Search

Begin New Search Political Geography Europe Content Type Working Paper Publication Year within 25 Years

2241. Assessment of Private Security Companies in Kosovo

Author:
Florian Qehaja, Mentor Vrajolli, and Skender Perteshi
Publication Date:
02-2009
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS)
Abstract:
Private Security Companies (PSC) are expanding industry. One of the significant changes in the security issues has to do with the emergence of the PSC’s in the world. The range of services provided by PSC’s varies from those engaged as private detectives, to guarding the transport of valuables, security in shopping and business centers, airports, as well as nuclear and military facilities. In the period of post-conflict, the PSC emerged rapidly even in Kosovo. Their role by some has been considered as important. However, in the other side there are still uncertainties about the status of PSC’s in Kosovo. Based on some surveys, very few in Kosovo are aware about the competencies of the private security guards. Furthermore, the role of PSC’s in the security sector is becoming more important day to day. There is no doubt that the process of Security Sector Building (SSB) in Kosovo consist on the rapid emergence of this private security industry. It is estimated that the private security industry in Kosovo makes up more than 3000 security guards increasing day to day. Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS) is implementing a project “Assessment of the Private Security Companies Performance”. The project foresees the draft of a assessment paper on the topic and organizing a roundtable by inviting the stakeholders (citizens, MP’s, international community and PSC’s representatives).
Topic:
Security, Armed Forces, Private Sector, and Private Security Companies (PSC)
Political Geography:
Europe, Kosovo, and Balkans

2242. Chronology of Security Sector Reform in Kosovo

Author:
Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS)
Publication Date:
07-2009
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS)
Abstract:
This paper addresses the political and security events starting from June 1999 until the present time (June 2009). As it will be clearly elaborated in the context paper, the Security Sector Reform (SSR) cycle in Kosovo is split into three periods: - First period starting from 1999 – 2005 is referred to dominantly as the Security Sector Building (SSB). As written in the chronology below, the efforts were directed towards building security institutions such as: Kosovo Police Service (KPS), Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC) and other relevant mechanisms. This period is well known as the time when the responsibilities of the security institutions were reserved for the SRSG and locals had limited responsibility. - Second period starting from the end of 2005 until the beginning of 2008 is broadly known for the initial transfer of responsibility from the international community to locals. The Internal Security Sector Review (ISSR) is considered as a turning point towards building new security architecture in Kosovo and assessing the current state of the security sector. In addition, the establishment of the MoIA and MoJ and the shift of responsibilities from UNMIK to these ministries characterized the importance of the SSR during this period. - Third period is indeed affiliated to the declaration of independence and the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo. The new security architecture in Kosovo allows the establishment of new security institutions such as KSF, KSC, KIA as well as the reform for police and emergency services.
Topic:
Security, Armed Forces, Reform, and Police
Political Geography:
Europe, Kosovo, and Balkans

2243. Multilateralism beyond Doha

Author:
Arvind Subramanian and Aaditya Mattoo
Publication Date:
10-2008
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Peterson Institute for International Economics
Abstract:
A fundamental shift is taking place in the world economy to which the multilateral trading system has failed to adapt. The Doha process focused on issues of limited significance while the burning issues of the day were not even on the negotiating agenda. The paper advances five propositions: (1) the traditional negotiating dynamic, driven by private-sector interests largely in the rich countries, is running out of steam; (2) the world economy is moving broadly from conditions of relative abundance to relative scarcity, and so economic security has become a paramount concern for consumers, workers, and ordinary citizens; (3) international economic integration can contribute to enhanced security; (4) addressing these new concerns-relating to food, energy, and economic security-requires a wider agenda of multilateral cooperation, involving not just the World Trade Organization but other multilateral institutions as well; and (5) despite shifts in economic power across countries, the commonality of interests and scope for give-and-take on these new issues make multilateral cooperation worth attempting.
Topic:
Security, Economics, International Trade and Finance, Treaties and Agreements, and World Trade Organization
Political Geography:
United States, China, and Europe

2244. Preventing the Tragedy of the CO2 Commons: Exploring China's Growth and the International Climate Framework

Author:
Peter J. Wilcoxen, Warwick J. McKibbin, and Wing Thye Woo
Publication Date:
07-2008
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The Brookings Institution
Abstract:
Under reasonable assumptions, China could achieve parity in living standard with Western Europe by 2100, and India by 2150. Climate change, however, may be a key obstacle preventing such a convergence. The business-as-usual (BAU) growth path of the world economy might increase concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gases to unsafe levels and cause significant negative environmental feedback before China achieves parity in living standards with the OECD countries. We use a dynamic multi-country general equilibrium model (the G-Cubed Model) to project a realistic BAU trajectory of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and we find it to be even above the CO2 emissions from the high-growth scenario estimated by the Energy Information Agency in 2007. This outcome is a reminder that it has been usual so far to underestimate the growth in China energy consumption.
Topic:
Climate Change, Environment, and Markets
Political Geography:
China, Europe, India, and Asia

2245. The Russian World—Changing Meanings and Strategies

Author:
Valery Tishkov
Publication Date:
08-2008
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Abstract:
Gorbachev's liberalization brought the opening of Russia to the outside world and with it interest in and contact with the Russian 1 diaspora. After the dis- solution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), the problem of the diaspora evolved quickly, when it was transformed into a political and even a humanitarian challenge.
Topic:
Civil Society and Government
Political Geography:
Russia, Europe, and Asia

2246. The Trade and Climate Change, Joint Agenda

Author:
Thomas L Brewer
Publication Date:
06-2008
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)
Abstract:
Climate change, international trade, investment and technology transfer are all issues that have intersected in diverse institutional contexts and at several levels of governmental activity to form a new joint agenda. The purpose of this paper is to advance understanding of this joint agenda by identifying the specific issues that have emerged, the policies that have been adopted, especially in the EU and US, and the options that are available for further policy-making.
Topic:
Climate Change, International Cooperation, International Political Economy, and International Trade and Finance
Political Geography:
United States and Europe

2247. The Evolution of Flexible Integration in European Defence Policy: Is permanent structured cooperation a leap forward for the Common Security and Defence Policy?

Author:
Willem F. van Eekelen and Sebastian Kurpas
Publication Date:
06-2008
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)
Abstract:
The Treaty of Lisbon contains several options for creating some degree of flexibility in the defence domain under the assumption that it will be difficult, and not always necessary, to do everything at 27: constructive abstention, the possibility of mandating a smaller group or for the most demanding missions 'permanent structured cooperation in defence' (PSCD). It is not yet clear, however, how the possession of larger military capabilities and how the will to enter into more binding commitments will be elaborated. This paper traces the debate on flexibility in the area of security and defence and addresses, in particular , PSCD and its potential application.
Topic:
Defense Policy
Political Geography:
Europe and Lisbon

2248. Financial Impacts of Climate Change: Implications for the EU Budget

Author:
Christian Egenhofer, Arno Behrens, and Jorge Núñez Ferrer
Publication Date:
08-2008
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)
Abstract:
This study focuses on the financial resources needed to fight global climate change and the implications for the EU budget. The authors apply four different methodologies to estimate global financing requirements and attempt to determine the resources that will be needed at the EU level to meet the EU's climate change objectives. The study analyses current climate change spending of the EU budget, identifies shortcomings and indicates possibilities for correcting them. It also assesses the potential of the EU emissions trading scheme (EU ETS) to raise additional resources to finance coordinated actions at the EU level aimed at fighting climate change. Finally, it provides three case studies of national public expenditure related to climate change in Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Topic:
Climate Change
Political Geography:
United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and Germany

2249. Adaptation to Climate Change in the European Union: Efficiency vs. Equity Considerations

Author:
Stine Aakre and Dirk T.G. Rübbelke
Publication Date:
09-2008
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)
Abstract:
EU climate policy is based on GHG emissions reduction (mitigation), coupled with measures aimed at responding efficiently to the unavoidable consequences of climate change (adaptation). However, as the European Commission recently stated in its Green Paper on adaptation in Europe, there is still a need to develop an overall EU adaptation strategy. Moreover, such a strategy should take into consideration both efficiency and equity concerns. This study proposes a framework for EU adaptation policy that addresses both concerns and enables a transparent decision- making process. In the proposed scheme, universal weightings of the individual policy objectives have to be agreed upon prior to actual decision-making.
Topic:
Climate Change
Political Geography:
Europe

2250. Financial Impacts of Climate Change: An Overview of Climate Change-related Actions in the European Commission’s Development Cooperation

Author:
Arno Behrens
Publication Date:
09-2008
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)
Abstract:
This paper analyses the variety of different external aid initiatives and financing mechanisms of the European Commission addressing climate change and development objectives, such as those stemming from the 2004 EU Action Plan on Climate Change and Development, from the Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) and those under the Thematic Programme for Environment and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources (ENRTP). The paper also outlines related Commission commitments with the European Investment Bank (EIB), the World Bank and the United Nations. While the European Commission has advanced a number of new initiatives, it seems that the complexity of responsibilities in the management of the current financing instruments requires organisational restructuring, a more transparent reporting mechanism and the development of better indicators to evaluate the impacts of those initiatives. Overall it appears that the Commission is just at the beginning of taking full account of climate change in development cooperation. Its contribution is rather limited in view of the financing needs related to climate change in developing countries, and innovative financing mechanisms should be sought together with member states and the private sector.
Topic:
Climate Change, Development, and International Organization
Political Geography:
Europe