Policy Briefs
Lessons for UN Electoral Certification from the 2010 Disputed Presidential Poll in Côte d'Ivoire
This policy brief evaluates the prospects for future UN electoral certification in post-conflict environments by identifying lessons to be learned from the Ivorian case and offers recommendations to make certification a viable strategy.
Unleashing the Nuclear Watchdog: Strengthening and Reform of the IAEA Policy Brief No. 23
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the world’s hub of cooperation in the nuclear field, is the nucleus around which all other parts of the global nuclear governance system revolve, promoting safe, secure and peaceful nuclear technologies. Published along with the report Unleashing the Nuclear Watchdog: Strengthening and Reform of the IAEA — the result of more than two years of research and examining all aspects of the Agency’s mandate and operations — this policy brief summarizes the report’s key findings and policy recommendations for strengthening and reforming the IAEA.
This Time Is Not Different: Blaming Short Sellers
History, in the form of economic crises, does indeed repeat itself. But there are wide variations across the experiences of individual countries and across time, and the response of policy makers often determines the severity of the recessions that usually accompany financial crises of all types. This policy brief provides a brief history of short selling and its critics, and considers the question of whether a “herd-like mentality” exists during financial crises.
Brazil as an Emerging Environmental Donor
Over the last 10 years, Brazil has expanded its own domestic development strategies to include offering assistance to other countries and their national efforts. Former President Lula da Silva has suggested that the country’s experience solving problems in unfavourable conditions make it a good partner for other developing countries.
Improving the Governance of the Food Aid Convention: Which Way Forward?
The Food Aid Convention (FAC), the international agreement that governs food aid for the world’s hungry, is under renegotiation with a deadline of June 2011. This CIGI policy brief examines various options and suggests an alternative structure that would bring together FAC member countries and external bodies with expertise in food aid, food security and humanitarian assistance.
The Environment and Corporate Governance in Zimbabwe
Formerly one of Africa's most promising economies, Zimbabwe has begun a process of economic reconstruction after decades of political turmoil and economic mismanagement. In this policy brief, Hany Besada and Karolina Werner recommend ways in which Zimbabwe can reinvigorate its economy while safeguarding its environment and resources.
Developing Countries – even China – Cannot Rescue the World Economy
Contrary to what many analysts believe, neither China alone nor developing countries as a group are economically powerful enough to pull the world economy out of recession, although their importance as an engine of global growth is rising. Global economic recovery will have to depend on growth in the US and Europe.
Bridging the North-South Divide on Climate Post-Copenhagen
This policy brief asserts that the North-South divide is perhaps the most important hindrance to reaching an agreement at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) being held in Copenhagen in December 2009. According to the authors, movement across this divide will be necessary to reach a deal; however, the likelihood of a significant agreement, even post-Copenhagen, is unclear despite the current political momentum.
From London to L’Aquila: Building a Bridge between the G20 and the G8
From many perspectives, the London Summit of the G20 leaders at the beginning of April 2009 was a success – with discussion framed around crisis resolution and the strengthening of the international financial architecture. Beyond its concrete achievements, the Summit morphed into an ongoing process with a rolling agenda, rather than remaining a one-off event. While the Italian Presidency of the G8 has a hard task ahead, there is scope for building a meaningful bridge between London and the G8 meeting in L’Aquila in July 2009, continuing and strengthening the economic governance reform process.
Issues, Obstacles and Outlook for the Copenhagen International Climate Change Negotiation
In this policy brief, Distinguished Fellow John Whalley and Research Assistant Sean Walsh assess some of the critical issues and obstacles standing in the path of a successful conclusion to the December 2009 climate change negotiation in Copenhagen.