Other News
Prof Shaun Breslin discusses China's position on Syria
On 5 September Prof Shaun Breslin appeared on the Voice of Russia in a discussion of China's position regarding Syria entitled 'Why Would China Oppose the War on Syria?' Shaun joined Dr. Mathieu Duchatel, Senior Researcher and head of the SIPRI’s China and International Peace and Security Project at Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, and Vassily Kashin, China expert based with the Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies.
You can listen to the discussion on the Voice of Russia's website.
Prof Franklyn Lisk participates in conference on rebuilding Somalia
On August 26-28, Prof Franklyn Lisk participated in the Horn Economic and Social Policy Institute (HESPI) and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Conference on Rebuilding Viable State and Effective Institutions in Somalia. This three-day consultative meeting held in Addis Ababa brought together representatives across Somali leadership and civil society, as well as academics, professionals, and experts on post-conflict reconstruction. The main objectives were to contribute to the current assessment of the country's priority needs; provide support to the new government of the Federal Republic of Somalia in its endeavours to plan, formulate, and implement a coherent programme for the rebuilding of a viable and effective state; and to foster dialogue that promotes the exchange of ideas and new thinking among policy makers and the country's developed partners.
Prof Lisk presented on post-conflict reconstruction and the challenges of sustainable development in Africa. The conference report will be prepared by HESPI to communicate the key findings and messages from the conference papers and keynote speeches to assist the federal Government of Somalia in planning and formulating its near and medium term strategy for reconstruction and institution building.
Proceedings will become available on the HESPI website, where the conference programme is already available.
PhD candidate awarded JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship
Miriam Grinberg, PhD candidate in PAIS, has been awarded a Postdoctoral Fellowship for Foreign Researchers (Short Term) from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) for 2013-14. This programme provides the opportunity for short-term visits for young pre- and post-doctoral UK researchers and researchers from Europe and North America based in the UK to conduct cooperative research with leading research groups at Japanese Universities and Institutions.
The award goes towards funding Miriam's fieldwork next year in Japan, where she will be conducting interviews and archival studies as part of her dissertation research entitled 'The US-Japan alliance and the relocation of Futenma: Sites of discursive exchange in the reproduction of security alliances'. As part of the award, she will be working with Prof Chikako Ueki from the Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies at Waseda University in Tokyo.
PAIS student promoted in National Student Apprentice Competition
Caroline Omotayo, a second year undergraduate student in PAIS, was recently promoted to and competed in the National Student Apprentice Competition along with her team from the University of Warwick. The NACUE connects over 5000 students across the UK through student-led societies offering business skills, employability and venture creation programmes.
Prior to the national competition, Caroline and her team had placed 2nd in the University of Warwick's Apprentice Competition and 1st in the Regional Competition.
On her time in the competition, Caroline commented:
During the National Student Apprentice we had the opportunity to further consolidate our skills and also meet fellow students who were keen to gain entrepreneurial experience. In fact I was one of the youngest students there and I was able to use the skills which I gained from studying politics and sociology to my advantage.
One of the key skills I was able to develop were, the ability to think critically and analytically. Those are skills that are needed in any workplace and which enables you to stand out from other students, as it also aids creativity. In addition, I also gained the ability to think independently and not take things at face value or regurgitate information, but to come up with my own opinions and ask further questions. I think that really helped especially during my work experience as I was one of the people that asked the most questions and employers really like that. In addition it also helps you to think quickly and come up with coherent arguments, which is an ability that is very valuable in all kind of contexts.
Prof Shaun Breslin quoted by NBC News on Bo Xilai trial
Prof Shaun Breslin, Professor in PAIS and an Associate Fellow with Chatham House's Asia Programme, was recently quoted in a 21 August article on the Bo Xilai murder trial featured on NBCNews.com entitled 'Disgraced Chinese high-flier set for court in biggest trial in almost half-a-century'.
Below is an excerpt from the piece:
“There is this feeling that elites are running the country for themselves and their kids are running around in Lamborghinis and Ferraris. It is a key cause of resentment among the general population,” Breslin said.