and more on supporting its friends and allies in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia. The actions of many of America's principal competitors or opponents, such as Russia and Iran, are driven by internal political calculations over which current US policy has little or no influence. By focussing more on how it supports its allies, America will play to its strengths. America needs to place less emphasis on individual leaders and parties and more on governance and political processes.From the Clinton administration's relationship with Boris Yeltsin and Hosni Mubarak to the Bush administration's support for Pervez Musharraf or Ahmed Chalabi, successive US administrations have over-emphasized relationships with particular individuals. President Obama should not recreate the same reliance on personal relationships which blighted parts of the Bush administration's foreign policy. Notes to Editors Read the report: Ready to Lead? Rethinking America's Role in a Changed World >> More information on Chatham House project, Rethinking America's International Role >> Dr Robin Niblett is available for interview. For media enquiries please contact the Press Office: +44 (0)20 7957 5739 pressoffice@chathamhouse.org.uk Keith Burnet +44 (0)20 7314 2798 +44 (0)7714 200 920 ENDS Fri, 20 Feb 2009 09:53:24 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1075/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1075/ 10:00, 25th February 2009 - Morris L Reid, a leading Democratic advisor and media commentator will discuss the latest political developments in Washington. Mr Reid has known President Obama's inner circle for many years and has deep experience of Democratic Party politics. He will provide background on the personalities in Obama's Cabinet and discuss what can be realistically expected of the new Administration both at home and abroad. Based in Washington, Mr Reid recently joined the BGR Group as a Managing Director. He earned his reputation as a former senior staff member in the Clinton administration and provided counsel to the leaders of hundreds of Fortune 500 companies and government organizations worldwide. This meeting will be held under the Chatham House Rule. Attendance at this event is strictly by invitation only. More about Chatham House research on Rethinking America's International Role >> For more information please contact Molly Tarhuni. Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:20:25 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/704/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/704/ This short report is a summary of a joint workshop held by Chatham House and the Atlantic Council of the United States on 5/6 December 2008. With the change of administration in the US, the workshop reflected on both the differences and commonalities in practice and policy of international law between the US and EU States. The workshop aimed at contributing to an ongoing dialogue regarding issues of international law. The value of cooperation to the relationship between the US and European States has been critical to healthy relations and the progress of international law and policy. The report includes summaries of the discussions including recommendations for policy and cooperation which emerged from some participants. This paper should be read in conjunction with the 'Issue Brief', Beyond Closing Guantanamo: Next Steps to Rebuild a Transatlantic Partnership in International Law, published by the Atlantic Council of the United States in association with Chatham House. Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:20:46 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1071/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1071/ 17:30, 16th February 2009 - Minister MacKay will address transatlantic security relations in the context of NATO's involvement in Afghanistan. He will consider the objectives of Canada's defence strategy in Afghanistan, consistent with Afghan objectives and those of the international community. In addition to his appointment as Minister of National Defence, he is also Minister of the Atlantic Gateway and the political minister for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, having previously served as Foreign Affairs Minister from February 2006 to August 2007 and also as Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:48:20 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1061/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1061/ 14:00, 3rd February 2009 - Kent Calder will be speaking on his most recent publication, 'Embattled Garrisons: Comparative Base Politics and American Globalism', a monograph study of US security policy and military bases, with specific reference to East Asia, published by Princeton University Press. Dr Calder taught for twenty years at Princeton University (1983-2003) and also at Harvard University. He served as former Japan Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, special adviser to the US Ambassador to Japan and special adviser to the assistant secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. The question and answer session will be held under the Chatham House Rule. Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:10:06 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/480/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/480/ Recent falls in food prices are no more than a temporary reprieve and are set to resume their upward trend once the world emerges from the current economic downturn. This is one of the conclusions of a new Chatham House report, The Feeding of the Nine Billion: Global Food Security for the 21st Century, which urges policymakers to start planning now for a future 'food crunch'. The report assesses the outlook for global food supply in a long term context of expanding population, increasing affluence, climate change concerns and growing resource scarcity. The report's author, Alex Evans, says: 'The 20th century Green Revolution made incredible advances in improving crop yields. Now, we need a 21st century Green Revolution to repeat that success. Although enough food is produced today to feed everyone, nearly a billion people are undernourished - about the same number as are overweight. 'Food supply will have to grow by 50% by 2030 to meet projected demand but climate change, water scarcity and competition for land will make it much harder to achieve this demanding target. A return to high oil prices will also increase food prices, as more crops are converted into bio-fuels.' The report recommends investing more in agriculture, with a focus on small farmers; improving importer countries' security of supply through changes to trade rules; and a new 'International Energy Agency For Food' to manage a global system of food reserves and help protect against future price spikes. Sam Bickersteth, Head of Programme Policy at Oxfam, said: 'This report should act as a wake-up call for all those who believe that the food crisis of the last two years is over. World leaders have a window of opportunity to act to prevent a further escalation of the crisis. They must produce coordinated action now and reverse decades of under-investment in agriculture to prevent millions more people falling into hunger.' Notes to Editors Read The Feeding of the Nine Billion >> Alex Evans is a Non-Resident Fellow at the Center on International Cooperation, at New York University, where he runs CIC's work on climate change and global public goods. From 2003 to 2006 he worked as Special Adviser to Secretary of State Hilary Benn at the UK Department for International Development. For interview bids please contact: Nicola Norton, Media Relations Manager Direct: +44 (0)20 7957 5739 Mobile: +44 (0)7917 757 528 Email Nicola Norton Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:28:29 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1055/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1055/ 09:00, 27th January 2009 - On Tuesday 27 January Chatham House hosted the European launch of Power and Responsibility: Building International Order in an Era of Transnational Threats. Power and Responsibility has been prepared by the Managing Global Insecurity Project, a collaboration between the Brookings Institution, the Center on International Cooperation at New York University and the Center on International Security and Cooperation at Stanford University. Session 1: Global Challenges and International Responses The Managing Global Insecurity Project and MGI's book Power and Responsibility provide a set of foundational principles and a strategy for managing transnational challenges. Stephen Stedman will introduce the core arguments of Power and Responsibility. Panellists will discuss how a revitalised international system could deliver on issues at the top of the foreign policy agendas of the US, UK and their global partners. Session 1: Global Challenges and International Responses Session 2: The US, its Allies and International Institutional Reform How can the new US administration work with allies to respond to the demand for more effective international institutions stimulated by the global financial crisis? On the pressing transnational issues of economic governance/global poverty, climate change, and nuclear proliferation, how can the US working with allies build legitimate and effective global institutions to respond? And what is the timeline for reform? Session 2: The US, its Allies and International Institutional Reform Audio for both sessions is provided below. A transcript of the second session including David Miliband's speech is also available. Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:33:27 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/479/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/479/ Dr Robin Niblett, Director, Chatham House says: 'It is just possible that the country's financial meltdown will now give President Obama the chance to carry out one of the largest investments in America's economic regeneration in over 70 years. If so, America could once again lead principally by example rather than by diplomatic weight and military force. Conscious of the responsibility that he carries and the intentions of some of America's enemies, he reminded Americans that 'our nation is at war'. The critical difference is that he did not say America was at war against terrorism -which is, after all, a dogma - but against 'a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Overall, it is to be hoped that the magnanimous self-confidence and pragmatism which were the themes of President Obama's inaugural address will also now be the hallmarks of his presidency.' Read full comment >> Experts available for comment: Robin Niblett +44 (0)207 957 5702 Robin Shepherd +44 (0)7875 446 698 Richard Whitman +44 (0)7951 541 890 Event Thursday 22 January 2009 17:30 to 18:30 Regaining the Initiative: Opportunities for the US Under President ObamaDr Robin Niblett, Director, Chatham House, will evaluate current US foreign policy, assess promising areas of future US influence, and suggest specific ways for US engagement to impact on global and regional challenges. Articles The Limits and Potential of Obama's Foreign Policy: Living Up To Expectations, Dr Robin Niblett, The World Today, January 2009 US Policy in Afghanistan and Pakistan: Antidote to Insurgency Ayesha Khan, The World Today, January 2009 Bringing Hegemony Back In: The United States and International Order Ian Clark, International Affairs, January 2009 United States Presidency and Europe: Over to You, EuropeDr Robin Niblett, The World Today, December 2008 Transcript Major Foreign Policy Challenges for the Next US PresidentZbigniew Brzezinski speaking at Chatham House on 17 December 2008 For all media enquiries, please contact the press office: Nicola Norton, Media Relations Manager nnorton@chathamhouse.org.uk +44 (0) 20 7957 5739 +44 (0) 7917 757 528 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:53:45 +0000