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.
The study found that YTT recruits were of high caliber, with many coming from global top-100 PhD programmes. They recorded a noticeably higher post-return productivity compared to their overseas peers, mainly due to access to greater funding and research teams in China.
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.
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.
A study suggests that high fertiliser prices could lead to an additional 100 million people being undernourished, with up to one million deaths annually. The war in Ukraine has disrupted food exports, but energy and fertiliser price spikes are the primary drivers of food price rises.
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.
The initiative aims to share resources, assistance, and expertise between UK and Ukrainian universities. Research England's investment will help build capacity for research and innovation into the future.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that watching just 17 minutes of YouTubers discussing their mental health struggles can decrease prejudice. The study, which involved 333 participants, showed a significant drop in explicit prejudice and intergroup anxiety levels.
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.
A new study published in Joule provides energy systems models for quickly eliminating EU and UK dependence on Russian natural gas. Researchers at Binghamton University offer several paths to achieve this goal, which could help mitigate the ongoing crisis.
New research finds conflictive home-host relations have a strong negative effect on policy risk and can imperil cross-border acquisitions. Ambivalent relations reduce the effect of policy risk the greatest extent.
The €15.7 million AUFRANDE project aims to generate industry-relevant research by employing 64 early career doctoral researchers from French and Australian universities. Researchers will receive training and support, including annual workshops and group events, to foster high-performing early-stage researchers.
A study led by McGill University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found that Ukrainians who engage in more analytic thinking are less likely to believe pro-Kremlin disinformation. Analytical thinking helps curtail belief in disinformation, according to the researchers.
Research from Aarhus University shows that EU's high gas prices are driving the green transition and making it easier to meet 1.5-degree climate target. The study suggests that cutting off Russian gas would force European countries to invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.
Researchers found 61 out of 86 species threatened with extinction, with coastal sharks facing greatest conservation concern. Increased protections and international trade regulations are crucial to prevent extinctions among these species.
Researchers estimate a 6-10% chance of casualties from uncontrolled re-entry of abandoned rocket stages within the next decade. The study suggests that governments should mandate safe re-entry guidelines to minimize risks and save lives.
The total number of fatalities stemming from organized violence increased in 2020, with over 80,100 deaths recorded, following five years of declining numbers. New conflicts, such as the Artsakh conflict in Azerbaijan and the Ethiopian government vs. TPLF war, contributed to the increase.
A polio outbreak risk has been heightened in western Ukraine due to the reintroduction of wild-type poliovirus and low immunization rates. The situation has worsened with the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing war, and healthcare reforms, leading to a public health emergency declaration.
A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that countries with strong rule of law have less economic volatility and higher productivity. Weak rule of law leads to poor contract enforcement, causing employee morale to suffer, ultimately sparking churn and economic instability.
An expert analysis of Russia's foreign policy statements since the USSR collapse finds Putin masking invasion policies with 1990s humanitarian propaganda. The study highlights how the Kremlin has used narratives from the 1990s to claim Russian minorities need protecting with military support.
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.
Researchers found that an appreciation of the US dollar leads to higher stock returns, while a decline in local currency stock returns accompanies a weaker dollar. Emerging market economy stocks with high dollar beta tend to have higher average returns.
The REGARD project, a collaborative effort between international universities, aims to develop competencies in rebuilding communities following disasters and conflicts. The final report presents a detailed summary of the findings, highlighting the built environment's role in supporting community resilience.
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.
The 'Prize Papers' Project has made available online court documents related to the capture of approximately 1,500 ships between 1793 and 1815. Researchers can access digital copies of case books, trial records, and other materials, providing unique discoveries on global maritime history.
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.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that border walls damage a country's international image, with real implications for soft power. The study found that participants had negative perceptions of countries with border walls, regardless of their political views or distance from the border.
A comprehensive survey of Northeast Asian public attitudes found that hostility towards neighboring countries negatively impacted support for global public goods like climate change mitigation and pandemic management. However, favoring democratic governance models with expert decision-making improved public support.
A new study reveals the high human costs of COVID travel restrictions, affecting migrants, families, and international students with prolonged separation across geographical distances. The research highlights intensified experiences of foreignness, non-belonging, and precariousness, as well as threats to livelihoods and wellbeing.
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.
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...
A study from the University of Texas at Dallas found that governments downplay pandemic severity if they prioritize economy over public health, while exaggerating it when prioritizing public health. The researchers suggest transparent information policies are key for balanced objectives.
The UK's new visa for Hong Kongers is framed as a haven for Britain's former colonial subjects, but Professor Michaela Benson warns of 'undoubtedly colonialist overtones'. The visa scheme has been criticized for its selective nature and perceived biases towards certain migrants.
A VUB researcher analyzed US foreign policy towards Europe over the past two decades, finding that Europe is increasingly seen as a tool for achieving American interests elsewhere. The study highlights the shift in US priorities and the impact on European policymakers.
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...
Samer Shehata, a University of Oklahoma professor, has received the International Affairs Fellowship from the Council on Foreign Relations. The fellowship will allow him to analyze U.S. foreign policy toward the Middle East and observe how autocratic regimes cooperate and maintain power.
A new study finds that UN disaster aid is primarily driven by humanitarian need rather than strategic donor interests. The study provides the first estimation of UN climate-related disaster aid worldwide and highlights the importance of climate-related hazards in understanding aid disbursements.
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.
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.
A recent article by Arman Grigoryan challenges the liberal notion that democracies prioritize democracy support. Grigoryan argues that the West's differing responses to Ukraine and Armenia's democratic movements reveal a pattern of supporting democracy when it aligns with material interests, but not when it conflicts with them.
A study by the University of Warwick found that neither fully machine-like nor human-like autonomous vehicle driving styles were optimal, but a blend of both may be best. Passengers showed increased confidence with each run in both styles.
A team of scientists found that coral-algal partnerships have endured climate change events since the time of dinosaurs, approximately 160 million years ago. The research suggests that modern corals and their algal partners may survive modern-day global warming due to their long history of adaptability.
The 2017 Balzan Prizewinners were announced for their groundbreaking work in Collective Memory, Gender Studies, Immunological Approaches in Cancer Therapy, and The Sun's Planetary System and Exoplanets. Aleida and Jan Assmann won the Prize for Collective Memory, while Bina Agarwal received the Prize for Gender Studies.
A recent study found that adolescents' use of Instagram strengthened their friendships, leading to lower levels of depression. Frequent Instagram use was related to increased closeness to friends, which in turn was linked to better mental health.
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.
A new study by University of Delaware researchers found that positive comments on Facebook pages about political candidates positively influence viewers' own views, while negative comments have a negative effect. The study tested the impact of social media interactivity on citizens' perceptions of politicians.
A new study in the Journal of International Marketing reveals that subsidiary desire for autonomy is driven by psychology, leading to dysfunctional business relationships. Subsidiaries strive for independence to influence local markets, which can backfire if not managed carefully.
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...
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.
The Biophysical Society announced the winners of its 2012 International Relations Committee travel awards, recognizing scientific merit and proposed presentations at the 56th Annual Meeting. The award fosters interaction between American biophysicists and scientists in countries experiencing financial difficulties.
Researchers have assembled a comprehensive data set to reconstruct the phylogeny of mollusks, revealing a close relationship between snails and mussels. The study confirms an old hypothesis that molluscs are divided into two subphyla, but with unexpected results, including the sister taxa status of snails and mussels.
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.
The study reveals that new media platforms empower customers as market players, influencing attitudes and behaviors. Companies must adapt marketing approaches to match the characteristics of these platforms.
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.
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.
Researchers found that 3-month-old infants can share attention with two partners simultaneously, indicating advanced 'triangular capacities'. This ability is linked to better coparental coordination and adjustment within families.
Researchers have discovered a new reef structure off Brazil's coast that harbors an abundance of fish and unique species found only in Brazil. The newly mapped reef is more abundant in marine life than previously known reefs, posing conservation challenges due to over-fishing, coastal development, and climate change.
The UK Politics and International Studies research has been rated as world-leading according to a new report by the ESRC, PSA, and BISA. The discipline excels in areas such as political theory, electoral studies, and European Union studies.
The Sistema Interamericano de Metrologia (SIM) network enables faster time comparisons between countries, allowing small nations to evaluate their measurements against world standards. National metrology institutes in member OAS nations participate in the network, which currently compares times between Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and the US.
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.