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6401. Cocaine and Instability in Africa: Lessons from Latin America and the Caribbean

Author:
Davin O'Regan
Publication Date:
07-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Africa Center for Strategic Studies
Abstract:
The dollar value of cocaine trafficked through West Africa has risen rapidly and surpassed all other illicit commodities smuggled in the subregion. Experience from Latin America and the Caribbean demonstrates that cocaine traffic contributes to dra¬matically higher levels of violence and instability. Co-opting key government officials is the preferred modus operandi of Latin American cocaine traf¬fickers. African governments need to act urgently to protect the integrity of their counternarcotics institutions to prevent this threat from developing deeper roots on the continent.
Topic:
Crime and Narcotics Trafficking
Political Geography:
Africa, Latin America, and Caribbean

6402. Afghanistan Implementation Colloquium

Publication Date:
05-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination, Princeton University
Abstract:
The tone of the conference was set by the leitmotiv of LISD's Afghanistan project work since 2001: “by, for, and with the Afghans and Afghanistan.” Most importantly this focuses on Afghan ownership and Afghan sovereignty, and the capability to determine the nation's destiny. However, the atmosphere and attitudes in and around Afghanistan seem to have noticeably shifted in the last eighteen months, especially with regard to the growing trust deficit between Afghans and the international community. Various actors within Afghanistan and within the region are now realigning their policies, motivated mainly by the perception of an impending draw down of international forces in Afghanistan. The possible heightening of tensions with Afghanistan's western neighbor, Iran, over its nuclear ambitions further complicates the West's calculus of involvement in the region.
Topic:
Conflict Resolution, War, and Counterinsurgency
Political Geography:
Afghanistan and Iran

6403. Looking afresh at the external representation of the EU in the international arena

Author:
Michael Emerson and Piotr Maciej Kaczyński
Publication Date:
07-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)
Abstract:
In the wake of the Lisbon Treaty, it is important to review the present arrangements for the institutional representation of the European Union in international organisations, and more broadly, in the processes of international negotiations and the way the EU acts as contracting party to conventions of international law.
Topic:
Diplomacy, Globalization, Regional Cooperation, and Governance
Political Geography:
Europe

6404. Europe 2020 and the Financial System: Smaller is beautiful

Author:
Karel Lannoo
Publication Date:
07-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)
Abstract:
Meeting Europe's 2020 objectives of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth is even more of a challenge for the financial sector than for the EU as a whole. Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth is just the opposite of what the financial sector stood for, and how it continues to be perceived by the public. The huge regulatory agenda that is on the table should tame the financial sector, but whether it will help it to meet the Europe 2020 objectives is an open question (see European Commission, 2010a).
Topic:
International Trade and Finance, Markets, Regional Cooperation, and Financial Crisis
Political Geography:
Europe

6405. Shale Fever: Replicating the US gas revolution in the EU?

Author:
Roderick Kefferpütz
Publication Date:
06-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)
Abstract:
The US natural gas industry is abuzz. Until recently the United States seemed poised to become one of the world's largest importers of liquefied natural gas (LNG). However, the development of two innovative drilling techniques – hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling – has led to the emergence of new unconventional gas supplies, the majority coming from gas trapped in shale formations, transforming the American energy scene. Today, shale gas is responsible for roughly 20% of total US production with expectations that it could reach 50% by 2035 – an astounding feat given that it represented only 1% back in 2000. The increase in US shale gas production also contributed to the US displacing the Russian Federation as the largest producer of gas, with its production of 624 billion cubic meters (bcm) trumping Russia's 582 bcm. In addition, it has caused LNG demand to sink and sent prices tumbling, turning the market upside-down.
Topic:
Energy Policy and Natural Resources
Political Geography:
United States and Europe

6406. From National to European Regulation: Towards European Financial Supervisory Authorities

Author:
H. Onno Ruding
Publication Date:
05-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)
Abstract:
Financial reform is needed now in the EU not only to reduce the likelihood of another financial crisis in the coming years but also to reinforce the internal market. A primary financial as well as political goal should be to create a truly single market in Europe for financial services and institutions. The current state of affairs is, however, still too far removed from this goal.
Topic:
Economics, Markets, and Financial Crisis
Political Geography:
Europe

6407. Towards a Euro(pean) Monetary Fund

Author:
Daniel Gros and Thomas Mayer
Publication Date:
05-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)
Abstract:
The case of Greece has ushered in the second phase of the financial crisis, namely that of sovereign default. Members of the euro area were supposed to be shielded from a financial market meltdown. But, after excess spending during the period of easy credit, several euro area members are now grappling with the implosion of credit-financed construction and consumption booms. Greece is the weakest of the weak links, given its high public debt (around 120% of GDP), compounded by a government budget deficit of almost 13% of GDP, a huge external deficit of 11% of GDP and the loss of credibility from its repeated cheating on budget reports.
Topic:
Economics, Monetary Policy, and Financial Crisis
Political Geography:
Europe

6408. The MiFID Metamorphosis

Author:
Karel Lannoo and Diego Valiante
Publication Date:
04-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)
Abstract:
The Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), adopted by the EU in April 2004 and implemented at Member State level by the end of 2007, has begun to achieve real success in transforming the EU's securities markets landscape. Judging from market data and sector publications, the Directive contributed to a revolution in trading methods and huge investments in technology, which have brought the EU and US markets closer together. Technology-driven systems, such as algorithmic trading and smart-order routing, have become the mainstream in trading process, with speed of trading and reduction of 'latency' being the key objectives. Large investments in market infrastructures are trying to strike the right balance between high capacity and speed, and low operational and technological risks that represent a future threat for these platforms, even in the post-trading space.
Political Geography:
Europe

6409. Regulatory Challenges for the EU Asset Management Industry

Author:
Karel Lannoo
Publication Date:
04-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)
Abstract:
The European asset management industry is feeling squeezed from all sides, as a result of growing prudential, product and conduct regulation. A new Directive, UCITS IV, has only just been enacted, and already new challenges are emerging in the regulation of hedge and venture capital funds, the review of the regulatory regime for depositaries (or financial custodians) and amendments to the MiFID Directive.2 In addition, a new European supervisory framework is in the making, which implies much stricter controls on enforcement. These changes are taking place in the context of one of the largest declines suffered by the industry in the last two decades, from which many fund managers have not yet recovered. The era of light regulation is thus definitely over.
Topic:
Markets, Monetary Policy, and Financial Crisis
Political Geography:
Europe

6410. Central Asian Security: Two Recommendations for International Action

Author:
Jacqueline McLaren Miller
Publication Date:
04-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
EastWest Institute
Abstract:
An Experts' Group on Euro-Atlantic Security, convened by the East West Institute as part of a larger Euro-Atlantic Security Initiative, is pleased to offer its first series of policy recommendations—an international Central Asian security initiative. Given the Kazakh chair-in-office of the OSCE, this is an opportune time to engage in concrete issues in the region.
Topic:
Security, Political Violence, Ethnic Conflict, and Terrorism
Political Geography:
Europe and Central Asia