Welcome to the Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS), one of the largest and most academically vibrant departments of Political Science and International Studies in the UK. The Department inspires and enhances intellectual development and enthusiasm for learning in staff and students alike. http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/index.aspx?NewsListingOrig_SyndicationType=1 Contensis: http://www.contentmanagement.co.uk http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/05/philosophy-social-sciences-birmingham.aspx Justin Cruickshank had an article on Popper and Rorty published early / online for the prestigious journal Social Epistemology in May. Earlier in the year he was invited to become a 'Contributing Editor' by Oxford University Press, for their online Annotated Bibliography in Sociology. His 12,000 word peer reviewed article on 'epistemology' was accepted by OUP for publication later in the year. Fri, 10 May 2013 17:15:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/05/philosophy-social-sciences-birmingham.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/05/future-american-power.aspx On Friday April 19 Dr Adam Quinn of POLSIS convened the first event of the ESRC Seminar Series on 'The Future of American Power', on which he is principal investigator. Thu, 09 May 2013 10:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/05/future-american-power.aspx POLSIS Department of Political Science and International Studies Dr Adam Quinn http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/05/european-politics-during-crisis.aspx The POLSIS European Studies Research Group hosted a research workshop on Wednesday 01 May. The workshop, titled "European Politics During the Crisis: Developing Research Agendas" Thu, 09 May 2013 09:54:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/05/european-politics-during-crisis.aspx researchnews POLSIS Department of Political Science and International Studies David Bailey http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/thebirminghambrief/items/Calculation-and-Miscalculation-on-the-Korean-Peninsula.aspx While it is sometimes tempting to see the regime of Kim Jong-eun as superficially comical, with its extravagant uniforms, dynastic worship and wild rhetoric, it is also important not to underestimate the serious risk of miscalculation and military escalation inherent within the current crisis. While there are many aspects of the present situation that are familiar to observers of the hermit state, there are also enough differences to give concern that this manufactured crisis could end differently. Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:16:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/thebirminghambrief/items/Calculation-and-Miscalculation-on-the-Korean-Peninsula.aspx govsoc researchnews alumninews Dr David Dunn POLSIS Department of Political Science and International Studies birmingham brief http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/alumni/askanalum.aspx To give you an idea of what it's like to study in the Department of Political Science and International Studies we are running two live twitter chats for offer holders over the next two weeks. These chats will give you the opportunity to ask three of our most recent graduates about their experiences in the department and university life in general. Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:01:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/alumni/askanalum.aspx studentnews alumninews govsoc POLSIS Department of Political Science and International Studies twitter http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/perspective/thatcher-peter-kerr.aspx The debate over Mrs Thatcher's legacy is one of the most important political debates of our time. At stake is not simply an evaluation of recent history; it is as much about the current and future direction of Britain as it is about the past. Birmingham perspective by Dr Peter Kerr. Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:34:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/perspective/thatcher-peter-kerr.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/mulherin-riona.aspx Studying International Relations with Political Science gives a brilliant insight into how the world works; it shows you how politics, history, geography, economics, ethics and law are all interconnected at an international level, and the course allows you to look in close detail at all of these topics. I personally really enjoyed modules relating to economics and international development, and the great thing about this course is that you are encouraged to follow these interests. Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:06:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/mulherin-riona.aspx Department of Political Science and International Studies International Relations with Political Science alumni BA alumninews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/finch-sean.aspx I would advise those looking to study in POLSIS to make the most of the broadness of the subject as it gives you so many options and avenues to pursue your interests. Make the most of the specialisms of staff members and don't be apprehensive about asking them for help. The department is really supportive and can help you achieve your degree goal. Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:06:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/finch-sean.aspx Department of Political Science and International Studies International Relations with Political Science alumni BA alumninews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/gray-nancy.aspx To those looking to study Political Science, I would definitely recommend attending all the different career events held by both the department and the Politics Society; they are worth heading along to. Also, read the emails circulated, it is how I found this internship! Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:06:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/gray-nancy.aspx Department of Political Science and International Studies International Relations with Political Science alumni BA alumninews Political Science politics http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/research/projects/unmanned-aerial-vehicles.aspx This project will examine the impact of a recent and on-going development in science and technology (drones) on prospects for conflict and cooperation in countries where drones are deployed. Professor Nicholas Wheeler (PI). Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:16:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/research/projects/unmanned-aerial-vehicles.aspx govsoc researchnews Professor Nicholas Wheeler http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/reid-andrew.aspx Andrew Reid describes his experience of studying an MA Social and Political Theory at the Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham during his recent graduation. Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:54:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/reid-andrew.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/fredrikson-erik.aspx Erik Fredrikson describes his experience of studying an MA International Relations (Terrorism and Political Violence) at the Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham during his recent graduation. Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:54:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/fredrikson-erik.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/ingrid-daude-van-troastwÿk.aspx Ingrid Daude van Troastwÿk describes her experience of studying an MA in Politics and Religion at the Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham during her recent graduation. Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:54:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/ingrid-daude-van-troastwÿk.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/03/birmingham-fellows-full-circle.aspx Dr. Kostas Nikolopoulos (School of Physics and Astrology) interviews Dr. Sara Jones (Department of Political Science and International Studies) about her research analysing the political, social and cultural processes of remembering state socialism. Birmingham Fellows are outstanding post-doctoral researchers at the University of Birmingham, recruited from around the world. Early-career researchers, they are poised to become the academic and research leaders of tomorrow. Thu, 21 Mar 2013 10:43:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/03/birmingham-fellows-full-circle.aspx govsoc researchnews Sara Jones Birmingham Fellow videos and podcasts http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/03/yemen.aspx After several months of delay, Yemen's National Dialogue Conference will begin on Monday 18 March 2013 amid tight security in a country that is beset by multiple crises—from a humanitarian crisis to two ongoing insurgencies, and the active presence of an al-Qaeda affiliate, to name but three. Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:16:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/03/yemen.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/perspective/stefan-wolff-libya-perspective.aspx Professor Stefan Wolff's perspective piece, reflecting on Libya two years after the NATO's military intervention in the country. Mon, 18 Mar 2013 09:52:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/perspective/stefan-wolff-libya-perspective.aspx libya security UN NATO resolution africa perspective govsoc alumninews researchnews military intervention Professor Stefan Wolff Department of Political Science and International Studies POLSIS International conflict http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/03/canadian-researchers-criticizing-mother-teresa-miss-the-point.aspx Dr Gëzim Alpion, Lecturer in Sociology in the Department of Political Science and International Studies, who is considered "the most authoritative English-language author" on Mother Teresa, was interviewed by Nikolaj Krak of the Danish daily newspaper "Kristeligt Dagblad" on 08 March 2013 to comment on a controversial study authored by three Canadian researchers on the Albanian-born nun. Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:35:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/03/canadian-researchers-criticizing-mother-teresa-miss-the-point.aspx Social Sciences https://www.intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/social-sciences/schools/government-society/events/public/2013/03/annual-postgraduate-colloquium.aspx This event is a brilliant opportunity for staff and students to find out what the School's PhD students are working on, as well as an opportunity for all our PhD students and staff to get together and discuss on-going research. Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:04:00 GMT https://www.intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/social-sciences/schools/government-society/events/public/2013/03/annual-postgraduate-colloquium.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/thebirminghambrief/items/sistine-chapel-chimney-could-get-sootier.aspx Benedict XVI told the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square on 24 February 2013 that his retirement 'doesn't mean abandoning the church'. Many Catholics, though, including those who are not church goers, consider his unexpected resignation as the Vicar of Christ, an ill-thought out decision that will lead to an irreparable desacralization of the role. Fri, 01 Mar 2013 13:16:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/thebirminghambrief/items/sistine-chapel-chimney-could-get-sootier.aspx birmingham brief Gezim Alpion POLSIS politics Department of Political Science and International Studies govsoc researchnews Benedict XVI http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2013/02/27FebBirmingham-and-Yale-to-establish-global-justice-programme-in-India.aspx The University of Birmingham is joining forces with Yale to support the development of a pioneering global justice programme at the University of Delhi. Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:20:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2013/02/27FebBirmingham-and-Yale-to-establish-global-justice-programme-in-India.aspx govsoc researchnews studentnews alumninews global justice Government and Society http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/thebirminghambrief/items/eastleigh-by-election.aspx A high profile political resignation following a legal scandal, allegations of sexual misconduct, two political 'partners' tearing at each other's throats, controversial candidates grabbing the headlines for the wrong reasons and the future positions of the Prime Minister and his Deputy placed under the microscope. Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:04:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/thebirminghambrief/items/eastleigh-by-election.aspx govsoc researchnews studentnews birmingham brief POLSIS politics International Relations local government elections Department of Political Science and International Relations Peter Kerr http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/events/visit-open-day.aspx Our Undergraduate Open Days offer you the perfect opportunity to hear first-hand from our current undergraduates and teaching staff about living and learning at Birmingham. Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:45:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/events/visit-open-day.aspx govsoc studentnews alumninews undergraduate open days http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/research/collaboration/index.aspx The College of Social Sciences is proud of its extensive links with universities and other strategic partners throughout the world. Through our network of global partnerships, we engage in a wide range of activities including staff and student exchange and collaboration in research and teaching. Thu, 21 Feb 2013 09:52:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/research/collaboration/index.aspx govsoc Research News alumninews studentnews alumni research student exchange Partner Universities teaching Ambassadors consultancy international collaboration Interactive map Social Sciences Government and Society University of Birmingham http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/undergraduate/felix-cairns-model-nato.aspx All delegations stayed in the same hotel, so were advised to remain "in-role" throughout the conference. And we found ourselves becoming embroiled in fascinating debates over meals and drinks with some very capable students from universities across America, Canada and Europe. It became evident to me that diplomacy requires a constant engagement in and consideration for major world issues, and that productive discussion can occur anywhere, from the formal debates in the conference, to the less formal encounters in lifts and at the bar! Wed, 20 Feb 2013 17:54:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/undergraduate/felix-cairns-model-nato.aspx POLSIS Political Science and International Studies politics International Relations Model NATO studentnews govsoc http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/undergraduate/brami-van-crombrugge-model-nato.aspx The general aura that surrounded the ongoing debates in the Defense Planning Group was indescribable. While certain delegates were returning to their 2nd/3rd Model NATO conference, others (such as Felix and I) were experiencing our very first. It was an absolute honour to be part of such an invaluable event and to be able to learn from such a diverse variety of students. Wed, 20 Feb 2013 17:45:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/undergraduate/brami-van-crombrugge-model-nato.aspx POLSIS Political Science adn International Studies International Relations Spanish politics Model NATO govsoc studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/courses/postgraduate/taught/govsoc/global-cooperation-security.aspx This exciting degree programme is offered exclusively through the Institute for Conflict, Cooperation and Security (ICCS), comprised of a number of leading scholars in the field of security who regularly produce cutting edge, internationally renowned research. Mon, 18 Feb 2013 12:26:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/courses/postgraduate/taught/govsoc/global-cooperation-security.aspx Global Cooperation and Security MSc ICCS Institute for Conflict Cooperation and Security Theories of Global Cooperation Global Cooperation in Practice Transforming Conflict in Global Politics masters Postgraduate international conflict transformation govsoc studentnews alumninews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/02/nicholas-wheeler.aspx Professor Nicholas Wheeler, Professor of International Relations in the Department of Political Science and International Studies as well as Director of the newly established Institute for Conflict, Cooperation and Security talks about why he came to the University of Birmingham. Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:45:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/02/nicholas-wheeler.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/02/popes-resignation.aspx Dr Gëzim Alpion, Lecturer in Sociology in the Department of Political Science and International Studies, who specializes in the Sociology of Religion, was interviewed on the significance of Pope Benedict XVI's sudden resignation by the BBC WM's Pete Morgan on his Breakfast Show on Tuesday, 12 February 2013. Wed, 13 Feb 2013 08:23:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/02/popes-resignation.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/02/brussels.aspx Every year all MA students based within POLSIS have the opportunity to take part in an study trip to Brussels. This year, Dr David Bailey and Dr Luis Cabrera led a group of around 30 MA students to Brussels. The study group visited the NATO headquarters, and a number of the European Union institutions (European Parliament, Council (see photo above), and European Commission), and also attended the University's own office based within Brussels. Wed, 13 Feb 2013 08:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/02/brussels.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/02/westminster-hour.aspx Dr Stephen Bates, Lecturer in Political Science, appeared on BBC Radio 4's Westminster Hour, on Sunday 10th February. Dr Bates spoke about his research undertaken about Prime Minister's Questions, carried out with fellow POLSIS member of staff, Dr. Peter Kerr. Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:24:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/02/westminster-hour.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2013/02/7Feb-Students-convene-in-Delhi-to-explore-international-security-challenges-.aspx The evolving international security agenda, with particular reference to South Asia, is the focus of an exciting joint module for students from the Universities of Delhi, Birmingham and Melbourne next week. Fri, 08 Feb 2013 12:54:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2013/02/7Feb-Students-convene-in-Delhi-to-explore-international-security-challenges-.aspx studentnews govsoc international http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/undergraduate/ioana-cristina-moraru.aspx Iona-Cristina's two month placement focused primarily on practical work within the Fundacion Ciudadanos del Mundo organisation in Argentina. Fri, 01 Feb 2013 14:40:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/undergraduate/ioana-cristina-moraru.aspx govsoc POLSIS International Relations politics International Relations and political Science BA Undergraduate employability careers internship studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/undergraduate/sociology-prize-pitch-video-project.aspx The aim of this project was to boost the employability, presentation skills and confidence of undergraduate Sociology students. Fri, 01 Feb 2013 14:40:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/undergraduate/sociology-prize-pitch-video-project.aspx POLSIS sociology BA studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/01/feeding-renewability-conference.aspx Presentations to the Feeding Renewables Conference held at the University of Birmingham on Friday January 18th 2013 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 11:46:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/01/feeding-renewability-conference.aspx govsoc studentnews researchnews David Toke Feeding Renewables Conference POLSIS Political Science politics http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/01/postgraduate-bursaries.aspx Full fee bursaries are available for study in the Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS), for 2013-14. Bursaries are available for both domestic/EU students and non-EU students; you must apply for a programme by the end of April 2013 and fill in the bursary application form. Mon, 21 Jan 2013 17:25:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/01/postgraduate-bursaries.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/school-wide-child/2013/01/balkans-visit.aspx A University of Birmingham delegation visited the Balkans from 04-08 December 2012. The delegation was headed by Professor Mark Webber, Head of the School of Government and Society, and its members included Professor Stefan Wolff, Director of Research and Knowledge Transfer (College of Social Sciences), Dr Graham Timmins, Director of Education in the School of Government and Society, and Dr Gëzim Alpion Director of Joint Honours Programmes (POLSIS). Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:28:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/school-wide-child/2013/01/balkans-visit.aspx govsoc Government and Society http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/01/steve-buckler.aspx It is with great sadness that we learnt that Steve Buckler passed away on Thursday 03 January 2013. Steve was senior lecturer in political theory and was the longest serving member of staff in POLSIS having joined the department in 1989. Fri, 11 Jan 2013 15:20:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2013/01/steve-buckler.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/thebirminghambrief/items/Electricity-Market-Reform-All-power-to-the-Big-Six!.aspx The Electricity Market Reform (EMR) has been billed as a measure to decarbonise the electricity economy whilst at the same time stopping the electricity system collapsing as old coal and nuclear power stations come off line. Unfortunately the Government is selecting policy mechanisms that give a market advantage to the electricity majors. Thu, 10 Jan 2013 10:32:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/thebirminghambrief/items/Electricity-Market-Reform-All-power-to-the-Big-Six!.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2012/12/UK-universities-embrace-the-free,-open,-online-future-of-higher-education-.aspx Students from the UK and around the world will have free access to some of the country's top universities thanks to FutureLearn Ltd, an entirely new company being launched by The Open University (OU). The universities of Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, East Anglia, Exeter, King's College London, Lancaster, Leeds, Southampton, St Andrews and Warwick have all signed up to join FutureLearn. Fri, 14 Dec 2012 15:16:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2012/12/UK-universities-embrace-the-free,-open,-online-future-of-higher-education-.aspx University of Birmingham distance learning Online Learning govsoc studentnews alumninews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2012/12/12Dec-University-of-Birmingham-launches-new-China-Institute-.aspx The University of Birmingham's China Institute celebrates its official opening today in the presence of His Excellency Mr Liu Xiaoming, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the UK. Fri, 14 Dec 2012 15:08:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2012/12/12Dec-University-of-Birmingham-launches-new-China-Institute-.aspx University of Birmingham UK china Social Sciences govsoc researchnews alumninews studentnews https://intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/as/studentservices/graduateschool/funding/competitions/esrc.aspx The University of Birmingham is now accepting nominations for ESRC funding starting in October 2013. The University of Birmingham ESRC Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) is one of 21 across the UK that has been accredited by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). Wed, 12 Dec 2012 16:33:00 GMT https://intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/as/studentservices/graduateschool/funding/competitions/esrc.aspx studentnews govsoc scholarships http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/thebirminghambrief/items/What-should-we-vote-for.aspx Is there an ideal electorate system? As a recent Birmingham Brief demonstrated, we are often faced with a simple binary choice: do we want 'strong government' which can claim an empowering mandate, or do we want a government that represents, however messily, 'the will of the people'? If we want the former, in the UK at least, we have persisted with a first-past-the-post system. From time-to-time, though, we have had a dark night of the soul, wondered at the fairness of governments' claiming a mandate from a minority of voters actually supporting them, and flirted with alternatives. Tue, 11 Dec 2012 11:19:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/thebirminghambrief/items/What-should-we-vote-for.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/11/introduction-to-law-for-non-law-students-event.aspx Organised by the Politics Society and the Radcliffe Club, the Introduction to Law for Non-Law Students Event (12 November 2012) was an ideal opportunity for those considering a conversion into law after the completion of their current degrees - to get a taste of the law profession. Wed, 05 Dec 2012 17:48:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/11/introduction-to-law-for-non-law-students-event.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/thebirminghambrief/items/Legal,-Legitimate,-and-Effective-Drone-Warfare-Grand-Illusion-or-Future-Reality.aspx On 14 November, 2012, an Israeli drone strike killed Ahmed Jabari, the head of the military wing of Hamas in Gaza. The sharply escalating violence in the aftermath of this so-called targeted killing, while particularly costly in human life, is part of a seemingly unending violent confrontation in the region: according to a timeline of the conflict, over the past almost four years (since the conclusion of Israel's ground offensive in Gaza) more than 300 Palestinians and 20 Israelis have been killed, while in the past two years, some 800 missiles have been launched from Gaza into southern Israel. Wed, 05 Dec 2012 16:18:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/thebirminghambrief/items/Legal,-Legitimate,-and-Effective-Drone-Warfare-Grand-Illusion-or-Future-Reality.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/perspective/autumn-statement-2012.aspx Ahead of the government's Autumn Statement on Wednesday December 5, we ask six leading academics what they hope will be included and what the impact might be for everything from business and manufacturing to the high street and personal wealth. Tue, 04 Dec 2012 17:34:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/perspective/autumn-statement-2012.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/events/2013/feeding-renewable-policy.aspx This event coincides with the passage through Parliament of the Energy Bill implementing Electricity Market Reform (EMR) which is concerned with giving priority to a low-carbon electricity strategy. This event will focus on policies needed to underpin a feed-in tariff system for funding renewable energy and also the sort of policy environment that is needed to ensure maximised expansion of renewable energy. Thu, 22 Nov 2012 10:23:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/events/2013/feeding-renewable-policy.aspx researchnews govsoc alumninews studentnews POLSIS Renewable Energy http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/11/all-in-this-together-gender.aspx In April, 2012, the Gender and Feminist Theory Group hosted a Symposium on the financial crisis and the UK Coalition Government responses. This provided a space for participants- academics, policymakers, third sector organisations and advocates- to interrogate the crisis and responses through gender lenses. Wed, 21 Nov 2012 12:35:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/11/all-in-this-together-gender.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/school-wide-child/2012/10/elite-doctoral-researcher-scholarships.aspx The University Graduate School is pleased to announce that it has ten Doctoral Elite Researcher Scholarships which will commence in the 2013-2014 academic year. Mon, 12 Nov 2012 14:17:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/school-wide-child/2012/10/elite-doctoral-researcher-scholarships.aspx doctoral research scholarships govsoc studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/visit/ug-opendays.aspx Our November Open Day will support students who are making their university choices for 2013 entry. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the campus, view accommodation and attend talks on the University Experience, Student Life and Tips for UCAS Applications. Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:37:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/visit/ug-opendays.aspx undergraduate open days govsoc studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/thebirminghambrief/items/The-New-Trident-Debate.aspx According to Sir Humphrey Appleby in the 1980s BBC sitcom "Yes Prime Minister", the Trident missile system was "the Rolls Royce of nuclear weapons, the sort of deterrent that one would buy from Harrods." As the decision point looms for the replacement of this capability, questions are being asked whether Britain can afford a new Rolls, whether it should instead go for a more modest system, perhaps more of a Ford Mondeo deterrent, or whether indeed it should go green and eschew the need for such a costly and controversial system altogether. Mon, 05 Nov 2012 12:28:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/thebirminghambrief/items/The-New-Trident-Debate.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/edacs/departments/acs/events/2012/scott-lucas-seminar.aspx On the 17 October Dr Adam Quinn and Jonna Nyman participated in seminar hosted by the Department of American and Canadian Studies other speakers included Dr Steve Hewitt and Professor Scott Lucas. Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:31:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/edacs/departments/acs/events/2012/scott-lucas-seminar.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/school-wide-child/2012/09/brinkerhoff-visiting-fellow.aspx Dr Derick Brinkerhoff will join the College of Social Science for one week from 15th October as a Visiting Fellow under the Advanced Social Science Collaborative (ASSC) scheme. He will be hosted by the International Development Department (IDD) and the Centre for International Education and Research (CIER). Mon, 08 Oct 2012 13:59:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/school-wide-child/2012/09/brinkerhoff-visiting-fellow.aspx idd international development department govsoc http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/school-wide-child/2012/10/university-league-table-rise.aspx The University of Birmingham has been shortlisted as University of the Year in The Sunday Times University Guide 2013 and ranked at 13th overall in the UK, a rise of 12 places. Tue, 02 Oct 2012 11:37:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/school-wide-child/2012/10/university-league-table-rise.aspx govsoc alumni studentnews alumninews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/visit/pg-opendays.aspx The next University of Birmingham Postgraduate Open Day will be held on Tuesday 20 November 2012 from 11.00am. Tue, 02 Oct 2012 11:19:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/visit/pg-opendays.aspx postgraduate open day studentnews govsoc http://polsis.org/2012/09/28/how-the-celtic-tiger-stepped-over-finglas/ Jack Copley, who graduated from POLSIS in July 2012 with a first class degree in Political Science, has recently had an article published on the Irish current affairs website Politico. The article, which is based on his prize-winning undergraduate dissertation, analyses the impact of the Celtic Tiger phenomenon on a working class district of Dublin. Fri, 28 Sep 2012 17:00:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/09/28/how-the-celtic-tiger-stepped-over-finglas/ Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/09/20/trust-cooperation-and-the-global-nuclear-future/ On Tuesday 04 September 2012, the University of Birmingham hosted the Third Annual Symposium on "The Challenges to Trust Building in Nuclear Worlds" entitled "Trust, Cooperation and the Global Nuclear Future". Thu, 20 Sep 2012 16:13:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/09/20/trust-cooperation-and-the-global-nuclear-future/ http://polsis.org/2012/09/08/the-eu-must-focus-on-human-insecurity-in-the-arab-world/ Human insecurity in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) arises from the intersection of diverse threats, including environmental problems, food and water scarcity, and ethnic and cultural conflicts. If the European Union is to pursue comprehensive security in the MENA, it must learn from its past mistakes of endorsing authoritarian regimes and develop a new approach in its relations with the polities and societies emerging from the so-called 'Arab Spring', writes POLSIS's Michelle Pace. Mon, 10 Sep 2012 10:55:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/09/08/the-eu-must-focus-on-human-insecurity-in-the-arab-world/ Blog POLSIS Political Science and International Studies http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/welcome/index.aspx Induction for all new postgraduate students to POLSIS will take place from 10.00am 21 September 2012, in the Muirhead Tower Lecture Theatre G15, by Starbucks. From Monday 17th September, please pick up information about your degree programme from room 350 3rd floor Muirhead Tower. Fri, 31 Aug 2012 15:41:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/welcome/index.aspx POLSIS Department of Political Science and International Studies http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/postgraduate/sonia-boddie.aspx Sonia Boddie, who is studying a Masters in Public Administration, talks about her experiences at Birmingham and the opportunities she has has whilst studying for her Masters. Fri, 24 Aug 2012 10:06:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/postgraduate/sonia-boddie.aspx govsoc studentnews alumninews videos and podcasts international development department Local Government Studies local government http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/postgraduate/crilley-rhys-ma-polsis01.aspx Rhys Crilley talks about his choice to continue his studies at Birmingham after completing his Undergraduate study here and how the future looks for him in Postgraduate study. Thu, 23 Aug 2012 17:37:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/postgraduate/crilley-rhys-ma-polsis01.aspx govsoc studentnews alumninews videos and podcasts international relations terrorism and political violence http://polsis.org/2012/08/22/theres-still-time-to-negotiate/ Giving up on international negotiations over the Iranian nuclear issue would be a tragic mistake, write Dani Nedal and Nicholas J. Wheeler. This article is part of our securities studies research agenda series. Thu, 23 Aug 2012 12:27:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/08/22/theres-still-time-to-negotiate/ Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/08/15/sudan-and-south-sudans-unresolved-post-independence-issues/ Little more than a year after its secession from Sudan, South Sudan remains crippled by twin economic and security crises. Leaders north and south of the new international border need to rise to the challenge of reaching a comprehensive settlement, writes Professor Stefan Wolff. Wed, 15 Aug 2012 17:03:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/08/15/sudan-and-south-sudans-unresolved-post-independence-issues/ Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/08/03/r2p-implications-for-world-order-part-1/ The West's intervention in Libya and the on-going violence in Syria have placed a renewed spotlight on the principle of the responsibility to protect (R2P) human life. In this first post of a two part series, Dr Edward Newman argues that far from emerging into an new international 'norm', R2P is exposing fissures in a changing global order. Fri, 03 Aug 2012 14:48:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/08/03/r2p-implications-for-world-order-part-1/ Blog security Political Science International Relations libya syria Edward Newman researchnews http://polsis.org/2012/07/26/sport-under-communism-dr-jonathan-grix-discusses-his-new-book/ POLSIS's Dr Jonathan Grix appeared on BBC Radio 4's Thinking Allowed this week to discuss his new book Sport under Communism: Behind the East German 'Miracle', co-authored by Mike Dennis from the University of Wolverhampton. Fri, 27 Jul 2012 09:00:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/07/26/sport-under-communism-dr-jonathan-grix-discusses-his-new-book/ Blog Johnathan Grix videos and podcasts podcast http://polsis.org/2012/07/19/lessons-from-the-osce-high-commissioner-on-national-minorities/ To highlight the breadth of the research going on within POLSIS, the POLSIS Blog is today launching a series of month-long 'Research Agendas'. Each month, the blog will feature a series of posts showcasing some of the exciting theories and issues that POLSIS staff and PhD candidates are working on. The Research Agendas will be based around the Department's research groups and thematic research clusters. The first will highlight some of the diverse issues that our scholars of Security Studies are focused on. Here, Professor Stefan Wolff discusses his views on the continuing relevance of the OSCE High commissioner on National Minorities for the future of conflict prevention and management. Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:57:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/07/19/lessons-from-the-osce-high-commissioner-on-national-minorities/ POLSIS Blog Security studies Stefan Wolff researchnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/05/gender-sexuality-postgraduate-colloquium.aspx The Interdisciplinary Gender and Sexuality Postgraduate Colloquium was the second annual conference that brings together postgraduate researchers in gender and sexuality from a wide range of disciplines. Wed, 18 Jul 2012 17:10:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/05/gender-sexuality-postgraduate-colloquium.aspx Political Science gender Gender and Sexuality videos and podcasts researchnews http://polsis.org/2012/07/16/dr-jonathan-grix-on-the-olympics/ The Olympic Games are now less than two weeks away. In this podcast for the University of Birmingham's Ideas Lab, POLSIS's Dr Jonathan Grix discusses the Olympic 'legacy', the impact of the Games outside the capital, and parallels with the 1948 Austerity Olympics, which were also held in London. Mon, 16 Jul 2012 09:43:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/07/16/dr-jonathan-grix-on-the-olympics/ videos and podcasts researchnews Blog jonathan grix olympics http://polsis.org/2012/07/10/only-vatican-can-change-the-catholic-church/ On Friday, POLSIS's Gëzim Alpion, Lecturer in Sociology, was interviewed by the Slovakian newspaper PRAVDA on recent developments in the Vatican. While there is no English translation of the newspaper article, the editor Andrej Matisak has uploaded details of those he interviewed on his blog. Tue, 10 Jul 2012 13:03:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/07/10/only-vatican-can-change-the-catholic-church/ Blog POLSIS sociology Political Science International Relations Gëzim Alpion Vatican catholic church http://polsis.org/2012/07/04/why-the-eu-should-say-no-to-tory-blackmail/ The UK Prime Minister last weekend opened the door to a possible referendum on the UK's relationship with the EU. POLSIS's David Toke argues that from a progressive perspective, it would be better for the UK to leave the EU altogether than for it to undermine the democratic basis of the Union by renegotiating its terms of membership. Wed, 04 Jul 2012 10:58:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/07/04/why-the-eu-should-say-no-to-tory-blackmail/ Social Sciences The Institute of German Studies at the University of Birmingham is seeking to support a three-year PhD Studentship in the context of the DAAD-funded project: 'Weltanschauungen: The German Past and the Contemporary World' . Wed, 04 Jul 2012 10:14:00 GMT studentnews IGS german studies studentship http://www.download.bham.ac.uk/govsoc/polsis/alumni-newsletter-summer2012/1.html Welcome to the third annual edition of the POLSIS Alumni Newsletter. Like every year, we have a lot of exciting developments in the department. We have new colleagues, new students, new research avenues, interesting guest speakers and a variety of activities to enhance teaching, learning, and the experience of our students. Wed, 04 Jul 2012 10:05:00 GMT http://www.download.bham.ac.uk/govsoc/polsis/alumni-newsletter-summer2012/1.html alumninews studentnews govsoc POLSIS alumni newsletter http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/perspective/reflections.aspx "On Sunday 24 June 2012, Egypt's presidential election commission announced that Muslim Brotherhood (MB) candidate Dr Mohamed Morsi won the presidency, defeating ex-premier Ahmed Shafiq. Morsi has thus become the first Islamist to be elected head of an Arab state." - Dr Michelle Pace Mon, 02 Jul 2012 13:58:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/perspective/reflections.aspx researchnews govsoc egypt politics election http://polsis.org/2012/07/02/colin-thain-argues-for-new-direction-in-economic-policy-making/ The current state of the economy is like the 1930s, says Professor Colin Thain of POLSIS. We should support Nobel laureate Paul Krugman's new 'economic manifesto' and demand a change of direction in UK and Western economic policymaking. Mon, 02 Jul 2012 09:41:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/07/02/colin-thain-argues-for-new-direction-in-economic-policy-making/ Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/06/28/libyas-arab-spring-what-lessons-for-the-eu/ While EU member states took leading roles the NATO operation in Libya, the role of the EU itself was limited largely to the provision of humanitarian assistance. Despite a positive track record in crisis management missions and operations on three continents, the EU's capacity to effect positive change in its southern neighbourhood remains in doubt, writes POLSIS's Stefan Wolff. Thu, 28 Jun 2012 12:56:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/06/28/libyas-arab-spring-what-lessons-for-the-eu/ Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/06/27/student-conference-cosmopolitan-dimensions/ Last week, POLSIS held its Second Annual Student Conference, an event organised for students, by students. It was a day to remember, writes POLSIS MA student and conference organiser Marianna Karakoulaki. Thu, 28 Jun 2012 10:58:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/06/27/student-conference-cosmopolitan-dimensions/ POLSIS studentnews http://polsis.org/2012/06/25/euro-2012-and-the-uks-semi-boycott/ England's (not such a) shock-defeat to Italy may still be raw in the nation's collective consciousness, but hey, look on the bright side: at least the government can stop agonising over whether ministers should attend the final. POLSIS' Jonathan Grix explores the curious case of the UK semi-boycott of Euro 2012. This post first appeared on e-International Relations. Mon, 25 Jun 2012 13:08:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/06/25/euro-2012-and-the-uks-semi-boycott/ Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/06/22/from-diana-to-the-diamond-jubilee-the-royal-family-postmodern-pastiche-and-consumerism/ With the nation's bunting safely packed away until the next 'once in a lifetime' event, POLSIS PhD researcher Alex Oaten reflects on what the Queen's Diamond Jubilee weekend tells us about contemporary consumerist culture. Fri, 22 Jun 2012 12:09:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/06/22/from-diana-to-the-diamond-jubilee-the-royal-family-postmodern-pastiche-and-consumerism/ Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/06/20/migration-marriage-and-muscular-liberalism-competing-claims-but-a-common-goal/ Two policies announced this week – the introduction of restrictions on family migration, and the criminalisation of forced marriage – highlight an instrumental use of human rights discourse by the Government to reinforce British sovereignty and citizenship, based on the idea of 'muscular liberalism', writes Katherine E. Tonkiss. (This post was originally featured on Migration Pulse, the blog of the Migrants' Rights Network.) Wed, 20 Jun 2012 15:47:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/06/20/migration-marriage-and-muscular-liberalism-competing-claims-but-a-common-goal/ Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/06/20/rand-paul-supports-mitt-romney/ Republican Senator Rand Paul, son of libertarian godfather Ron Paul, this month controversially endorsed Mitt Romney's bid for the presidential nomination. POLSIS PhD candidate Jake Diliberto examines the consequences for Paul Sr.'s grassroots libertarians of what some in the movement see as an act of treachery by one of their favourite sons. Wed, 20 Jun 2012 11:45:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/06/20/rand-paul-supports-mitt-romney/ Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/06/gender-global-governance-net-work.aspx The Gender in Global Governance Net-Work @ http://genderinglobalgovernancenet-work.net is a new resource for academics, research students, policy-makers, practitioners and members of the public interested in gender and governance. Tue, 19 Jun 2012 14:21:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/06/gender-global-governance-net-work.aspx http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/events/2012/09/future-global-economic-governance.aspx In the wake of the global financial crisis and the onset of the eurozone sovereign debt crisis, existing mechanisms of global economic governance have faced strong theoretical, political, and normative challenges from a wide range of actors operating across multiple spheres in the global political economy. The 2012 BISA International Political Economy Group conference brings together scholars working on global economic governance across a broad range of topics and issue-areas. Tue, 19 Jun 2012 12:15:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/events/2012/09/future-global-economic-governance.aspx Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/06/18/leadership-diplomacy-and-institutional-design-a-model-for-understanding-the-arab-spring/ Across the Middle East and North Africa, the impact of the Arab Spring has been as varied as it has been profound. Professor Stefan Wolff discusses three 'essential ingredients' that will determine whether regime transitions can be managed successfully. Tue, 19 Jun 2012 10:00:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/06/18/leadership-diplomacy-and-institutional-design-a-model-for-understanding-the-arab-spring/ http://polsis.org/2012/06/15/the-banking-union-a-bridge-to-far-for-the-city/ The European Commission backs it. The ECB backs it. The leaders of France, Italy, Spain, and (possibly) Germany back it. A 'banking union' may save Europe's banks, but does it also spell the end for the single market in financial services? POLSIS PhD researcher Samuel McPhilemy examines the implications of the latest plan to resolve the financial turmoil in Europe. Fri, 15 Jun 2012 16:00:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/06/15/the-banking-union-a-bridge-to-far-for-the-city/ http://polsis.org/2012/06/11/staff-3-2-students-match-report/ On the 6th of June 2012, the teaching staff of POLSIS took on a select band of undergraduates in the annual football game. The POLSIS Blog dispatched football correspond Angus Nore-Hoghorris (who is totally impartial and has absolutely no conflict of interest with the staff team) for this once-a-year encounter. Tue, 12 Jun 2012 11:34:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/06/11/staff-3-2-students-match-report/ studentnews videos and podcasts http://polsis.org/2012/06/10/irans-nuclear-programme-videos-uploaded/ On April 25th, the University of Birmingham's new Institute for Conflict, Cooperation and Security held an event to assess the options for cooperation and conflict surrounding the Iranian nuclear programme. Sun, 10 Jun 2012 15:50:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/06/10/irans-nuclear-programme-videos-uploaded/ researchnews videos and podcasts http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/Euro-2012-the-Janus-Faced-Nature-of-Hosting-Sports-Mega-Events.aspx Avery Brundage, the former President of the International Olympic Committee, famously stated over 50 years ago that sport transcends politics and the former has no place in the dealings of the latter. Sport has always been inextricably bound up with politics, but nowadays the hosting of sports mega-events has become competitive in its own right, as potential hosts weigh up the benefits against the substantial costs of putting on such occasions. Fri, 08 Jun 2012 17:29:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/Euro-2012-the-Janus-Faced-Nature-of-Hosting-Sports-Mega-Events.aspx birmingham brief govsoc http://polsis.org/2012/06/04/the-re-politicisation-of-abortion-in-the-uk/ Recent attacks on abortion provision are part of a broader strategy aimed at eroding abortion rights, writes POLSIS PhD candidate Fran Amery. Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:40:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/06/04/the-re-politicisation-of-abortion-in-the-uk/ studentnews Abortion ethics medicine politics POLSIS http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/The-eurozone-crisis-is-Angela-Merkels-chief-dilemma.aspx Angela Merkel's second term as chancellor, which began in 2009, has been a difficult one. On the home front, there has been much infighting inside her CDU-FDP (conservative-liberal) government, her FDP coalition partner is weak and unpopular, and her own party, the CDU, has lost ground in important regional elections. Merkel's main challenge, however, remains the ongoing crisis in the eurozone. Fri, 01 Jun 2012 17:27:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/The-eurozone-crisis-is-Angela-Merkels-chief-dilemma.aspx govsoc birmingham brief http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/events/2012/06/social-democracy-and-its-future.aspx Friday 08 June 2012 (14:30-16:30) - A panel debate featuring former Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Lord Roy Hattersley, in response to Hattersley and Hickson's article, "In praise of Social Democracy". Wed, 30 May 2012 10:49:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/events/2012/06/social-democracy-and-its-future.aspx studentnews alumninews http://wp.me/p2diSa-4A Colin Thain, Head of Department at POLSIS, suggests that the Leveson Inquiry could end up by being one of the most significant inquiries into the nature and rules of the game of British politics. Tue, 29 May 2012 09:39:00 GMT http://wp.me/p2diSa-4A http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/school-wide-child/2012/05/simon-fraser-visit.aspx On Thursday 24th May 2012, Simon Fraser, Permanent Under Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, visited the University to speak to staff and students. Tue, 29 May 2012 08:53:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/school-wide-child/2012/05/simon-fraser-visit.aspx highprofilespeakers studentnews govsoc alumninews researchnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/research/doctoral-researchers/profiles/schaller-barbara.aspx Research title: Towards a heterodox economic theory of poverty production – An analysis of evolutionary institutionalist and post-Keynesian thought Tue, 22 May 2012 12:14:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/research/doctoral-researchers/profiles/schaller-barbara.aspx studentnews http://polsis.org/2012/05/18/the-politics-of-protest-students-perspectives/ Following the fallout from recent occupational protests at the University of Birmingham, the air on campus has been thick with talk surrounding the right to protest and the efficacy of this political tool in redressing student grievances. Here, POLSIS students Rachel Armitage (1st Year BA Political Science), Fern Tomlinson (3rd Year B.A. Political Science ) and Alice Key (1st Year BA Political Science) provide an insight into students' views on the rights and wrongs of protest and what it might achieve. Fri, 18 May 2012 12:11:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/05/18/the-politics-of-protest-students-perspectives/ Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/postgraduate/trigg-nicholas-ma-polsis.aspx Nicholas Trigg, a Swiss student currently studying on our MA International Relations (Peacekeeping) programme, reflects on his experiences of moving to a foreign country and studying at Birmingham in POLSIS. Nicholas also completed his undergraduate studies in POLSIS. Fri, 18 May 2012 10:45:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/postgraduate/trigg-nicholas-ma-polsis.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/05/polsis-blog.aspx We are pleased to announce that we have launched the new POLSIS Blog (polsis.org). The POLSIS Blog provides a window into the wide range of academic activities taking place within the department. Thu, 17 May 2012 17:17:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/05/polsis-blog.aspx http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/05/brussels-study-trip.aspx Every year POLSIS MA students have the opportunity to take part in a week-long study trip to Brussels. This gives students the opportunity to visit some of the international organisations based in Brussels - both those that are part of the European Union and of NATO - to learn about and see at first hand how they operate. Thu, 17 May 2012 15:30:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/05/brussels-study-trip.aspx http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/undergraduate/walmesley-victoria-first-year-ba-sociology.aspx The best advice for future students is, first of all, remember that everyone feels nervous so don't worry; secondly, you will make good friends; and finally, look forward to studying a really engaging and thought provoking subject. Thu, 17 May 2012 12:51:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/undergraduate/walmesley-victoria-first-year-ba-sociology.aspx studentnews govsoc http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/05/united-nations-internship.aspx Congratulations to Presilia Mpanu , a second year student studying International Relations with Political Science has been offered an internship position with the United Nations University Vice Rectorate (UNU-ViE) in Bonn. Thu, 17 May 2012 12:51:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/05/united-nations-internship.aspx studentnews govsoc http://polsis.org/2012/05/15/why-greece-will-not-exit-the-euro/ With Greek political leaders entering a fresh round of negotiations aimed at forming a government after last week's election, speculation that Greece is on the verge of exiting the Euro has reached fever pitch. Here, Dr David Toke, Seniour Lecture in Politics at the University of Birmingham, explains why he believes this talk is overblown. Tue, 15 May 2012 07:55:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/05/15/why-greece-will-not-exit-the-euro/ http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/05/polsis-gazette.aspx Welcome to the second issue of The Gazette. This is the first issue to be largely planned and produced by a team of student journalists who have volunteered their time and talent to bring you news and views from across the department. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this issue. Fri, 11 May 2012 12:47:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/05/polsis-gazette.aspx http://polsis.org/2012/05/07/visit-to-amnesty-international-uks-the-human-rights-action-centre/ This post from POLSIS PhD student Iván Farías Pelcastre is a report on a recent trip by POLSIS students to Amnesty International in London. Mon, 07 May 2012 09:11:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/05/07/visit-to-amnesty-international-uks-the-human-rights-action-centre/ studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/greaves-laura.aspx The sociology programme was challenging especially when tackling the theoretical aspects of the course. However the broad choice in interesting and relevant topics such as, Gender and Sexuality, and Family, kept the theoretical side of study contemporary and most importantly interesting. Tue, 01 May 2012 11:25:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/greaves-laura.aspx alumninews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/jennings-rosie.aspx I found that the course gave you a lot of freedom to tailor your own learning. There were a lot of module options to choose from as well as the core subjects in sociological theory. As a result the knowledge I got from the course was balanced and of interest to me personally. Tue, 01 May 2012 11:24:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/jennings-rosie.aspx alumninews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/Building-Mutual-Nuclear-Security-with-Iran.aspx Why has a solution to the decade long nuclear stand-off with Iran proved so elusive? Based on ongoing research into the dynamics of nuclear rivalries, and the role of trust in international politics, we argue that the main obstacle to solving the crisis over Iran's nuclear program is that neither side believes that it is possible to reassure the other without this reducing their own security. Recent talks in Istanbul suggest that a new path to mutual security might be opening up, but there are still challenges ahead. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:32:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/Building-Mutual-Nuclear-Security-with-Iran.aspx birmingham brief govsoc http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/research/doctoral-researchers/profiles/wong-pui-fung.aspx Shanghai, China's Capital of Modernity: Urban Experience and Production of Space of World Expo 2010 Sat, 28 Apr 2012 11:05:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/research/doctoral-researchers/profiles/wong-pui-fung.aspx studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/postgraduate/crilley-rhys-ma-polsis.aspx Rhys Crilley, MA International Relations (Terrorism and Political Violence), reflects on his experiences during the Postgraduate Study trip to Delhi. Each year, a group of Masters students from across the School of Government and Society are given the opportunity to travel to Delhi, India, to take part in a week-long international module entitled 'Traditional and New Security Challenges: South Asia in Global Perspective'. Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:54:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/postgraduate/crilley-rhys-ma-polsis.aspx studentnews govsoc http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/johal-sundeep.aspx What made this programme stand out for me was the dedication of the lecturers which helped further strengthened my passion for the subject. The knowledge and support I gained from lecturers was priceless and provided me with an ideal foundation for my chosen career: social work. This course is ideal for anyone with the desire to question the taken-for-granted aspects of society and will be sure to challenge and stimulate the mind. Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:06:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/johal-sundeep.aspx alumninews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/events/2012/05/didi-hindu-politics-secularism-womens-activism-india.aspx 01 May 2012 - Radhika Govinda is presently PI on the project 'Gender and Identity Politics in Urban Renewal in Delhi' (funded by the Indian Council of Social Science Research). Her research has been published in Gender and Development, Contemporary South Asia and Journal of South Asian Development. She is currently working on a book manuscript titled 'In The Name of "Poor and Marginalised": NGO Activism, Gender and Politics in Uttar Pradesh, India'. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:52:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/events/2012/05/didi-hindu-politics-secularism-womens-activism-india.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/04/politics-society-alumni-roundtable-event.aspx On Tuesday 28th February, POLSIS and the POLSIS society (POLSOC) hosted an alumni careers event that was well attended by POLSIS students across all years. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:23:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/04/politics-society-alumni-roundtable-event.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/events/2012/09/future-global-economic-governance.aspx 10 - 11 September 2012 - The 2012 BISA International Political Economy Group conference brings together scholars working on global economic governance across a broad range of topics and issue-areas. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:44:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/events/2012/09/future-global-economic-governance.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/enhancing-student-experience/model-united-nations.aspx In February 2012 the School sent a delegation of students to the Harvard National Model United Nations conference in Boston, USA. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:20:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/enhancing-student-experience/model-united-nations.aspx studentnews govsoc http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/postgraduate/bergson-joseph-msc-idd.aspx Joseph Bergson (MSc International Development) reflects on his experiences during the Postgraduate Study trip to Delhi. Each year, a group of Masters students from across the School of Government and Society are given the opportunity to travel to Delhi, India, to take part in a week-long international module entitled 'Traditional and New Security Challenges: South Asia in Global Perspective'. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:44:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/postgraduate/bergson-joseph-msc-idd.aspx studentnews govsoc http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/international/students/finance/scholarships/lisiguang.aspx The University of Birmingham is pleased to announce 18 PhD scholarships for students from China. This major new scholarship scheme is open to all fields and named in honour of Li Siguang, one of Birmingham's most famous Chinese graduates. Six scholarships a year will be awarded, on a competitive basis, for three years of PhD study at the University of Birmingham to include tuition fees and living costs. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:21:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/international/students/finance/scholarships/lisiguang.aspx http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/thebirminghambrief/items/Impact-of-Events-in-Egypt-on-the-EU-Can-any-lessons-be-learnt-from-the-Arab-Spring.aspx 2011 was a truly historical turning point – it was a year which fundamentally changed the European Union's (EU) previous assumption about the Middle East and North African (MENA) region – that the fall of Arab autocrats was not imminent and that the dictators of the region would remain the partners to cooperate with in the near future. The Arab Spring events in Tunisia, Egypt, and beyond since December 2010 have successfully challenged the institutional order. Egypt is now embarking on a long and uncertain journey towards a more democratic future. But questions remain regarding the role of the EU towards nascent democracies. Fri, 23 Mar 2012 18:29:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/thebirminghambrief/items/Impact-of-Events-in-Egypt-on-the-EU-Can-any-lessons-be-learnt-from-the-Arab-Spring.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/school-wide-child/2012/03/alistair-burt.aspx Alistair Burt MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO Minister with responsibility for Afghanistan) visited the School of Government and Society on Thursday 22nd March to provide his views on "UK Engagement in Afghanistan". Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:24:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/school-wide-child/2012/03/alistair-burt.aspx highprofilespeakers studentnews alumninews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/undergraduate/hannah-lane-and-megan-baxter-ba-polsis.aspx I remember looking round Birmingham and particularly Muirhead and thinking wow, this is spectacular. It's modern, it's new and the University has an excellent reputation, POLSIS has an excellent reputation and that's what you want really, to know that you're in safe hands studying in a place where it has good facilities and excellent people teaching. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:36:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/undergraduate/hannah-lane-and-megan-baxter-ba-polsis.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/undergraduate/mieville-hawkins-will-ba-polsis.aspx I love the diversity of it and the choices of different things you can study. Particularly in POLSIS we've got an excellent range of academics doing all sorts of different interesting things. We do anything from political economy to international relations to political philosophy and I've really enjoyed the challenge of combining it all together. I think it's given me a really well-rounded experience. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:35:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/undergraduate/mieville-hawkins-will-ba-polsis.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/undergraduate/alexandre-chlabovitch-pierre-ba-polsis.aspx As an international student it was studying in a British university, getting a new experience and about POLSIS it was the whole, again, the fact that I was passionate about politics, that led me to come and study here and the POLSIS department. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:35:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/undergraduate/alexandre-chlabovitch-pierre-ba-polsis.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/teaching/enhancing-student-experience/politics-society.aspx The University of Birmingham Guild of Students Politics Society (POLSOC) is the student-run society for all those interested in politics at the University of Birmingham. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:58:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/teaching/enhancing-student-experience/politics-society.aspx studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/barry-kate.aspx Just remember how much you've been given and how much you know and remember how difficult it was at the beginning for you to understand all those weird concepts and the theories and political views and ideas and how you've managed to translate them and how that will help you in being a voice and an advocate for other people because it's invaluable having people who can speak for other people because not everyone can do that. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:43:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/barry-kate.aspx alumni studentnews videos and podcasts http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/lowe-derek.aspx Get the most out of it when you're here and get the most out of it in terms of your course, make sure you engage with the teaching staff and get the most out of your tutors and your friends, enjoy the social side of things but really focus on where you want your degree to lead to... Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:43:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/lowe-derek.aspx alumninews studentnews videos and podcasts http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/richardson-wright-chris.aspx The best thing for me was the opportunities that I got in my extra-curricular activities. I made full use of the opportunities available in the students union and I really enjoyed all of the work I did in charity fundraising, volunteering and events management as well. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:43:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/richardson-wright-chris.aspx alumninews studentnews videos and podcasts http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/bradley-adrian.aspx My main piece of advice is make the most of your time. What you get out of being at university, the degree is the hygiene factor that will make sure your application is read but no more than that. What you get out of the university is all these experiences that you can have while you're here and the CV you can build... Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:43:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/bradley-adrian.aspx alumninews studentnews videos and podcasts http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/thebirminghambrief/items/The-Afghan-Reset.aspx Afghanistan is rarely out of the headlines — and seemingly for the wrong reasons. At the beginning of March, six UK military personnel were killed by a Taliban attack in what was the single worse loss of life for UK ground forces since the launch of the NATO–led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan. Birmingham brief written by Professor Mark Webber, Professor of International Politics. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:07:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/thebirminghambrief/items/The-Afghan-Reset.aspx studentnews alumninews birmingham brief govsoc http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/Documents/college-social-sciences/government-society/polsis/news-events/civil-wars-conference-call-papers.pdf The editors of Civil Wars and Ethnopolitics invite proposals for the second annual conference on New Perspectives on Conflict and Security (17-18 September 2012). The conference will explore a range of debates and topics related to intrastate conflict and civil war. It is open to those who wish to present work on specific armed conflicts, on broad patterns of civil wars, and on historical perspectives as well as contemporary challenges. It also seeks to explore international dimensions including intervention, conflict prevention and resolution. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:03:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/Documents/college-social-sciences/government-society/polsis/news-events/civil-wars-conference-call-papers.pdf studentnews alumninews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/03/middle-east-symposium.aspx Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:37:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/03/middle-east-symposium.aspx http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/03/model-nato.aspx In February 2012, a delegation of five postgraduate students from POLSIS and the International Development Department took part in the annual Model NATO event in Washington D.C. Model NATO is a three-day event in which delegations play out the process of debate, negotiation and decision-making within the Atlantic Alliance. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 07:10:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/03/model-nato.aspx govsoc studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/fafienski-veronika.aspx Studying at The University of Birmingham has been such an exciting and rewarding experience. When I first arrived, I was instantly captivated by the campus atmosphere. All the things you need as a freshly baked student – department, the library, student union and all the friends you made along the way – were in one place. Of course everyone is unique but for my part I can say that at Birmingham I have been able to set the foundations for both career and personal development. Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:47:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/fafienski-veronika.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/events/2012/03/media-and-education.aspx This one-day open workshop (Saturday 24 March 2012) encourages participants to compare and exchange ideas about Islam in the media, and how Britain and Germany do and should egage with the issue through culture and education. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:31:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/events/2012/03/media-and-education.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/thakrar-raam.aspx Really think through what you want to do – and where career choice overlaps with intellectual interest and skills. And importantly the amount of money you want to earn. Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:32:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/thakrar-raam.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2012/02/20Feb-Scholarship-students-question-University-Chancellor.aspx Eight of the University of Birmingham's scholarship recipients met the University's Chancellor, Sir Dominic Cadbury, in a reception designed to introduce him to scholarship students funded by his generous support of the University's Access to Birmingham Scholarship Scheme. Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:04:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2012/02/20Feb-Scholarship-students-question-University-Chancellor.aspx studentnews govsoc http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/teaching/enhancing-student-experience/high-profile-speaker-visits-polsis.aspx Study with POLSIS and you'll have the opportunity to hear from high profile speakers on current affairs and issues. Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:13:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/teaching/enhancing-student-experience/high-profile-speaker-visits-polsis.aspx studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/enhancing-student-experience/postgraduate-study-trip-delhi.aspx Study for a MA with POLSIS and you will have the opportunity to participate in an intensive international module in Delhi, India. Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:05:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/enhancing-student-experience/postgraduate-study-trip-delhi.aspx studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/lynch-elena.aspx What I found most beneficial about taking the course was the ability to study a wide range of issues that have, and arguably still do, affected our daily lives. For example, I found the study of multiculturalism particularly interesting especially whilst living in as culturally diverse a city as Birmingham. Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/lynch-elena.aspx studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/research/doctoral-researchers/profiles/selim-hebatullah.aspx Salafi Discourse Analysis concerning Political Development in Egypt (2010-2014) Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/research/doctoral-researchers/profiles/selim-hebatullah.aspx studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/ramsay-katie.aspx am still fascinated by sociology and my love for travel has been greatly enhanced by my sociological background. I spent one year driving through Africa and often found myself dissecting my experiences and surroundings in a sociological way. Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/ramsay-katie.aspx alumninews studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/events/2012/04/gender-equality.aspx Friday, 27 April, 2012. This symposium brings together academics, policymakers, third sector organizations and advocates to interrogate the gendered impacts of austerity measures. Themes include: the political economy of cuts; the impacts on gender equality; the role of the state in promoting equality and inclusion; citizenship; welfare, poverty andsocial exclusion. Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:49:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/events/2012/04/gender-equality.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/02/alistair-darling-visit.aspx The Rt Hon. Alistair Darling, former Chancellor of the Exchequer, visited the Department of Political Science and International Studies on the 22nd February 2012 to give a lecture on the financial crisis and its aftermath entitled 'Back from the Brink'. Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:49:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/02/alistair-darling-visit.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/gill-abi.aspx Accepted onto MSc in Comparative Social Policy at the University of Oxford. The teaching quality is outstanding and staff go out of their way to support students throughout their degrees and also beyond with applications for jobs and further study. Crucially, studying Sociology develops the transferable skills that graduate employers desire in their applicants and the fact that Birmingham is a Redbrick has really advanced my career and further education options. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:56:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/gill-abi.aspx studentnews alumninews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/research/doctoral-researchers/profiles/whitworth-olivia.aspx Transnational Women's Networks in East Asia Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:56:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/research/doctoral-researchers/profiles/whitworth-olivia.aspx studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/george-jemma.aspx Birmingham is a fantastic and vibrant city. The University campus is just two stops away from the city centre so it's brilliant if you want to explore the area. The University Main Library hosts most of the Social Sciences material and is an excellent resource for students. My fondest memories were being part of the Social Sciences Society and getting to organise events and nights out for SSS members. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:53:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/george-jemma.aspx alumninews studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/02/john-bercow-speaker-house-commons.aspx Students, alumni and staff enjoyed an evening with John Bercow, the Speaker of the House of Commons on Thursday 02 February 2012. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:53:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/02/john-bercow-speaker-house-commons.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/perspective/egypt-pace.aspx "The Arab Spring events in Tunisia, Egypt, and beyond since December 2010 have successfully challenged the institutional order. Egypt is now embarking on a long and uncertain journey towards a more democratic future. But questions remain regarding the role of the EU towards nascent democracies." Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:51:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/perspective/egypt-pace.aspx govsoc http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/school-wide-child/2012/02/nodel-united-nations-campus-2012.aspx On Friday 20 January 2012 the School of Government and Society held two Model United Nations debates as part of its programmes of events to enhance student experience. Supported by staff from IDD and POLSIS and with additional help from the UN Society based in the Guild, the event involved almost 50 Undergraduate students being assigned country roles in two debates. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:20:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/school-wide-child/2012/02/nodel-united-nations-campus-2012.aspx govsoc alumninews studentnews http://www.isn.ethz.ch/isn/Digital-Library/Podcasts/Detail/?ots591=40db1b50-7439-887d-706e-8ec00590bdb9&lng=en&id=136481 Professor Donna Lee recently spoke on "World Trade: What Comes After Doha?" in a podcast for the International Relations and Security Network (ISN). Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMT http://www.isn.ethz.ch/isn/Digital-Library/Podcasts/Detail/?ots591=40db1b50-7439-887d-706e-8ec00590bdb9&lng=en&id=136481 videos and podcasts researchnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/10/graduate-colloquium.aspx The POLSIS Graduate colloquium provides a forum for postgraduate research students to present their work in a relatively informal and friendly setting to their peers and departmental staff with the purpose of providing constructive and helpful feedback in the development of their projects. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:19:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/10/graduate-colloquium.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/school-wide-child/2012/01/employability-award.aspx Our Careers and Employability team are happy to announce their win at the National Placement and Internship Awards 2012 Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:43:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/school-wide-child/2012/01/employability-award.aspx studentnews govsoc http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/research/doctoral-researchers/profiles/dilberto-jacob.aspx Global Counter Insurgency: New challenges to Isl Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:26:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/research/doctoral-researchers/profiles/dilberto-jacob.aspx studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/generic/internships/funding/index.aspx The Careers and Employability Centre offer a range of award schemes for students from a range of backgrounds that are looking to undertake a variety of work experience placements and internships. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/generic/internships/funding/index.aspx studentnews researchnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/01/postgraduate-bursaries.aspx Full fee bursaries are available for study in the Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS), for 2012-13. Bursaries are available for both domestic/EU students and non-EU students; you must apply for a programme by the end of April 2012 and fill in the bursary application form. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:09:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/01/postgraduate-bursaries.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/research/doctoral-researchers/profiles/gibney-annie.aspx Research title: Understanding the Possibilities and Limits of European Workforce Development for the 'Knowledge Era': A Multi-level Governance Approach. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:38:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/research/doctoral-researchers/profiles/gibney-annie.aspx studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/courses/undergraduate.aspx We offer undergraduate programme opportunities in international relations, political science, international studiesand political economy. In the last Research Assessment Exercise, 85% of our research was rated as 'internationally important' – academic expertise which is woven into the teaching of our undergraduate courses. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:03:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/courses/undergraduate.aspx http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/barnard-charlotte.aspx Sociology has developed my way of thinking. Before I used to look for answers that were matter of fact and obvious, but Sociology taught me to 'think outside the box' and explore my own logical interpretations and challenge others. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:12:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/barnard-charlotte.aspx alumninews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/reid-dee.aspx As I trained as an English teacher and initially taught English and Drama, the Sociology part of my degree formed less of a part of my initial working role but it widened my horizons to different ways of seeing and thinking. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:12:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/reid-dee.aspx alumninews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/singh-dalvinder.aspx Do the reading each week, study hard in your last two years. Try to get some work experience or an internship whilst at Uni, as this could be invaluable experience or can lead to a job offer once you've graduated. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:12:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/singh-dalvinder.aspx alumninews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/01/sociology-year-abroad-degree.aspx Joycelyn is a Sociology finalist who will be graduating this year from the Sociology with Year Abroad programme. Joycelyn spent last year studying Sociology at Trent University in Peterborough, Canada which is one and a half hours north of Toronto. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:02:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/01/sociology-year-abroad-degree.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/Documents/college-social-sciences/government-society/polsis/news-events/gazette-december-2011.pdf The POLSIS Gazette aims to showcase the enormous range of what we do as political scientists, international relations scholars, political theorists, political economists and sociologists. Our community comprises academics, support staff, more than 1,000 undergraduates, 100 masters students and more than 100 doctoral students at various stages in their research. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:35:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/Documents/college-social-sciences/government-society/polsis/news-events/gazette-december-2011.pdf Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/01/graduate-wins-top-law-student-award.aspx University of Birmingham political science graduate Tom Elsey has scooped one of the major law student awards in the country. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:32:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/01/graduate-wins-top-law-student-award.aspx govsoc alumninews studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/oncampus/lectures/Roy-Bhaskar-Guest-Lecture.aspx Contemporary critical realism is a philosophical approach developed by Roy Bhaskar. His work is of particular interest to social scientists who are keen to develop new approaches and methodologies to their research theory and methods. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:49:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/oncampus/lectures/Roy-Bhaskar-Guest-Lecture.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/11/thatcher-trial-politics-society.aspx The University of Birmingham Politics Society hosted a round-table debate that was intended to give former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher the 'trial' some believe she richly deserves. In front of a near-capacity audience in the Arts Main Lecture Theatre, guests on the panel included Professor Colin Thain and Dr. Peter Kerr from POLSIS, as well as Lottie Rowling, representing Labour, Christopher James from Conservative Future, Dave Glenwright of UKIP and Will Mièville-Hawkins, representing the Liberal Democrats. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:17:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/11/thatcher-trial-politics-society.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/perspective/sport-grix.aspx "The London Olympics will undoubtedly be a spectacular success and bring with it a number of memorable sporting moments. Beyond the two weeks of action, however, it is worth reflecting on the increasingly political use of sport by a wide variety of states throughout the world." Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:12:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/perspective/sport-grix.aspx govsoc http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/thebirminghambrief/items/05jan12-sportmegaevents.aspx The London Olympics will undoubtedly be a spectacular success and bring with it a number of memorable sporting moments. Beyond the two weeks of action, however, it is worth reflecting on the increasingly political use of sport by a wide variety of states throughout the world. In recent years, there has been a shift from advanced capitalist states to developing, small or 'emerging' states who have queued up to stage a sporting mega-event. Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:21:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/thebirminghambrief/items/05jan12-sportmegaevents.aspx birmingham brief http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/visit/pg-opendays.aspx Our next Postgraduate Open Day will be held on Tuesday 07 February 2012.The Postgraduate Open Day gives you the opportunity to talk to the experts and find out more about the wide portfolio of taught and research opportunities available to you at the University of Birmingham. Whatever stage you are at with your career, a visit to the Postgraduate Open Day will clarify your options and help you plan your next step. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:48:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/visit/pg-opendays.aspx business Economics marketing management accounting-finance govsoc http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/11/australia-radio-interview-alpion.aspx Sani Kajtazi interviewed Dr Gëzim Alpion for the Australian Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Radio in Melbourne on 20 November 2011. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:20:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/11/australia-radio-interview-alpion.aspx http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/11/the-practice-global-citizenship.aspx Luis Cabrera wins International Studies Association award for book blending ethical argument and stories from the front lines of the global immigration debates. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:21:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/11/the-practice-global-citizenship.aspx govsoc http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/11/agence-france-presse-cinderella-british-music.aspx Nathalie Auriol of the Agence France-Presse (AFP) speaks to POLSIS expert on celebrity culture on the Cinderella of the British music industry. Sun, 27 Nov 2011 18:09:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/11/agence-france-presse-cinderella-british-music.aspx http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/fees/dr/ESRC-research-council.aspx The University is pleased to announce that nominations for Economic and Social Research Council Funding for study starting in October 2012 are now open. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:06:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/fees/dr/ESRC-research-council.aspx govsoc http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/11/mother-teresa-lecture-Melbourne.aspx Senior International Correspondent of California based ASSIST News Service (ANS) covers Gesim Alpion's lecture at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:20:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/11/mother-teresa-lecture-Melbourne.aspx http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2011/11/04-Nov-African-political-leaders-visit-University-of-Birmingham.aspx Raimundo Pereira and Manuel Nhamajo, speaker and deputy-speaker of the parliament of Guinea-Bissau, will speak on the theme of "The State in Africa: Consolidation or Crisis?' Pereira is widely tipped as the next president of the country, while Nhamajo is also vice-president of the Economic Community of West African States Commission. The pair are in the UK on a parliamentary exchange visit arranged through the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Guinea-Bissau, and are also holding meetings with members of Parliament and other politicians. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:21:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2011/11/04-Nov-African-political-leaders-visit-University-of-Birmingham.aspx govsoc http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/10/david-miliband-visits-polsis.aspx POLSIS plays host to former cabinet member David Miliband, MP, for a live conversation and Q&A with current students, staff and alumni. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/10/david-miliband-visits-polsis.aspx POLSIS David Miliband govsoc highprofilespeakers alumninews studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/10/future-global-economic-governance.aspx In the wake of the global financial crisis and the onset of the eurozone sovereign debt crisis, existing mechanisms of global economic governance have faced strong theoretical, political, and normative challenges from a wide range of actors operating across multiple spheres in the global political economy. The 2012 BISA International Political Economy Group conference brings together scholars working on global economic governance across a broad range of topics and issue-areas. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:30:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/10/future-global-economic-governance.aspx http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2011/10/14-Oct-University-welcomes-US-Congressmen-to-Campus.aspx Two former members of Congress are visiting Birmingham next week to provide a rare insight into the US political system, as well as share their personal experiences with students.The University of Birmingham will host Republican George Nethercutt and Democrat David Skaggs as part of the Congress to Campus programme. During the visit, the Congressmen will discuss the current state of politics in the United States, how the system of representative democracy works and help students understand a "behind-the-scenes" view of the American political system. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:18:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2011/10/14-Oct-University-welcomes-US-Congressmen-to-Campus.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/school-wide-child/2011/10/elite-doctoral-researcher-scholarships.aspx The University of Birmingham has announced that 10 scholarships are available for overseas applicants for 2012-2013 entry. If you fulfil the criteria and would like to be considered for nomination by IDD, POLSIS, CREES and INLOGOV you are strongly encouraged to submit your PhD application to the University by the end of November 2011. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:07:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/school-wide-child/2011/10/elite-doctoral-researcher-scholarships.aspx govsoc studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/10/students-participates-study-china-programme.aspx Sylwia Samira Kowalczuk, International Relations student in POLSIS, was awarded a place on the UK government-funded Study China Programme. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:52:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/10/students-participates-study-china-programme.aspx govsoc studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/09/annual-conference-bisa-us-foreign-policy-working-group.aspx Dr Adam Quinn, lecturer in POLSIS, convened and organized the Annual Conference of the BISA working group on US foreign policy at the Rothermere American Institute, University of Oxford. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:17:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/09/annual-conference-bisa-us-foreign-policy-working-group.aspx http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/09/controversial-book-missionaries-charity-order.aspx Dr Gëzim Alpion, comments on a controversial new book by a nun who left Mother Teresa's order. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:32:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/09/controversial-book-missionaries-charity-order.aspx http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/09/9-11-ten-years-on.aspx Dr David H Dunn, Reader in International Politics in POLSIS, appeared on the BBC West Midlands Ed Dolan Show and BRMB local radio on Friday 09 of September 2011 to reflect on what has changed in world politics in the ten years since the terrorist attacks. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:17:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/09/9-11-ten-years-on.aspx govsoc http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/alumni/ambassadors-test/index.aspx The University of Birmingham is proud to have a network of Alumni Ambassadors that fulfil an invaluable role by offering support, practical advice and advocacy across the globe. This network has been developed to enable prospective and current students to connect directly with individuals who have fully experienced what the University, and city, of Birmingham has to offer. Please do take the opportunity to email our ambassadors with your questions regarding studying at the University, living in Birmingham / UK, their individual career pathways, living and working in their country of residence or origin etc. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:11:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/alumni/ambassadors-test/index.aspx alumninews govsoc studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/alumni/events/items/BBS/leadership.aspx Dr Peter Carter OBE, General Secretary and Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing|, the world's largest professional union of nurses and health care support workers will deliver a talk on 'Leadership in Challenging Times'. As part of ADEPT Careers week for Postgraduate Researchers 20 - 24 June. Peter will share insights and experience which will interest current Postgraduate Researchers who are aspiring to develop their leadership potential. Fri, 02 Sep 2011 09:19:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/alumni/events/items/BBS/leadership.aspx alumninews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/alumni/events/EventsArchive/delhi.aspx Staff from the College of Social Sciences will be accompanying eight Masters students from the University of Birmingham to India to participate within an intensive Masters level module entitled 'Security in a globalised world; New and emerging challenges', delivered collaboratively between the Universities of Birmingham, Delhi and Melbourne. Fri, 02 Sep 2011 09:14:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/alumni/events/EventsArchive/delhi.aspx alumninews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/perspective/libya-gaddafi.aspx "As Colonel Gaddafi's 42 years in charge of Libya draw to a seemingly climactic end – the dramatic scenes in Tripoli leave a series of questions that need to be urgently answered." Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:37:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/perspective/libya-gaddafi.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/23-Aug-Libya-what-next.aspx As Colonel Gaddafi's 42 years in charge of Libya draw to a seemingly climactic end – the dramatic scenes in Tripolil leave a series of questions that need to be urgently answered. Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:14:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/23-Aug-Libya-what-next.aspx birmingham brief http://www.download.bham.ac.uk/govsoc/polsis/alumni-newsletter-summer2011/index.html Welcome to the second edition of the POLSIS Alumni Newsletter. We were thrilled by the positive response our Alumni showed to the first edition of this Newsletter published last year. In this edition you will find our latest research news and news from the department, students and alumni. Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:51:00 GMT http://www.download.bham.ac.uk/govsoc/polsis/alumni-newsletter-summer2011/index.html alumninews studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/08/riots-reflect-social-contexts.aspx Dr Dan Whisker of the Sociology cluster in the Department of Political Science and International Studies discusses the riots on the Arangkada breakfast show from Iloilo city in the Phillipines. Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:21:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/08/riots-reflect-social-contexts.aspx http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/school-wide-child/2011/08/traditional-new-security-challenges-south-asia-global-perspective.aspx Students in the School of Government and Society have the chance to study an intensive module in Delhi, India. 'Traditional and New Security Challenges: South Asia in Global Perspective'. The module will encourage students to take a 'critical' approach to these debates, it will draw upon the diverse backgrounds of participants, and it will explore the South Asia experience – as well as other regions – to illustrate the topics discussed. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:11:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/school-wide-child/2011/08/traditional-new-security-challenges-south-asia-global-perspective.aspx studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/06/book-translated-chinese.aspx Cornell University Press have signed with Phoenix-Power Cultural Co. Ltd. of Beijing for Chinese language (simplified characters) translation rights to Ronen Palan's co-authored book, Tax Havens: How Globalization Really works (Ithaca:2010). Sat, 23 Jul 2011 04:18:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/06/book-translated-chinese.aspx http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/events/new-perspectives-conflict-security.aspx This conference will explore a range of debates and topics related to intrastate conflict and civil war. It is open to those who wish to present work on specific armed conflicts, on broad patterns and debates related to the 'nature' of civil war, and on historical perspectives as well as contemporary issues. It also seeks to explore international dimensions including conflict prevention, resolution and peacebuilding. Sat, 02 Jul 2011 16:17:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/events/new-perspectives-conflict-security.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/06/violence-north-caucasus.aspx More publications, resulting from the narratives of violence in the North Caucasus project, run by Dr Cerwyn Moore in POLSIS. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 09:13:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/06/violence-north-caucasus.aspx http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/06/world-government-international-political-theory.aspx Lucy Vernall from the ideas lab chats to Dr Luis Cabrera, senior lecturer in Political Theory in the Department of Political Science and International Studies, about the Millennium Development Goals, the recent launch of Academics Stand Against Poverty (ASAP), developments around global democracy, and the prospect of a World Government. Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:27:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/06/world-government-international-political-theory.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/06/global-societies.aspx This is the first annual conference organized by the POLSIS department and is dedicated entirely to students. This year, the conference offers both undergraduates and taught postgraduates a fantastic opportunity to debate contemporary themes that permeate the dynamics of "global societies". Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:04:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/06/global-societies.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/9-June-Cash-or-Credit-UK-public-spending-cuts-and-the-IMF.aspx George Osborne has doggedly fought back at critics of the government's austerity strategy, repeating the mantra that sustaining the 'policy credibility' of UK plc with financial markets and investors is the paramount challenge facing this parliament. This week the Chancellor of the Exchequer has been able to draw on an apparent endorsement from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for his agenda of public spending cuts and the Coalition's broader economic policy choices. But is the IMF's 'endorsement' all that the Chancellor makes it out to be? Thu, 09 Jun 2011 17:02:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/9-June-Cash-or-Credit-UK-public-spending-cuts-and-the-IMF.aspx birmingham brief http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2011/06/01June-Conference-addresses-charisma-from-Mother-Theresa-to-Sarah-Palin.aspx The 'Charisma - After Weber' International Conference will look at issues as varied as the cult of personality in totalitarian societies and charismatic figures in religion. Gisela Stuart MP will open the conference with an address on charisma in contemporary politics. Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:39:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2011/06/01June-Conference-addresses-charisma-from-Mother-Theresa-to-Sarah-Palin.aspx Social Sciences All current and potential applicants to Masters programmes in the School of Government and Society are invited to our Applicant Visit Day.The day will give you an opportunity to find out more about the school, department and course you have applied for (or are thinking about applying for) and give you a head start before commencing your studies in October. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 09:08:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/06/saudi-european-union-relations.aspx Honorary Research Associate and Visiting Lecturer, Dr Valentina Kostadinova, was invited to give a presentation at the King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies during her field trip to Saudi Arabia. Sun, 05 Jun 2011 12:13:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/06/saudi-european-union-relations.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/06/encounters-civilizations.aspx POLSIS academic, Dr Gëzim Alpion, publishes the new book 'Encounters with Civilizations: From Alexander the Great to Mother Teresa'. A new book exploring people's experience and tensions of dealing with civilizations and cultures different from their own. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:05:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/06/encounters-civilizations.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/school-wide-child/2011/05/gender-sexuality-postgraduate-colloquium.aspx The Colloquium, co-hosted by the School of Government and Society, has been one of the biggest events in the field of Gender and Sexuality Studies at the University of Birmingham thus far. The event was a big success as it attracted more than 60 University staff members and postgraduate researchers from varied disciplines. Fri, 27 May 2011 12:17:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/school-wide-child/2011/05/gender-sexuality-postgraduate-colloquium.aspx govsoc http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/events/charisma-after-weber.aspx The Department of Political Science and International Studies at Birmingham hosts the 'Charisma – After Weber' International Conference, an excellent opportunity to evaluate and critique Max Weber's contribution to Charisma Studies. Fri, 13 May 2011 10:02:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/events/charisma-after-weber.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/05/20years-collapse-soviet-union.aspx Monday 04 July 2011Time:09.00 - 18.00Venue: School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University College London, LondonThe purpose of the workshop is to organise a one-day event to take stock of the current state of affairs of these post-Soviet conflicts and to assess the prospects of their resolution in the framework of EU-Russia engagement on a new European security architecture. Thu, 12 May 2011 14:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/05/20years-collapse-soviet-union.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/05/global-social-justice.aspx 'Global Social Justice', edited by Professor Heather Widdows (Department of Philosophy) and Dr Nicola Smith (Department of Political Science and International Studies), has just been published by Routledge. Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/05/global-social-justice.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/05/polsis-expert-alleges-green-con-government.aspx POLSIS expert alleges Government green energy strategy is a cover for funding nuclear power. Sat, 07 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/05/polsis-expert-alleges-green-con-government.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/01/hannah-arendt-political-theory.aspx Steve Buckler's latest book, Hannah Arendt and Political Theory: Challenging the Tradition, published by Edinburgh University Press. Fri, 06 May 2011 10:30:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/01/hannah-arendt-political-theory.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/5may-OBL-death.aspx Now that the dust has somewhat settled after the initial euphoria, triumphalism, gloating, and relief that followed Barack Obama's announcement of the death of Osama Bin Laden, more sober analysis is beginning of the broader implications of the end of a 15-year manhunt. Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/5may-OBL-death.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/04/royal-wedding-interview.aspx Dr Gëzim Alpion was interviewed by the Washington D.C. based Voice of America Television on the role of the Royal Family in Britain. Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/04/royal-wedding-interview.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/04/royal-wedding-alpion.aspx Dr Gëzim Alpion's article 'Felicitations to the Royal Couple' was published in several newspapers in this country and overseas including 'Birmingham Post' (UK), 'The Statesman' (India), 'Illyria' (USA) and 'Pravda' (Slovakia). Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/04/royal-wedding-alpion.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/21apr-aid-review.aspx The Department for International Development (DFID) recently published a Multilateral Aid Review (MAR), critically assessing 43 different international organisations (IOs), agencies and private groups. It has concurrently conducted a Bilateral Aid Review (BAR) of its own operations. This brief shows that both reviews indicate an important shift in UK aid policies, whereby future development assistance will be based on the UK's vision of development rather than more traditional global indicators. Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/21apr-aid-review.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/04/charisma-after-weber-interview.aspx Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/04/charisma-after-weber-interview.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/04/model-nato.aspx In February 2011, a delegation of six postgraduate students from POLSIS took part in the annual Model NATO event in Washington D.C. Model NATO is a three-day event in which delegations play out the process of debate, negotiation and decision-making within the Atlantic Alliance. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/04/model-nato.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/04/confidence-buidling-measures.aspx Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, was one of the speakers on the opening panel at this workshop organised by the Vienna office of the International Peace Institute, giving an overview on confidence-building measures at elite level. Sun, 03 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/04/confidence-buidling-measures.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/03/conference-sport-policy-exchange.aspx Jonathan Grix of POLSIS convened a successful conference on sport in times of austerity. The outcome is not more academic treatises, but policy-aimed research. Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/03/conference-sport-policy-exchange.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/03/social-theory-migration.aspx Dr Justin Cruickshank to present to International Migration Institute, University of Oxford and British Sociological Association. Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/03/social-theory-migration.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/03/us-foreign-policy-panel-roundtable-isa.aspx Dr Adam Quinn of POLSIS organised a panel, delivered a paper and participated in a roundtable, all on US foreign policy, at the International Studies Association annual conference in Montreal. Sat, 26 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/03/us-foreign-policy-panel-roundtable-isa.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/03/conflict-managment-moldova.aspx Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/03/conflict-managment-moldova.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/03/british-empire-offshore-finance.aspx An article in the BBC History Magazine by Chris Bowbly describes POLSIS Professor Ronen Palan's work on the link between the British Empire and Offshore Finance. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/03/british-empire-offshore-finance.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/22Mar-Libya-a-solution.aspx As the crisis in Libya unfolds and as the US, France and the UK get potentially sucked ever deeper into yet another disastrous military intervention, policy debates and decisions appear to be driven primarily by humanitarian concern. Unsurprisingly, supporters and opponents alike use the humanitarian argument—one side seeks to stop a murderous dictator from slaughtering his own people, the other is concerned about the inevitable civilian casualties and 'collateral damage' caused by airstrikes, no matter how sophisticated the military technology behind them might be. Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/22Mar-Libya-a-solution.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/03/eu-membership-enlargement.aspx Professor Anand Menon contributed an article to European Voice on the European Union and democracy promotion in North Africa. Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/03/eu-membership-enlargement.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/03/uaces-arena-bursary.aspx Michelle Pace, Senior Lecturer at POLSIS, (together with her colleague Francesco Cavatorta from Dublin City University) has been awarded a prestigious UACES ARENA Bursary to present her ongoing research at the UACES ARENA Seminar Series in Brussels during spring 2011. Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/03/uaces-arena-bursary.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/03/paul-mason-lecture.aspx Lecture, entitled A Micro-History of Working Class Revolt, presented to students and staff from the Department of Political Science & International Studies. Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/03/paul-mason-lecture.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/2march-alternative-vote.aspx Many keen supporters of electoral reform and, indeed, any constitutional reform agenda which aims to strengthen processes of representation and accountability, may find it difficult to feel overly excited about the prospect of the introduction of the Alternative Vote (AV) for UK general elections. Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/2march-alternative-vote.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/02/muhamet-hamiti-interview.aspx Professor Stefan Wolff and Dr Gezim Alpion interviewed Dr Muhamet Hamiti, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the UK ahead of the POLSIS research seminar on "Kosovo: A New Nation on the Political Map – Achievements and Challenges" Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/02/muhamet-hamiti-interview.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/02/eu-democracy-middle-east.aspx Michelle Pace was interviewed by Patrick Cooke, journalist at the Times and Sunday Times of Malta, on ongoing events in the MENA, especially on the people's revolts in Tunisia and Egypt. Sat, 12 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/02/eu-democracy-middle-east.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/02/big-society-can-government-change-behaviour.aspx Amidst recent controversy over how to get people to volunteer in the 'big society', Professor Kathryn Ecclestone and Dr Will Leggett outline some of the tricky questions that confront a government hoping to find effective ways to change our behaviour. Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/02/big-society-can-government-change-behaviour.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/perspective/debate/big-society-behaviour.aspx Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/perspective/debate/big-society-behaviour.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/2feb-cairo-crisis.aspx Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's announcement yesterday (1 February), that he will not seek re-election but will stay in power until the presidential elections in September to ensure a smooth transition period, is unlikely to satisfy the demand of the public for his immediate removal from power. Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/2feb-cairo-crisis.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/01/political-crisis-albania-aljazeera.aspx Dr Gëzim Alpion, Lecturer in Sociology in the Department of Political Science and International Studies was interviewed by presenter Sohail Rahman on the 27 January 2011 edition of Inside Story. Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/01/political-crisis-albania-aljazeera.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/01/iraq-at-a-crossroads.aspx Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, contributed to a Chatham House briefing on 26 January 2011 on the challenges that the new Iraqi government faces, discussing the complexities of the energy question and the disputed territories. Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/01/iraq-at-a-crossroads.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/01/contemporary-violence.aspx A recently published monograph by Cerwyn Moore, Contemporary Violence: Postmodern War in Kosovo and Chechnya (Manchester: MUP, 2010), sheds light on the evolution of armed resistance movements in both the Balkans and the Caucasus. Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/01/contemporary-violence.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/01/domodedovo-airport.aspx Groups fighting for independence from Russia have launched terrorist attacks from the airport before Cerwyn Moore's article in the guardian following the blast at an international airport in Russia. Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/01/domodedovo-airport.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/01/european-foreign-affairs-review-eu-post-normative-turn.aspx Michelle Pace co-guest edited (with Francesco Cavatorta, Dublin City University) a Special Issue of the journal European Foreign Affairs Review on The EU's Post-Normative Turn? The EU in the Middle East and North Africa which was published as Volume 15, 2010. Sat, 22 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/01/european-foreign-affairs-review-eu-post-normative-turn.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/01/european-union-mediterranean.aspx Michelle Pace has recently published a book chapter on "The EU and the Mediterranean" in an edited handbook on The European Union and Global Governance edited by Jens-Uwe Wunderlich and David J Bailey and published by Routledge (December 2010). Sat, 22 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/01/european-union-mediterranean.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/01/european-union-security-southern-dimension.aspx Michelle Pace's article on The European Union, Security and the Southern Dimension has been published in a Special Issue of the journal European Security (guest edited by George Christou and Stuart Croft). Sat, 22 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/01/european-union-security-southern-dimension.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/01/the-end-european-union-democracy-promotion.aspx Michelle Pace recently contributed a chapter entitled The End of European Union Democracy Promotion and of the Two-State Solution? in the highly prestigious Chaillot Paper series of the European Union Institute of Security Studies (EUISS) which is based in Paris (pp. 87-95). Sat, 22 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/01/the-end-european-union-democracy-promotion.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/01/real-green-energy.aspx Experts warn that Government proposals on electricity market reform will benefit nuclear power at the expense of the renewable energy programme. Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2011/01/real-green-energy.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/perspective/debate/wikileaks.aspx Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/perspective/debate/wikileaks.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/wikileaks-whatmakesitdangerous.aspx Misguided, irresponsible, reprehensible – these are just some of the words used by critics to describe the latest set of releases on the website, WikiLeaks. But is this more than hurt pride and should we really care one way or another? Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/wikileaks-whatmakesitdangerous.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/school-sports-partnerships-03Nov.aspx The Coalition Government's proposal to cut £162 million funding for 450 school sports partnerships offers an intriguing case study of this era of new party politics and policy-making. Two points lend weight to the argument that this is a rushed decision made by an ill-informed minister, Education Secretary Michael Gove. Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/school-sports-partnerships-03Nov.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2010/11/alumni-set-up-charity-india.aspx Procedo Foundation was founded in 2009 by Nick Jackson, Richard Adams and Alessandro Capozzi; three friends studying International Relations at the University of Birmingham, who share an enthusiastic interest in supporting development and cultural understanding. Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:05:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2010/11/alumni-set-up-charity-india.aspx alumninews studentnews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/perspective/debate/us-midterm.aspx What are the implications for Obama's Presidency? Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/perspective/debate/us-midterm.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/courtofjustice.aspx I always tell my students that, when sitting an exam, they have to answer the question that has been set rather than one that they feel comfortable with. No analogy is ever perfect, but this one sums up pretty neatly the outcome of the deliberations by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which, by ten votes to four, found that the Declaration of Independence (DoI) of Kosovo adopted on 17 February 2008 did not violate international law. Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/courtofjustice.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/igs-news/2010/07/new-director-igs.aspx Professor Sarah Colvin joined the Institute of German Studies as its new Director in July 2010. Professor Sarah Colvin was previously Eudo C. Mason Chair of German at the University of Edinburgh. Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:04:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/igs-news/2010/07/new-director-igs.aspx http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/afterNewLabour.aspx Commentators are currently focused on the extraordinary Conservative-Liberal coalition, and whether it will deliver a 'new politics'. But the emerging contest over Labour's future may prove even more significant for the long-term shape of politics in Britain. Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/afterNewLabour.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/Moscowmilitants.aspx Although no groups have as yet claimed responsibility for the two suicide attacks the Russian security services, the FSB, have indicated that groups linked to the North Caucasus may have been behind the bombings at the Lubyanka and Park Kultury metro stations in Moscow. Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/Moscowmilitants.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/politicalbudget.aspx The last Budget before the General Election shows that the Treasury and Prime Minister have not agreed on a comprehensive medium-term strategy to deal with the public finances. By not giving targeted and detailed cuts in spending, the Chancellor has left all the really difficult decisions until after the General Election. It is a cautious but modest political budget. Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/thebirminghambrief/items/politicalbudget.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2010/02/alumni-dinner-dozen.aspx Polsis Alumni, staff and current students met for dinner in February at the University to discuss the transition from student life to work, as part of an initiative from the Alumni Office to draw on the experience of Birmingham Alumni for the benefit of current students. Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:05:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2010/02/alumni-dinner-dozen.aspx alumninews http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2010/01/ethics-moral-responsibility-politics.aspx Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2010/01/ethics-moral-responsibility-politics.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2010/01/igs-plays-host-leading-international-scholars.aspx Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2010/01/igs-plays-host-leading-international-scholars.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2009/12/study-trip-for-master-students.aspx Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2009/12/study-trip-for-master-students.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2009/11/al-jazeeras-inside-story.aspx Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2009/11/al-jazeeras-inside-story.aspx Social Sciences