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Charity begins at home as far as international aid is concerned

A new study by the University of Portsmouth found that UK development policy has shifted from focusing on poverty and conflict to prioritizing national security interests. This shift has led to reduced aid to Africa and a narrower focus on the national interest.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalCanadian Journal of Development Studies/Revue canadienne d études du développement·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 22, 2023

Most former SpAds become “shadow lobbyists” when they leave Whitehall, major new analysis shows

A major new analysis of former British special advisers' career paths shows that most transition to corporate lobbying and policy advocacy roles. However, few register with official lobbying registers, and public service careers have declined significantly over the past three decades.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe British Journal of Politics and International Relations·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2023

When American democracy is weakened, faith in the U.S. as an ally falters

A new study found that foreign interference in American elections can reduce faith abroad in the United States as a trustworthy ally. Japanese citizens' trust in the US was higher when informed that US democracy is functioning versus not. The findings highlight the international security implications of successful electoral interference.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEuropean Journal of International Relations·TypeSurvey·DateJan 4, 2023

Once a terrorist, always a terrorist?

A study examines the UN's terrorist list and its ombudsperson, highlighting problematic processes and potential flaws in the sanctions regime. The researcher argues that the ombudsperson embodies a new trend in international law, offering a compromise between Western standards for the rule of law and state interests.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalAmerican Journal of International Law·TypeCase study·DateDec 15, 2022

Case study proposes framework for analyzing U.S.-China geo-political tensions in Indo-Pacific

Experts at Hiroshima University propose a new framework for studying the complex power dynamics between China and the US in the Indo-Pacific. The 'hybrid balancing' concept aims to better understand how China uses its social and economic influence to maintain favorable trade conditions while also quelling liberal Western cultural ideals.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalInternational Affairs·DateNov 11, 2022

Albert Winsemius and Singapore

A team of NTU Singapore economists compiled a detailed study of Albert Winsemius' influence on Singapore's early economic development, analyzing his affinity with Singapore and his contributions to the country's economic growth. The book examines his synergy with pioneering leaders like Lee Kuan Yew and Dr Goh Keng Swee.

Analysis highlights role of Chile's feminist movement in push for social and political progress

A new analysis examines how Chile's feminist movement evolved in response to the country's enduring inequality, particularly gender inequality. The study highlights the movement's impact on mass protests and the writing of a new constitution, with key findings including increased feminist participation and intersectional perspectives.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalSocial Inclusion·DateFeb 23, 2022

Defense treaties affect support of military action

A new study from the University of Georgia found that Americans are more supportive of military action in foreign countries when the US has existing defense treaties with those nations. The research suggests that public opinion can be shaped by how leaders frame international commitments, particularly in relation to NATO alliances.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalContemporary Security Policy·DateFeb 15, 2022

The success of the Life-Saving Lullabies project

The Life-Saving Lullabies project, funded by UK Arts and Humanities Research Council, investigated the potential of song as a novel public health education intervention to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. The project's successes demonstrate a model of best practice in community-led maternal and infant health interventions.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·TypeNews article·DateNov 25, 2021

Why it’s time to stop defining a nation’s success through economic growth

A new paper cautions that slow economic growth may bring challenges, particularly in multicultural democracies like the US, affecting social solidarity, opportunity, inequality, and trust in government. The authors propose a 'guided civic revival' to address these challenges by strengthening democratic institutions, increasing social i...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 18, 2021

Men, Conservative Party supporters and Brexit-backers more likely to support the use of nuclear weapons, study shows

A recent study published in the European Journal of International Security found that men and supporters of the Conservative Party are more likely to support the use of nuclear weapons. The study analyzed data from the new UK Security Survey and found that those who voted to leave the EU and endorsed superior military power worldwide w...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEuropean Journal of International Security·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 13, 2021

Raising the bar on disability care

A new study published in Disability & Society journal recommends a personal care system that focuses on high-quality personalised care building self-esteem and confidence in young people with disability. The research found that supporting workers to value the contributions of people with disability is a protective mechanism for both.

SourceFlinders University·JournalDisability & Society·DateAug 3, 2020

Music on the brain

Researchers found that trained musicians showed greater powers of rhythmic prediction compared to nonmusicians, with subtle differences between those trained in Japanese or Western classical music. The study also reveals that different cultural upbringings can have a tangible effect on brain development.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateJul 20, 2020

Enabling Asia to stabilize the climate

The book offers a positive agenda for climate change mitigation in Asia, providing concrete actions from an Asian perspective to influence COP 21 discussions. Successful examples of policy development and sector-specific activities are highlighted, offering practical guidelines for policymakers worldwide.

Why international sanctions do not always work

New research suggests that diplomatic pressure and sanctions by the international community can actually support regimes in power, rather than changing their behavior. Countries like Cuba have successfully used stigma and shaming to maintain their sovereignty and resist Western influence. The findings highlight the need for a deeper un...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalInternational Organization·DateMar 18, 2014

Scientists prove Heisenberg's intuition correct

An international team of scientists has provided proof of Heisenberg's error-disturbance relation, describing a reciprocal relation between position accuracy and momentum disturbance. The work has important implications for quantum cryptography and computing, reaffirming the security of quantum-encrypted messages.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 17, 2013

Envious employees can turn hospitality industry hostile

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that front-line hotel employees who are envious of their co-workers' relationships with supervisors are less likely to help or volunteer for additional duties. Envy can create a hostile work environment and negatively impact customer satisfaction, the study suggests.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·DateSep 28, 2010

Politicians can use fear to manipulate the public

A new study explores how and when politicians can use fear to manipulate the public into supporting policies they might otherwise oppose. Politicians' use of fear is more likely with abstract topics that are difficult for citizens to observe.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateMar 4, 2009

Trust me, I'm a journalist

A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that individuals with high trust in mass media tend to be healthier. Young, married, and highly-educated women reported the highest levels of health, while those in Turkmenistan had the lowest opinion of their own wellbeing.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateJan 21, 2009

Gossip creates friendships, it does not break them

A study found that when participants shared negative attitudes about someone else, they felt closer to a stranger with the same dislike. In contrast, those who learned they shared positive attitudes with another person felt less connected. This research challenges traditional views of gossip and its impact on relationships.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPersonal Relationships·DateMay 18, 2006