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59321. The Meaning of Monetary Power

Author:
Benjamin J. Cohen
Publication Date:
02-2004
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Center for International Studies, University of Southern California
Abstract:
What is the meaning of monetary power? No one doubts that money is inherently political, an integral part of global “high politics.” Yet remarkably few scholars of international relations have attempted to explore the notion of monetary power in formal analytical terms. As Jonathan Kirshner has accurately noted, the topic is “a neglected area of study” (1995:3).
Topic:
International Relations, Economics, Government, and International Trade and Finance

59322. An Arendtian Critique of Deliberative Global Sphere Theory: 'Humanitarian' Violence and the Paradox of Founding

Author:
Patricia Owens
Publication Date:
01-2004
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Center for International Studies, University of Southern California
Abstract:
The language of the 'public sphere' is foundational to democratic theory and practice and most of our activity is oriented toward some form of public. As subject and object of democracy, the notion of a 'public' is a discursive weapon second only to the 'people' as the political honorific par excellence. Definitions of the public sphere vary, however, not least because different topographical locations and fields of activity are public in different times and places; publics are constituted through a variety of media (face-to-face, print, and electronic encounters); and there are various modes in which one can participate in public discourse and action (liberal, deliberative, agonistic). Most straightforwardly, 'public spheres' organise relations among strangers. They are the places in which people talk or read about their common affairs.
Topic:
Civil Society, Democratization, Government, and International Law

59323. Justice and Order

Author:
Richard Ned Lebow
Publication Date:
01-2004
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Center for International Studies, University of Southern California
Abstract:
Order is the proper starting point of the study of politics. Social order sustains political activity and makes it necessary. It provides the cement that binds people together in a community, but the very social proximity this allows breeds conflicts that require authoritative resolution. It is with good reason that Aristotle opens his Politics with the assertion that “Every state is a community of some kind.”
Topic:
Civil Society, Democratization, Government, and International Law

59324. An Action Agenda for Enhancing the United Nations Program on Counter-Terrorism

Author:
David Cortright, George A. Lopez, Alistair Millar, and Linda Gerber
Publication Date:
09-2004
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Fourth Freedom Forum
Abstract:
The project examines how the CTC and the CTED can more effectively implement the mandates of Security Council Resolutions 1373, 1377, 1456, 1535, and other relevant measures. The project addresses the following specific research topics: financial asset controls; technical assistance to enhance member state implementation capacity; international, regional, and subregional coordination; linkages between counter-terrorism assistance and development aid; and the need to respect human rights while implementing counter-terrorism mandates.
Topic:
International Cooperation, United Nations, Counter-terrorism, and UN Security Council
Political Geography:
Global Focus

59325. Non-custodial sentencing and its relevance in the justice system

Author:
Sandra Coffie
Publication Date:
05-2004
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Ghana Center for Democratic Development
Abstract:
In Ghana, sentencing policy has ensured that courts place more emphasis on custodial sentences than on other forms of punishment: for most, if not all, criminal convictions, Ghanaian courts impose custodial sentences as a matter of course. As a result, Ghana's prisons now contain more inmates than they were ever intended to - stretching prison facilities beyond capacity. Prison officials persistently complain of dangerous overcrowding. Social workers warn that some inmates have simply been forgotten, and many accused persons languish in pre- trial detention while their cases are pending. Rather than serving as places of reform, prisons have become a training ground for seasoned thugs.
Topic:
Criminal Justice and Justice
Political Geography:
Africa and Ghana

59326. Turkish Debt 1990-2002: How Did We Get Here

Author:
Caroline Van Rijckeghem
Publication Date:
12-2004
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV)
Abstract:
In the first year of Turkey’s currency crisis, Turkish public debt increased from what was then a “reasonable” level, to one that was judged to be unsustainable by a wide array of observers. As we went to print in late 2004, public debt, as a percent of national income, had significantly fallen, thanks to fiscal austerity, strong growth, and appreciation of the lira, but it was still above its pre-currency crisis levels, and the debate on public debt lived on. How did Turkish debt increase in the 1990s, and in the immediate aftermath of the crisis? What were the key drivers of this build-up? What lessons were to be drawn from the experience? These are the questions that were being asked regarding the nature of this dramatic experience when the project first took off in early 2003, and are still a matter of great interest now. In fact, debt dynamics was already worrisome before the currency crisis, and had been on a sharp upward trend since the early 1990s. We attempted to resolve whether debt accumulation was due to fiscal profligacy or rather high real interest rates. Interestingly, primary balances of the public sector, other than in the early 1990s, were not very large. This suggested to us two possible reasons for the increase in debt: concealed deficits and high real interest rates. Each of these explanations too, had it’s own camp of adherents. The paper endeavored to decompose, as precisely as possible given the data limitations, the increase in the stock of debt into its most relevant components, namely primary deficits from each public sector component, concealed deficits, valuation effects, and real interest payments. The project took off in late 2002/early 2003, under the leadership of Şerif Sayin, the Director of TESEV. Murat Űçer of Eurosource Turkey guided the project in its initial stages, suggesting, for instance, the study of both the micro and macro aspects of what we named in the paper “debt-generating processes”, and provided feedback throughout. He also edited parts of the paper and contributed to the executive summary. Izak Atiyas of Sabanci University, one of our peer reviewers, made substantial contributions, in particular in the section on duty losses. He, along with Şerif Sayin, and most notably Ferhat Emil, author of the accompanying paper “Kamu Borcu Nasıl Oluştu ? Bu Noktaya Nasıl Gelindi ?” and TESEV program director, helped to interpret the initial results and to incorporate the relevant Turkish institutional aspects into the paper. Hakan Yilmaz, author of the accompanying paper and SPO expert, and Zafer Yukseler of the Central Bank of Turkey, one of our peer reviewers, also provided comments that helped clarify the nature of the Turkish data. We also received feedback from a number of colleagues, academics as well as market economists in a seminar held on the topic. Information for the project was obtained from published official and IMF sources, as well as in a series of meeting with various departments of the Treasury.
Topic:
Debt, Economy, Accountability, and Transparency
Political Geography:
Turkey and Middle East

59327. The Debate on Democratization in the Broader Middle East and North Africa

Author:
Ayşe Kadıoğlu, Burak Akçapar, Meliha Benli Altunisik, and Mensur Akgün
Publication Date:
06-2004
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV)
Abstract:
This paper represents the views of four individuals with academic backgrounds in social sciences who are familiar with the new dynamics of world politics as well as the language and practice of democratization. The authors of the paper are convinced that there is need for change in the direction of democratization in the Broader Middle East and North Africa (BMENA) region. Rejection of this need is unrealistic. A dilemma in the recent debates of democratization and reform in the BMENA is that the US, the very country that pushed the initiative for democratization to the forefront, suffers from a tide of anti-Americanism in the Middle East. The sights of torture of Iraqi prisoners further heightened anti-Americanism in the region to unprecedented levels. Such an environment hinders the legitimate discussion of democratization in the BMENA. However, the need for democratization in the region is obvious and increasingly appreciated, and thus should be assessed on its own merits.
Topic:
Democratization, Politics, Reform, and Civic Engagement
Political Geography:
Turkey, Middle East, and North Africa

59328. Developing a New Euro-Atlantic Strategy for the Black Sea Region

Author:
Ronald D. Asmus
Publication Date:
06-2004
Content Type:
Research Paper
Institution:
Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV)
Abstract:
A series of historically unprecedented events have brought the attention of the West to the wider Black Sea region—that area including the littoral states of the Black Sea, Moldova, and the Southern Caucasus countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. An area that has heretofore been neglected by the Euro-Atlantic community is now starting to move from the periphery to the center of Western attention. Why has the West heretofore lacked such a strategy for the Black Sea region in the past and what has changed to make one so critical now? Four main factors explain the past lack of interest.
Topic:
NATO, Regional Cooperation, European Union, and Conflict
Political Geography:
Russia, Europe, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Black Sea

59329. American Nationalism and U.S. Foreign Policy from September 11 to the Iraq War

Author:
Paul T. McCartney
Publication Date:
09-2004
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
PAUL T. MCCARTNEY examines how the Bush administration drew upon nationalist imagery first to interpret the terrorists attacks of 11 September 2001 and then to frame the war against Iraq. He demonstrates how President Bush drew on both enduring elements of American identity and security concerns following September 11 to provide normative justification for the Iraq invasion. He concludes that the exceptionalist dimension of American nationalism that underpins the Bush doctrine is outdated and dangerous to current foreign policy interests.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Nationalism, 9/11, and Iraq War
Political Geography:
Iraq and United States of America

59330. The Debate over North Korea

Author:
Victor D. Cha and David C. Kang
Publication Date:
07-2004
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
VICTOR D. CHA AND DAVID C. KANG debate the strengths and weaknesses of an engagement policy to rid North Korea of its nuclear weapons program. From different perspectives, the two authors analyze common misconceptions about North Korean intentions and strategies as well as debate the merits of a harder-line approach taken by the United States toward the reclusive regime. Whether one views Pyongyang’s intentions with greater skepticism (Cha) or greater flexibility (Kang), the authors argue that some form of engagement, not military preemption, is advisable.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Nuclear Weapons, Weapons, and Engagement
Political Geography:
Asia, North Korea, and United States of America

59331. Presidential Selection: Complex Problems and Simple Solutions

Author:
Judith A. Best
Publication Date:
03-2004
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
JUDITH A. BEST analyzes the electoral vote system in terms of six complex and interdependent goals for presidential elections and concludes that the current system, although not perfect, meets them all. She then examines six alternative plans for presidential selection and concludes that they would deform, rather than reform, our presidential elections.
Topic:
Politics, Domestic Politics, and Presidential Elections
Political Geography:
North America and United States of America

59332. Presidential Selection: Electoral Fallacies

Author:
Jack N. Rakove
Publication Date:
03-2004
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
JACK N. RAKOVE examines the conventional arguments made on behalf of preserving the state-based system of presidential elections and concludes that the familiar defenses of the electoral college are fallacious. If one person-one vote is the fundamental norm of modern democracy, there is no persuasive rationale that can legitimate the leveraging effect of the “senatorial bump” on the voting weights of differently sized states.
Topic:
Elections, Democracy, Presidential Elections, and Electoral College
Political Geography:
North America and United States of America

59333. Misperceptions, the Media, and the Iraq War

Author:
Steven Kull, Clay Ramsay, and Evan Lewis
Publication Date:
01-2004
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
STEVEN KULL, CLAY RAMSAY, and EVAN LEWIS examine the prevalence of misperceptions related to the Iraq war among the American public: that weapons of mass destruction and evidence of close links between Iraq and al Qaeda had been found and that world public opinion approved of the United States going to war with Iraq. Such misperceptions were powerful predictors of support for the war, and their prevalence varied dramatically according to respondents’ primary source of news.
Topic:
Weapons of Mass Destruction, Public Opinion, Media, and Iraq War
Political Geography:
Iraq and United States of America

59334. Rethinking Rural Livelihoods in Afghanistan

Author:
Jo Grace and Adam Pain
Publication Date:
06-2004
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU)
Abstract:
This synthesis report presents the findings of the first 18 months of research from AREU’s Rural Livelihoods Monitoring Research Programme. The project gathered village and household information from 390 households across seven provinces with an aim to improve the understanding of rural livelihoods in Afghanistan and the monitoring and evaluation capacity of NGOs. The report offers conclusions and recommendations regarding: livelihoods diversity, non-farm labour, labour migration, indebtedness, gender, health, agriculture and social protection.
Topic:
Agriculture, Gender Issues, Health, NGOs, Rural, and Labor Rights
Political Geography:
Afghanistan and Middle East

59335. Looking for Peace on the Pastures: Rural Land Relations in Afghanistan

Author:
Liz Alden Wily
Publication Date:
12-2004
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU)
Abstract:
This paper synthesises the lessons learned from a study of land tenure relations in Bamiyan, Badakhshan and Faryab Provinces. It also offers recommendations on how to move forward from the existing muddle of land policy and law to engage in "learning by doing" projects aimed at mitigating conflict on communal land.
Topic:
Law, Rural, Land, and Community
Political Geography:
Afghanistan and Middle East

59336. Violence in Kosovo and the Way Ahead

Author:
Harald Schenker
Publication Date:
03-2004
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
European Centre for Minority Issues
Abstract:
The events of 17-19 March 2004 have shocked both the international community and local institutions: protests against the alleged killing of three ethnic Albanian children escalated into violent clashes between ethnic Albanians and Serbs, and clashes with the international peacekeeping forces in Kosovo, UN Police and the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). The past four years seemed to be characterised by relatively positive developments in Kosovo. However, the recent troubles that left over 28 civilians and 1 KFOR soldier dead and hundreds wounded, 3,600 Serbs displaced, 30 Serbian churches and 200 Serbian houses destroyed, show that current policies on the international and local sides will have to be examined and revised and that, generally, much remains to be done in Kosovo for sustainable peace and genuine development. The fact that Kosovo Albanian leaders were as surprised by the events as the international community seems to indicate that the origins of the event are to be found below the political level and beyond the control of the political parties. In spite of their public appeals to stop the violence, the leadership failed to fully acknowledge responsibility and to deal with events appropriately, without relating the violence to issues of independence and transfer of competences. The events also indicate that the optimistic analysis of Kosovo’s current situation needs revisiting. Consequently, security policy and relations between the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and Kosovo’s Provisional Institutions of SelfGovernment (PISG) have to be reconsidered. It is too early to tell what exactly will be the consequences of events on UNMIK and PISG policies and activities, especially regarding the standards implementation plan and, more generally, the future of the province. A careful review of the political and security situation and of the roles of the parties involved should be encouraged.
Topic:
Minorities, Ethnicity, Conflict, Violence, and Diversity
Political Geography:
Europe and Kosovo

59337. Cyprus after the Failure of the Annan-Plan

Author:
Jan Asmussen
Publication Date:
06-2004
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
European Centre for Minority Issues
Abstract:
On 24 April 2004 Greek and Turkish Cypriots decided in separate simultaneous referenda on whether or not Cyprus would join the European Union on 1 May 2004. While 64.91% of Turkish Cypriots accepted the Annan Plan, an overwhelming majority of 75.83% of Greek Cypriots rejected the UN blueprint. The extent of the Greek Cypriot “Oxi”(No) brought an end to a large scale effort by the United Nations Secretary-General to broker a final deal for a solution of the “oldest item continuously on the peacemaking agenda”.1 Apart from the UN, the United States (Special envoy: Thomas Weston), the United Kingdom (Special envoy: (Sir David Hannay) and the European Union have constantly observed and tried to facilitate the process. Consequently, there has been a great deal of disappointment among those engaged in finding a solution. The most outspoken comment came from EU Enlargement Commissioner, Günter Verheugen who on 21 April declared that he felt “cheated” by the Greek Cypriot Government. Kofi Annan’s latest report clearly puts most of the blame for the failure on the Greek Cypriot leader, Tassos Papadopoulos, and his government and stresses that “if the Greek Cypriots are ready to share power and prosperity with the Turkish Cypriots in a federal structure based on political equality, this needs to be demonstrated, not just in word, but in action.”3 Apparently, the international community never took the possibility of such an outcome into consideration. As a result, both the EU and the UN concentrated on pressuring the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey to accept the UN Plan. At the same time no efforts were made to secure a more positive attitude by the Greek Cypriot leadership. Today the international community is in a stage of shock and has clearly not developed an alternative plan to cope with the new situation.
Topic:
International Cooperation, United Nations, Minorities, European Union, Leadership, Ethnicity, Diversity, and Peace
Political Geography:
Europe, Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus

59338. A New Challenge for Kosovo’s Emerging Democracy. November 2004.

Author:
Adrian Zeqiri
Publication Date:
11-2004
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
European Centre for Minority Issues
Abstract:
On 23 October 2004, elections for the central institutions of Kosovo were held for the second time. According to CoE and OSCE observers, the elections were held in a free and fair environment and there were no irregularities in the process. Shortly after the publication of the election results, LDK (the largest party) and AAK, (a party stemming from former KLA structures) announced their decision to form a coalition government. This decision points to a number of new factors that may shape future political developments in Kosovo, set against a backdrop of urgent Standards implementation and future status negotiations. The NATO-led intervention in 1999 established the territory as a UN protectorate, under charge of the international community in all major spheres of life. Since then Kosovo has seen a gradual empowerment of local institutions over a period of four elections, both municipal and central. The 2004 central elections were organized largely by local institutions, reflecting the ability of Kosovo actors to successfully adopt responsibility for the running of the territory. Unlike the previous broad-based coalition government emerging from the 2001 elections, the recent agreement between LDK and AAK sees parties taking up positions of power and opposition within the new assembly. This constellation presents a new challenge for the fragile political environment of Kosovo. The international community may now be faced with a more confrontational political landscape and the more politicized Albanian politicians will be tested to function within this new arrangement. This report serves to analyse the election results and their implications for the formation of a Kosovo assembly. It will further discuss the impact of these developments in the current and upcoming intensive political period in Kosovo.
Topic:
Development, Minorities, Elections, and Democracy
Political Geography:
Europe and Kosovo

59339. IRW Briefing: Iraqi Fire Sale

Publication Date:
06-2004
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Open Society Foundations
Abstract:
While international attention is focused on the impending June 30 transfer of sovereignty in Iraq, the U.S.-controlled Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) is committing billions of dollars to ill-conceived projects just before it dissolves, according to this briefing by the Central Eurasia Project’s Iraq Revenue Watch program. The briefing examines and criticizes the CPA’s ongoing rush to commit Iraqi oil funds to projects already funded by the U.S. government, instead of waiting for the interim Iraqi government to make these budgetary decisions when it assumes power.
Topic:
Budget, Accountability, Transparency, Iraq War, and Revenue Management
Political Geography:
Iraq

59340. IRW Briefing: Audits Find More Irregularities and Mismanagement of Iraq’s Revenues

Publication Date:
12-2004
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Open Society Foundations
Abstract:
This briefing from the Open Society Iraq Revenue Watch reviews the latest audits by the International Advisory and Monitoring Board for Iraq and the Coalition Provisional Authority Inspector General (CPA-IG), both of which reveal hundreds of irregularities in the U.S.-led occupation authority's management of Iraqi revenues, and identify serious weaknesses in Iraq's financial management systems. These audits and others show that the legacy of CPA accounting practices is a poor model for present and future Iraqi governments. It represents a failure to demonstrate by example the importance of transparent and responsible management and expenditure of public revenues.
Topic:
Accountability, Transparency, Iraq War, and Revenue Management
Political Geography:
Iraq