http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/index.aspx?NewsListingOrigCol_SyndicationType=1 Contensis: http://www.contentmanagement.co.uk 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://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://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 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://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://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://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://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/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://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://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