Global Challenges

1 December 2015

History’s Guide to Global Governance

Globalisation needs global institutions of governance. In the wake of the 10th meeting of G20 leaders at summit level in Antalya, Turkey on 15–16 November, now is a good time to reflect on the state of global governance. The roots...

30 November 2015

Climate Equity should not be a Thing

For years now, the climate talks have revolved around discussions who should bear the burden of cutting emissions, particularly between developed and developing nations. Much of Paris climate summit will be focused on this notion of equity and how to...

30 November 2015

Global Climate Change Leadership from…China?

What happens in China is central to the global effort to limit the extent of future climate change. China is already the largest emitter of greenhouse gases by far, even as it continues its process of urbanisation and economic modernisation....

12 November 2015

More Land Does Not Mean More Affordable Housing

An increase in land supply is the usual solution put forward to solve the housing affordability crisis. What proponents of this argument fail to mention is that you need an industry prepared to deliver housing on that land and any...

10 November 2015

WADA Exposes the Doping, but Can Do Little to Stop It

It is hard to overplay the importance of the damning report from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that has presented evidence of widespread and systematic doping – particularly in Russia, which it recommends should be suspended from competition. The investigation...

5 November 2015

Could a Slower City be a more Prosperous City?

Everyone has experienced it. Striding along in a purposeful hurry, your progress thwarted by a slow-moving pedestrian, dawdling along the pavement. Perhaps they are talking into their mobile phone, looking lost or just plain taking their time. It can drive...

4 November 2015

Even Climate Change is Creating Inequalities

 We are all aware that a number of controversies surround the concept of climate change. However, if we put the possible causes to one side, there is a general scientific consensus that the climate is changing. A changing climate might,...

3 November 2015

Ending Income Poverty through Financial Inclusion

The concept “financial inclusion” in mainstream business and development circles means an all-encompassing term for innovation in financial services for the poor. Financial inclusion is part of an important economic development programme to solve the lack of access to formal...

3 November 2015

Following the Crowd to the City

The world’s population is becoming increasingly urban. Sometime in 2007 is the turning point when city dwellers formed the majority of the global population for the first time in history. Today, the trend toward urbanisation continues: as of 2014, about...

27 October 2015

The Inevitable U.S. FON Operations in the South China Sea

Recent statements suggest that the United States will soon conduct freedom of navigation (FON) operations against China’s artificial formations in the South China Sea (SCS). But there is far more handwringing going on than necessary, as demonstrated in a recent...

13 October 2015

What Does Cyber-Espionage for National Security Cover?

The cyber theft of millions of personal dossiers from the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM), revealed by US authorities in June 2015, has put the US government in an awkward position. In April 2015, US Defense Secretary Ash...

24 September 2015

Merkel Faces Tough Political Decisions Over Refugees

Chancellor Angela Merkel has shown great compassion in allowing hundreds of thousands of refugees to enter Germany. Nevertheless, she has to avoid playing into the hands of the far right, as well as placating angry Eastern European neighbours. Chancellor Angela...