Showing papers in "The Round Table in 2017"
TL;DR: Commonwealth countries are well-known global hotspots for child marriage as mentioned in this paper, including Bangladesh, India, Mozambique, Malawi, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Uganda.
Abstract: Commonwealth countries are well-known global hotspots for child marriage. Seven members – Bangladesh, India, Mozambique, Malawi, Nigeria, South Sudan and Uganda – belong to the global list of 20 co...
24 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on China's impact on Pacific regional politics from the perspective of identity politics and suggest that China has substantially increased its engagement with the Pacific island states by making use of its own identity as a South-South development partner in contrast to traditional (mainly Western) donors.
Abstract: Foreign aid from China to the island countries of the Pacific has grown rapidly over the last few decades and an expanding body of literature has examined various aspects of what this means for politics in the region generally. This article focuses on China’s impact on Pacific regional politics partly from the perspective of identity politics. It suggests that China has substantially increased its engagement with the Pacific island states by making use of its own identity as a South–South development partner in contrast to traditional (mainly Western) donors in the region. Unlike most traditional donors, however, China’s diplomacy and engagement are based largely on bilateralism, and this is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. This approach could continue to limit its impact on Pacific regionalism, regardless of how it projects its image.
15 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the Gambian presidential election of December 2016, which was very surprisingly won by the leader of an opposition coalition, Adama Barrow, and its extraordinary aftermath.
Abstract: This article explores the Gambian presidential election of December 2016, which was very surprisingly won by the leader of an opposition coalition, Adama Barrow, and its extraordinary aftermath. Barrow defeated Yahya Jammeh, who had won the four previous presidential elections, thus ending Jammeh’s 20-year rule of The Gambia, which had been marred by human rights abuses. Jammeh at first accepted the result, but changed his mind a week later, thus triggering a major political crisis. Over the next month, he made various desperate attempts to cling to power, before finally leaving the country on 21 January 2017, when faced with the prospect of being removed by force. Barrow, who had earlier been inaugurated as president, finally returned to Banjul on 26 January to assume office. The article concludes by considering the possible key features of a Barrow presidency and assesses the challenges that he will face.
13 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the antecedents and history of the Bangladesh Armed Forces and its participation in various peacekeeping operations over the past 25 years are traced. But the authors do not discuss the role of women in these operations.
Abstract: Bangladesh is one of the top troop contributing countries to UN Peacekeeping Operations. This paper traces the antecedents and history of the Bangladesh Armed Forces and follows Bangladesh’s participation in various peacekeeping operations over the past 25 years including Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Democratic Republic of Congo.
13 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a book which examines aspects of British history ignored, forgotten, and overlooked by the mainstream media, which is not a history book; it is a book about today.
Abstract: Ian Cobain writes ‘… this is not a history book. Nor is it a book about history; it is a book about today’ (p. xix). But it is a book which examines aspects of British history ignored, forgotten, o...
10 citations
TL;DR: In the 2015 election, the charismatic Justin Trudeau led the Canadian Liberal Party to its first majority government in 15 years, overturning nearly a decade of conservative government as mentioned in this paper, and his premiership is generally considered to have begun well.
Abstract: In the October 2015 elections, the charismatic Justin Trudeau led the Canadian Liberal Party to its first majority government in 15 years, overturning nearly a decade of conservative government. His premiership is generally considered to have begun well. This article examines Trudeau’s conduct of the election campaign, his choice of a young and diverse Cabinet, his courtship of the media and image making, and assesses changes in foreign and domestic policy. These have yet to prove substantive but Trudeau has signalled a reversal of Stephen Harper’s conservative policies and especially in regard to migration has tapped into images of ‘compassionate Canadians’. In foreign policy, this has been evidenced in relations with the United States and with a re-engagement with the Commonwealth especially in its soft power aspects. Trudeau’s green credentials and stance on Climate Change are a contrast to those of his predecessor but he has yet to confront the different environmental profiles and policies of ...
8 citations
8 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, Vlcek uses this increasingly maligned term to describe a growing and assorte-mentionable population of nomad millionaires in the offshore world.
Abstract: I stumbled across the term ‘nomad millionaire’ in Ronan Palan’s 2003 book on The Offshore World. In this opportune text, Vlcek uses this increasingly maligned term to describe a growing and assorte...
8 citations
7 citations
TL;DR: On the morning of 2 November 1956, the Canadian Secretary of State for External Affairs, Lester Pearson, presented an initiative to the UN General Assembly to resolve the Suez Crisis as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: On the morning of 2 November 1956, the Canadian Secretary of State for External Affairs, Lester Pearson, presented an initiative to the UN General Assembly to resolve the Suez Crisis. The majority ...
7 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors trace Rwanda's history under German and Belgian colonialism, through independence and genocide to international respectability and membership of the Commonwealth, and examine Rwanda's resilience to genocide.
Abstract: This article traces Rwanda’s history under German and Belgian colonialism, through independence and genocide to international respectability and membership of the Commonwealth. It examines Rwanda’s...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the interrelationship between anglo-francophone African peace operations and its implications for negotiating colonial discourses and barriers and as a means to promoting deeper regional integration.
Abstract: This article adds historical and empirical insights to the ongoing global debate on peace operations in francophone contexts, by providing a historical analysis of Ghana’s participation in francophone peacekeeping operations, with a special focus on Cote d’Ivoire. It investigates the interrelationship between anglo-francophone African peace operations and its implications for negotiating colonial discourses and barriers and as a means to promoting deeper regional integration. The paper argues that the fundamental reasons behind the difficulties experienced by Ghanaian peacekeepers in francophone peacekeeping theatres, especially in the case of Cote d’Ivoire, resulted from the differences in culture, language, ethnic proximity and regional politics. We demonstrate in our discussions that solving the language problem, for instance, will foster better understanding and cooperation, but also fast-track and contribute to effective regional peacekeeping efforts and facilitate the establishment of the el...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that the present plurality is more than resituating a "Pacific voice" and is not necessarily a challenge to the existing order, rather, the Pacific experience mirrors global trends in the evolution of regionalism as a practice, in which network diplomacy or coalition-building across the plethora of actors will become a predominant feature of new regionalism.
Abstract: The current state of Pacific regionalism is faced with a range of external and internal factors that are acting to reshape the region and which call for a rethinking of Pacific regionalism. Within this context a range of new and in some cases reinvigorated groupings of political actors have emerged, seeking to influence and shape the region. Interpretations of this plurality of political groupings differ, with some authors seeing it as a direct challenge to the previously existing regional order, while others argue it signals a return to a foundational Pacific voice in regional politics. This article suggests that the present plurality is more than resituating a ‘Pacific voice’ and is not necessarily a challenge to the existing order. Rather, the Pacific’s experience mirrors global trends in the evolution of regionalism as a practice, in which network diplomacy or coalition-building across the plethora of actors will become a predominant feature of new regionalism. Further, the authors argue that ...
TL;DR: Nigeria has been entrapped in cyclical violent conflicts since it re-democratised in 1999 after over 15 years of military authoritarianism as mentioned in this paper, and military disengagement from power has largely coincided with the emergence of democracy.
Abstract: Nigeria has been entrapped in cyclical violent conflicts since it re-democratised in 1999 after over 15 years of military authoritarianism. Military disengagement from power has largely coincided w...
TL;DR: A recent analysis of recent developments in Pacific regional politics has emphasized the role of ideas and new thinking about how the Pacific should engage in global and regional diplomacy (the so-called "paradigm shift" as mentioned in this paper ).
Abstract: Analyses of recent developments in Pacific regional politics have emphasized the role of ideas and new thinking about how the Pacific should engage in global and regional diplomacy (the so-called ‘paradigm shift’). These ideas include the call for regional self-determination, the claim that Pacific island states need to engage more assertively in global diplomacy, the call for a ‘genuine Pacific voice’ to be heard in global forums, recognition that a ‘one region approach’ need not be the best approach, the reconfiguring of diplomatic alliances to leverage Pacific island positions better in global forums, and embracing non-state actors as equal partners. The importance of this paradigm shift is that it challenges many prevailing stereotypes and assumptions about Pacific islands diplomacy. It recognizes and facilitates choices and alternatives. It emphasizes the imperative of being proactive and of taking responsibility for the challenges facing the Pacific islands; and being creative in finding sol...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors consider two cases of particular interest in current regional politics which illustrate a number of important contradictions in conventional approaches to the analysis of colonialism, namely, New Caledonia and French Polynesia admission to the Pacific Islands Forum and Indonesia's claim to sovereignty over West Papua.
Abstract: Regionalism in Oceania emerged in a context shaped both by the decolonisation movement as well as the Cold War, the dynamics of which are still being played out today. This article considers two cases of particular interest in current regional politics which illustrate a number of important contradictions in conventional approaches to the analysis of colonialism. The first involves the two larger French territories in the region – New Caledonia and French Polynesia – which have recently been admitted to full membership of the Pacific Islands Forum despite falling short of the technical requirements for such membership, namely independent status. The second concerns Indonesia’s claim to sovereignty over West Papua. Although this claim has been recognised in international law since 1969, its basis is highly suspect and Indonesia’s record from the start is arguably tantamount to a repressive form of colonialism enabled by the United Nations itself. Placed in comparative perspective, these cases invit...
TL;DR: The cruelty of war is not an easy topic for any author as mentioned in this paper, and the most difficult aspect of all is writing about the barbarity of human behavio- tory.
Abstract: The cruelty of war is not an easy topic for any author. Civil wars are very difficult to understand and explain. But the most difficult aspect of all is writing about the barbarity of human behavio...
TL;DR: The authors assesses the extent to which the Commonwealth as an institution is supporting troop-and police-contributing member states in addressing the gender imbalance in peacekeeping operations, focusing on the strategic commitment outlined in the Plan of Action for Gender Equality (2005-2015) and the priority issues of the Commonwealth Women's Forum.
Abstract: Reflecting on the strategic commitment outlined in the Plan of Action for Gender Equality (2005–2015) and the priority issues of the Commonwealth Women’s Forum, this article assesses the extent to which the Commonwealth as an institution is supporting troop- and police-contributing member states in addressing the gender imbalance in peacekeeping operations. Drawing on desk-based research, interviews with international policymakers and a statistical analysis of the International Peace Institute Peacekeeping Database, the article first outlines the Commonwealth’s gender and security policy perspective before examining datasets to determine the success of Commonwealth member states in integrating women into uniformed peacekeeping contingents between 2009 and 2015. The article observes that, in spite of a renewed optimism and drive to propel women into leadership positions in politics, the judiciary, public bodies and private companies, security-sector reform and the implementation of pillar one of th...
TL;DR: In this paper, the author argues that the British Colonial Office decision to take Jamaica away from white settlers who had run it previously and return it to direct British rule should serve to modify the image of Britain as an essentially and predominantly "imperialist" country.
Abstract: and was orchestrated in Britain’ – which, he concedes ‘must serve to modify, to an extent at any rate, the image of Britain as an essentially and predominantly “imperialist” country’ (p. 70). In discussing changes made in imperial policy, the author looks at the British Colonial Office decision to take Jamaica away from white settlers who had run it previously and return it to direct British rule. He makes the fair point that the same thing should probably have been done in the case of (Southern) Rhodesia in the 1960s ‘but was thought to be too difficult at the time’ (p. 77). This is a good illustration of failure to deal with racist policies – which has had serious implications. An important feature of the book – and in the view of this reviewer a great weakness – is the attitude which the author has towards the Commonwealth. One example of this is what he describes as ‘the myth of a “liberal” empire that was created around the time of World War 1 – the “Commonwealth”’, which he calls a clever way of adapting to liberal progress (p. 134). The author is against imperialism, and he makes a good case for this view. His case against the Commonwealth, which he declares strongly, is in the view of this reviewer badly argued and essentially unrealistic.
TL;DR: The authors examines some possible impacts of Donald Trump's presidency on the Pacific island countries (PICs) and examines how Trump's proposed isolationist and militarisation policies may affect regional geopolitics.
Abstract: The election of Donald Trump as the next president of the US has caused much international consternation and anxiety. Reactions have been based on distrust and rejection of Trump’s political ideology, behavioural disposition and unpredictable policy positions. His campaign speeches were filled with provocative utterances which were racist, sexist, homophobic, anti-environment and self-centred. This article examines some possible impacts of Trump’s presidency on the Pacific island countries (PICs). The first issue refers to how Trump’s proposed isolationist and militarisation policies may affect regional geopolitics. The two policies tend to contradict each other because while isolationism means pulling back on US economic and strategic presence in the Pacific, a reversal of the pivot to Asia-Pacific policy, militarisation implies greater strategic reach, regionally and globally. What does this seemingly contradictory approach mean for the PICs? Second, the article looks at the impact of Trump’s cl...
TL;DR: The admission of Martinique as an associate member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States in 2015 has been seen as an event of significance in the Caribbean region for a number of reasons as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The admission of Martinique as an associate member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States in 2015 has been seen as an event of significance in the Caribbean region for a number of reasons. Among other things, it was the first example of a non-Anglophone country being accorded that status, and it was the first French territory allowed to join one of the core regional groupings of the Commonwealth Caribbean. This article argues that the deepening of Martinique’s relationship with its neighbours within a multilateral framework may offer new practical possibilities for regional integration.
TL;DR: In the country of Kenya, Muslims make up about 11% of the population, mostly along the north-eastern parts, its coastal region, and in cities such as Mombasa as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Kenya is a predominantly Christian country, with Muslims making up about 11% of its population, mostly along the north-eastern parts, its coastal region, and in cities such as Mombasa. Muslims in K...
TL;DR: New Zealand's governmental and non-governmental agencies, academic commentators and media have long framed the country as uniquely and favourably positioned on cultural grounds to be a strategic diplomatic actor in the South Pacific.
Abstract: New Zealand’s governmental and non-governmental agencies, academic commentators and media have long framed the country as uniquely and favourably positioned on cultural grounds to be a strategic diplomatic actor in the South Pacific. Justifications for the framing stem from two linked complexes: the history of New Zealand’s colonial and post-colonial involvement in a number of Polynesian territories in the Pacific; and the related history of relations between settlers and indigenes in New Zealand itself. These different strands of the argument have increasingly been brought together by the growth in numbers of New Zealand-born and domiciled Pacific Islanders. They, along with Maori, have been recruited into the diplomatic service and overtly contribute to the use of Polynesian encounter rituals in New Zealand’s diplomatic outreach. Such histories are used to justify New Zealand’s role in the Pacific in its relations with other external powers, especially in diplomatic jostling with Australia. The ...
TL;DR: This paper observed that Botswana, a country of about one million people and almost entirely surrounded by extremely hostile white minority regimes, demonstrated a spirit of defiance to apartheid's golden age, despite being defenceless and dependent on South Africa for economic survival.
Abstract: The period from 1966 to 1979 is claimed to have been ‘apartheid’s golden age’ when the anti-apartheid forces were alleged to have largely acquiesced in the well-resourced South African government However, this paper observes that Botswana, a country of about one million people and almost entirely surrounded by extremely hostile white minority regimes, demonstrated a spirit of defiance to apartheid’s golden age Botswana defied military intimidation and reprisals from South Africa (an African giant) and its ally Rhodesia by continuing to host large numbers of refugees despite Botswana’s severe budgetary constraints Botswana did this even though it was landlocked and overwhelmingly dependent on South Africa for economic survival Botswana felt that it was a moral obligation to make sacrifices for the benefit of the oppressed black people of South Africa This article attempts to demonstrate that despite being defenceless and dependent on South Africa for economic survival, Botswana did not yield i
TL;DR: The historic importance of South Africa to the Commonwealth is well-known as discussed by the authors, as an independent dominion within the association after 1931, it was a powerful ally in war, a significant trading part of the Commonwealth.
Abstract: Few would deny the historic importance of South Africa to the Commonwealth. As an independent dominion within the association after 1931, it was a powerful ally in war, a significant trading partne...
TL;DR: This article gave an overview of the involvement of Australia, New Zealand and Fiji in peacekeeping operations with attention to motives, experience and "lessons learnt" with respect to lessons learned.
Abstract: This article gives an overview of the involvement of Australia, New Zealand and Fiji in peacekeeping operations with attention to motives, experience and ‘lessons learnt’. Australia and New Zealand have been strongly influenced by regional considerations and an understanding of good international citizenship. Fiji’s contribution has been determined less by regional considerations and more by its position as a small developing country whose peacekeeping activities bring economic benefits, although it could be argued that by providing a basis for extending military forces they have contributed indirectly to political instability. Police contributions have been increasingly important to Australia and New Zealand and they have advocated a stronger role for police in other situations around the world.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors revisited the theory of labour market dualism to explain its usefulness in the Caribbean Community's (CARICOM) contemporary policy discourses around noneconomic integration in an era that is now classified as the Caribbean Educational Policy Space.
Abstract: This article seeks to revisit Arthur Lewis’s theory of labour market dualism, while focusing on human resource development in the form of labour productivity, to explain its usefulness in the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) contemporary policy discourses around non-economic integration in an era that is now classified as the Caribbean Educational Policy Space. The focus is on how key assumptions around labour productivity, and the lessons that can be deduced from analysing historical and contemporary policy initiatives, present plausible applicability to an expanding Caribbean single market and the proposed creation of the Caribbean single economy. In focusing on the discursive elements of labour productivity, it is contextualized that the free movement of skilled labour within CARICOM illustrates labour market dualism.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine India's policy towards Pakistan since Narendra Modi became prime minister and show that at certain times, India has engaged in talks with Pakistan on various bilateral issues.
Abstract: This article examines India’s policy towards Pakistan since Narendra Modi became prime minister. At certain times, India has engaged in talks with Pakistan on various bilateral issues. At other tim...
TL;DR: Gibraltar is one of the 14 Overseas Territories (OTs) of the United Kingdom, but it only takes a few days in this territory to realise that this legal status appears insufficient to describe what i...
Abstract: Gibraltar is one of the 14 Overseas Territories (OTs) of the United Kingdom, but it only takes a few days in this territory to realise that this legal status appears insufficient to describe what i...
TL;DR: The Arctic has a land area of approximately 14 million square kilometres, which falls under the sovereignty of eight states: Canada, USA, Denmark (Greenland and Faroe Islands), Iceland, Norway,...
Abstract: The Arctic has a land area of approximately 14 million square kilometres, which falls under the sovereignty of eight states: Canada, the USA, Denmark (Greenland and Faroe Islands), Iceland, Norway,...