Showing papers by "Center for the Study of Democracy published in 2020"

Building biosecurity for synthetic biology

Abstract: The fast-paced field of synthetic biology is fundamentally changing the global biosecurity framework. Current biosecurity regulations and strategies are based on previous governance paradigms for pathogen-oriented security, recombinant DNA research, and broader concerns related to genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Many scholarly discussions and biosecurity practitioners are therefore concerned that synthetic biology outpaces established biosafety and biosecurity measures to prevent deliberate and malicious or inadvertent and accidental misuse of synthetic biology's processes or products. This commentary proposes three strategies to improve biosecurity: Security must be treated as an investment in the future applicability of the technology; social scientists and policy makers should be engaged early in technology development and forecasting; and coordination among global stakeholders is necessary to ensure acceptable levels of risk.

Cumulating evidence in environmental governance, policy and planning research: towards a research reform agenda

Abstract: This paper suggests that the field of environmental governance, policy and planning (EGPP) may be seen as an (emerging) scientific field, which can be characterised as ‘fragmented adhocracy’, expla...

Clashing Values: Supranational Identities, Geopolitical Rivalry and Europe’s Growing Cultural Divide:

Abstract: Soon after the collapse of Soviet-type communism in Central and Eastern Europe, a new geopolitical division began to reshape the continent. Our study demonstrates that this newly emerging geopoliti...

Politicized Transnationalism: The Visegrád Countries in the Refugee Crisis

Abstract: Existing research on the evolution of European integration has pitted economic against identity issues. In the economic sphere, governments are arguably able to pursue their preferences more independently. If, however, identity issues become politicized this is supposed to suggest that governments lose their dominant position in integration and gradually become agents of Eurosceptic parties and/or electorates. This article looks at a phenomenon neither the intergovernmentalist nor the postfunctionalist perspective can fully explain: the emergence of the Visegrad Group (V4) as a collective actor in European politics in early 2016. This emergence occurred in the wake of the refugee crisis during which the identity issue of migration was politicized. However, there was no coherent partisan composition uniting V4 governments. Based on a sequence elaboration of all press statements of meetings of the V4 Prime Ministers since their EU-accession in 2004, we show that what at first sight appears to be informed by anti-immigrant and Eurosceptic sentiments may in fact display a more ambivalent position towards regional integration. The post-refugee crisis V4 appears as a case of politicized transnationalism—that is, cooperation to achieve transnational interests under the condition of politicization. This transnational interest not only comprised opposition to a relocation of migrants, but also the maintenance of a core transnational freedom within the EU, namely free movement under the Schengen acquis. We conclude that, under the condition of increasing politicization, identity issues help to forge government alliances of governments pursuing economic preferences.

Neuroscience-Based Weapons

Abstract: The focus of this chapter is on the efforts aimed at preventing that cutting-edge scientific and technological advances in the areas of biological and chemical sciences are misused for the development of weapons targeted at the nervous system. It advances the argument that the effective governance of dual-use research requires the active engagement of the chemical and biological science communities. The chapter begins by looking into the issue of dual-use science and how it relates to the international chemical and biological disarmament and non-proliferation regime. It then reviews the efforts made by States Parties within the framework of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention and the Chemical Weapons Convention to strengthen the international prohibitions against chemical and biological weapons. The chapter further reviews various scientist engagement initiatives that seek to promote a culture of responsibility among researchers with a particular emphasis on awareness-raising and education activities regarding dual-use issues among those in the field of neuroscience. It concludes by identifying options for enhancing scientist participation in strengthening the chemical and biological disarmament regime.

Measuring Anti-trafficking Enforcement

Abstract: In this chapter, the reader will see how three global indices are compared using external validity test in order to identify which one of them is empirically related stronger to human trafficking. As the results of the comparison will demonstrate, Tier rankings are proven to be the most reliable measure of anti-trafficking enforcement.

A cultural theory of regimes.

Abstract: There is a longstanding debate about whether culture shapes regimes or regimes shape culture. New research by Ruck et al. resolves the debate in favor of culture’s causal primacy.

Effective and Comprehensive Governance of Biological Risks: A Network of Networks Approach for Sustainable Capacity Building

Abstract: This chapter advances the argument that the effective and comprehensive governance of biological risks requires that all States should take relevant steps toward the effective and comprehensive national implementation of the existing internationally mandated or recommended measures in the area of biological security. Sustainable capacity building underpinned by multistakeholder engagement and inter-agency cross-fertilisation is an essential prerequisite for the achievement of this objective. The chapter highlights the utility of building capacity through a ‘network of networks’ approach as a way of fostering partnerships among stakeholder communities and harmonising the implementation of biological risk management policies and measures.

Identifying the Global Drivers

Abstract: Part II of the book offers a more rigorous examination of macro-level determinants that explains anti-trafficking enforcement across the globe. In this chapter, these determinants are identified via quantifiable global measures. They capture how country-level lack of equality, unwillingness to follow the standards of international law, the lack of political culture, state capacity and liberal democracy, and high demand for vulnerable people might hinder effective anti-trafficking enforcement.