Number of results to display per page
Search Results
56122. Cluster Bombs: the Case for New Controls
- Author:
- Hugh Beach
- Publication Date:
- 05-2001
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- International Security Information Service
- Abstract:
- Cluster Weapons consist of a large number of sub-munitions (“bomblets”) which are dispensed from a metal canister in mid-air and then disperse over a distance of several hundred metres. They are inherently indiscriminate since, once dispensed, the bomblets are un-guided and a threat to military and civilians alike. Bomblets are designed to knock out armoured vehicles but can also kill people to a radius of 30-40 metres.
- Topic:
- Security, Defense Policy, and Arms Control and Proliferation
- Political Geography:
- United States and Europe
56123. Reinvigorating Multilateral Arms Control
- Author:
- Herbert Wulf and Michael Brzoska
- Publication Date:
- 05-2001
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- International Security Information Service
- Abstract:
- Institutionalised or negotiated arms control at the multilateral level within the United Nations system and the bilateral level between the US and Russia fell into a state of crisis in the mid 1990s. Several factors contributed to this crisis. Firstly, with the slow but continuous disintegration of Russia's military apparatus the US emerged as the dominant power in international security relations. It has increasingly come to believe that it can control smaller states by military means and its interest in arms control has waned accordingly. Secondly, traditional arms control has proven too rigid in light of emerging post-Cold War security concerns. Regional and internal conflicts have resulted in more emphasis on UN peacekeeping operations and controlling or eliminating the weapons most commonly used in these wars (such as landmines, small arms and light weapons). When it became clear that it would not be possible to negotiate the landmines ban within traditional arms control institutions, so-called 'friendly states' began to develop new parallel fora. The Ottawa Process, which consisted of fast-track diplomatic negotiations culminating in the signing of the Landmines Convention, is an example of this new type of arms control initiative. Thirdly, the main aim of arms control is no longer stability, whereby states aim to maintain parity and build trust. Instead, the focus has turned to limiting the costs of armaments acquisition and disarmament
- Topic:
- Security, Defense Policy, and Arms Control and Proliferation
- Political Geography:
- United States and Europe
56124. The New Security Dimensions: Europe after the NATO and EU Enlargements
- Author:
- Adam Daniel Rotfeld
- Publication Date:
- 04-2001
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
- Abstract:
- One decade after the end of the cold war and the fall of the bipolar system, the enlargements of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU) reflect the fundamental changes that have taken place in Europe's security environment. The processes of enlargement are of essential importance to the states which belong to the two organizations and the applicant states. It is also essential that the security interests of the states be yond the borders of the EU and NATO be taken into account. The European Union faces the challenge of determining its new role in the security dimension. This calls for both further institutionalization of its relationship with NATO and redefinition of its relations with the United States. The decisions adopted by the Nice European Council meeting represent a new stage in overcoming the political division of Europe that was established at Yalta in 1945. The reform launched by the December 2000 Inter- governmental Conference opened the way for further enlargement of the EU. It remains an open question whether and, if so, to what extent the new institutional solutions in the security dimension—the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP)—will shape the future political and military reality in the Union and outside it, in particular in transatlantic relations
- Topic:
- Security and NATO
- Political Geography:
- Europe and North Atlantic
56125. Linking Democracy and Development: An Idea for the Times
- Author:
- Lynda DeWitt
- Publication Date:
- 12-2001
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Agency for International Development
- Abstract:
- GOVERNMENT DOWNSIZING, new thinking about development, conducive host-country situations, and strong mission leadership are some of the most important factors prompting USAID staff to link democracy and governance (DG) activities with those of the Agency's other strategic goals. As a result, democratic principles such as participation, accountability, transparency, and responsiveness are now being incorporated into USAID's environmental, health, education, and economic growth efforts.
- Topic:
- Civil Society, Democratization, Economics, Government, and Politics
56126. The Role Of Transition Assistance: The Case Of Kosovo
- Author:
- Glenn Slocum
- Publication Date:
- 11-2001
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Agency for International Development
- Abstract:
- The Center for Development Information and Evaluation (CDIE) has responsibility for conducting Agency-wide evaluations of USAID assistance topics of interest to USAID managers. In 2000, USAID initiated an evaluation of the role of transition assistance, with a specific emphasis on the role and activities of the Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI). Transition assistance, as used here, refers to the OTI-administered programs providing flexible, short-term responses to help advance peaceful, democratic change in conflict-prone countries. This assistance is usually provided during the two-year critical period after conflict when countries are most vulnerable to renewed conflict or instability.
- Topic:
- Democratization, Development, Economics, Government, and Politics
- Political Geography:
- Eastern Europe and Kosovo
56127. The Role Of Transition Assistance: The Case Of East Timor
- Author:
- Glenn Slocum and Jean DuRette
- Publication Date:
- 11-2001
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Agency for International Development
- Abstract:
- The Center for Development Information and Evaluation (CDIE) has responsibility for conducting Agency-wide evaluations on USAID assistance topics of interest to USAID managers. In 2000, USAID initiated an evaluation on the general role of transition assistance and specifically on the role and activities of the Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) in the Bureau of Humanitarian Response (BHR).
- Topic:
- Democratization, Development, Economics, Government, and Politics
- Political Geography:
- Southeast Asia
56128. Participation, Consultation, and Economic Reform in Africa: Economic Fora and the EG-DG Nexus
- Publication Date:
- 10-2001
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Agency for International Development
- Abstract:
- Economic restructuring, in spite of the social and political dislocations it can cause, remains an essential step in the process of growth and development for most developing countries. While conditions differ throughout the developing world, nearly all countries still struggle with the question of how to integrate economies in varying states of disrepair and non-competitiveness into the highly competitive global economy in a way that will provide for basic needs and ensure growth. At the same time, most of these countries are attempting to initiate or consolidate delicate and difficult transitions from authoritarian to democratic governance. This dual transition poses an important challenge for donors and others who support developing countries in their pursuit of democracy and growth.
- Topic:
- International Relations, Development, and Economics
- Political Geography:
- Africa
56129. Fieldwork Methodology for a CDIE Assessment of USAID and Poverty Reduction Approaches
- Author:
- Jonathan Sleeper and Lynn Salinger
- Publication Date:
- 08-2001
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Agency for International Development
- Abstract:
- The World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, U.N. agencies, many bilateral donors, and a number of developing countries have made poverty reduction their overarching development objective. The United States was a signatory in 1996 to the OECD/DAC's international development goals, which included halving of world poverty by 2015. Under the aegis of a comprehensive development framework which empowers national partners to design and implement their own development actions, debt relief for the world's most heavily indebted poor countries is being linked by the multinational development organizations to the development of national Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs).
- Topic:
- Development, Economics, Human Welfare, and Poverty
- Political Geography:
- United States
56130. Reducing Urban and Industrial Pollution in the Czech Republic
- Author:
- Steve Gale and Matthew Addison
- Publication Date:
- 08-2001
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Agency for International Development
- Abstract:
- A USAID project in the Czech Republic confronted air pollution at two levels: nationally, through a state environmental fund, and locally, through direct support to municipalities. The national approach proved to be far more effective. Results in Poland, though, suggest regional funds may be the ideal.
- Topic:
- Economics, Environment, Human Welfare, Politics, and Science and Technology
- Political Geography:
- Eastern Europe, Poland, and Czech Republic
56131. Reducing Urban and Industrial Pollution in India
- Author:
- Donald G. McClelland and Mark Hodges
- Publication Date:
- 08-2001
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Agency for International Development
- Abstract:
- An emerging industrial power, India faces major pollution problems. USAID has undertaken to help abate the release of emissions and effluents into the air and water using American technologies—thus helping U.S. firms as well. Significant success has been observed, but lack of solid baseline data obscures the actual extent of USAID's role.
- Topic:
- Economics, Environment, Human Welfare, and Science and Technology
- Political Geography:
- America, South Asia, India, and Asia
56132. Urban and Industrial Pollution Programs: Russia Case Study
- Author:
- Matthew Addison, Mark Hodges, Steven Gale, and Nick Wedeman
- Publication Date:
- 07-2001
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Agency for International Development
- Abstract:
- Since the official dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia has moved forward to make the difficult transition to open markets and more democratic institutions. The journey toward a complete restructuring of the Russian economy and an adoption of wide-ranging political reforms has been perilous. Political instability continues, crime and corruption have become more widespread, and economic conditions show little sign of improving quickly. Efforts to privatize state-held industries, initially seen as wildly successful, have now met with resistance, and full citizen involvement in government is far from complete.
- Topic:
- Development, Economics, Environment, Human Welfare, and Science and Technology
- Political Geography:
- Russia, Europe, and Asia
56133. Complex Emergencies And USAID's Humanitarian Response
- Author:
- Lynda DeWitt
- Publication Date:
- 07-2001
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Agency for International Development
- Abstract:
- In 1998 some 32 million people needed humanitarian assistance because they were caught up in complex emergencies (armed conflicts or civil wars). That same year, the United States spent $898 million on humanitarian assistance. This amount represented 10.2 percent of official development assistance and was more than triple the amount spent on humanitarian assistance in 1990.
- Topic:
- Civil Society, Development, Economics, and Politics
- Political Geography:
- United States
56134. India: Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction During the 1990s
- Author:
- Catherine G. Corey
- Publication Date:
- 07-2001
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Agency for International Development
- Abstract:
- The fiscal crisis that struck India in 1991, as the result of myriad internal and external factors, compelled the nation to adopt a series of economic reforms and liberalization policies. The genesis of the fiscal crisis lay partly in the highly protected domestic economy that maintained extensive subsidization, licensing and investment regulations, thus placing considerable burdens on the expenditures of the central government. Compounding this problem was a rapidly expanding current account deficit that had grown over time as import demand steadily increased and exports and foreign investment lagged. These conditions, in combination with external factors, generated a severe balance of payments crisis in which India came perilously close to defaulting on loans from international lenders. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narasimha Rao and Financial Minister Manmohan Singh, the Indian government initiated a series of macroeconomic reforms. This included reductions in fiscal expenditure, privatization of state-run industries, promotion of foreign investment, and liberalization of international trade policy.
- Topic:
- Development, Economics, International Trade and Finance, and Poverty
- Political Geography:
- South Asia and Asia
56135. Aftermath: Women and Women's Organizations In Postconflict Societies: The Role Of International Assistance
- Author:
- Krishna Kumar
- Publication Date:
- 07-2001
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Agency for International Development
- Abstract:
- <p> Since the end of the Cold War, intrastate conflicts have increased worldwide. Poverty, the struggle for scarce resources, declining standards of living, ethnic rivalries and divisions, political repression by authoritarian governments, and rapid social and economic modernization—all these factors contribute to intrastate conflicts. <br /><br /> All intrastate conflicts share a set of common characteristics that have major implications for women and gender relations. First, the belligerent parties deliberately inflict violence on civilian populations. Second, the intrastate conflicts displace substantial numbers of people, mostly women and children. Third, women’s participation in war contributes to the redefinition of their identities and traditional roles. Fourth, there is usually a conscious attempt to destroy the supporting civilian infrastructure, leading to increased poverty and starvation. Finally, these conflicts leave among the belligerent groups within the countries a legacy of bitterness, hatred, and anger that is difficult to heal. </p><blockquote><p> </p> </blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
- Topic:
- International Relations, Economics, Gender Issues, Human Welfare, Politics, and War
56136. Aftermath: Women and Women's Organizations In Postconflict Societies
- Author:
- Krishna Kumar
- Publication Date:
- 07-2001
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Agency for International Development
- Abstract:
- Since the end of the Cold War, intrastate conflicts have increased worldwide. Poverty, the struggle for scarce resources, declining standards of living, ethnic rivalries and divisions, political repression by authoritarian governments, and rapid social and economic modernization—all these factors contribute to intrastate conflicts.
- Topic:
- Economics, Gender Issues, Human Welfare, Politics, and War
56137. Linking Democracy and Development: An Idea for the Times
- Author:
- Hal Lippman
- Publication Date:
- 06-2001
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Agency for International Development
- Abstract:
- IN THE POST–COLD WAR ERA, a variety of factors, some internal to USAID, some external, have prompted the emergence of linkages between democracy and governance (DG) programs and those of the Agency's other strategic goals. Downsizing, conducive host-country situations, shifts in thinking about development, and creative leaders and staff all have spurred the incorporation of democratic principles into Agency activities. In some missions, accountability, participation, responsiveness, and transparency are now an integral part of environmental, economic growth, health, and education activities. And missions have found they are achieving positive results and bolstered governance, creating synergy that promotes USAID's overall mission.
- Topic:
- Democratization, Development, Economics, Government, and Politics
56138. Aftermath: Women's Organizations In Postconflict El Salvador
- Author:
- Shelley Sperry
- Publication Date:
- 04-2001
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Agency for International Development
- Abstract:
- WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS proliferated during and after the civil war that ravaged El Salvador from 1979 through 1991. By war's end, more than a hundred different women's organizations existed in El Salvador, each generating local and regional projects and frequently working in the national political arena as well. Unlike women's movements in other Latin American nations, the women's movement in El Salvador has grown stronger in the post conflict period of emerging democracy. The two movements—democracy and women's rights—appear to be mutually supportive. The case of El Salvador suggests that helping women's groups establish autonomy and stability during, rather than following, a conflict may be crucial to ensuring future women's activism and a vital democratic civil society.
- Topic:
- Civil Society, Development, Gender Issues, and Politics
- Political Geography:
- Latin America, Central America, and El Salvador
56139. Aftermath: Internally Displaced Women and Women's Organizations in Postconflict Georgia
- Author:
- Pat McNees
- Publication Date:
- 04-2001
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Agency for International Development
- Abstract:
- ALL POST-SOVIET STATES underwent difficult political and economic transitions in the years after the breakup of the Soviet Union, but Georgia's was especially traumatic. Ethnic conflict broke out in Georgia virtually as soon as the Soviet Union collapsed. By 1992, Georgia's central authority had been diminished to near anarchy, the economy was in complete disarray, and the country had plunged into civil war that tore its fabric.
- Topic:
- Civil Society, Economics, Education, Gender Issues, and Migration
- Political Geography:
- Eastern Europe and Georgia
56140. Urban and Industrial Pollution Programs: Czech Republic Case Study
- Author:
- Matthew Addison, Steven Gale, Keith Forbes, and Michael Gould
- Publication Date:
- 04-2001
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Agency for International Development
- Abstract:
- In 1995 USAID Launched the Environmental Action Program Support Project. EAPS grew out of a 1993 international conference held in Lucerne, Switzerland, to develop a joint environmental action program. The project sought to decrease environmental degradation in six central and eastern European countries that were making the transition from centrally controlled economies and authoritarian governments to open markets and more democratic institutions. The Czech Republic was the first USAID-assisted country where EAPS was implemented.
- Topic:
- Development, Economics, Environment, and Government
- Political Geography:
- Eastern Europe, Switzerland, and Czech Republic