Study

In many parts of Afghanistan, non-state institutions remain relevant to security and stability, despite repeated and concerted state-led attempts from the late 19th century onward to expand its administrative influence, including control over the provision of security and the administration of justice. This policy brief examines the historical background of tribal contracts, to what extent they still play a role in local governance today, and what implications can be drawn for the current promotion of community governance arrangements.

Despite the current financial "crisis" investors are pouring money into mining companies and projects, with potentially negative consequences for thousands of communities around the world. Launched in 2008, and now available as a regularly-updated data base, "From Money to Metals" is a vital resource to discover who is funding what, and where, in one of the most potentially destructive of all global industries. By Nostromo Research, 2009. more»

Financing for adaptation, mitigation and low-carbon sustainable development is a key building block for a new UN global climate agreement. The study "Fairness in Global Climate Finance" gives an overview of recent cost assessments and proposals for funding sources and mechanisms.

The two most significant result of the 2009 provincial elections in Iraq are: Iraqis are not prepared to grant carte blanche to politicians whose main pitch is ethno-sectarian. And: The elections were held with minimum support from US forces and proved that Iraqis are able to organise nation-wide elections by themselves.

This Policy Briefing Paper aims to provide a concise background on the Arctic region offering a succinct analysis of the situation and a set of recommendations for the European Union.

The regional director of Heinrich Böll Foundation South East Asia comments on the EU's Myanmar (Burma) Country Strategy Paper 2007-2013. She proposes to engage with sub-national state actors and to partner with the civil society.

Niklas Höhne and Sara Moltmann from Ecofys compares the distribution of emission allowances under the GDRs framework with other well established proposals. Their study clearly demonstrates that under a GDRs approach most Annex 1 countries would have to take up much higher obligations than under any of the other frameworks.

The study analyses the numerous climate funds and the impact these funds will have on a fair, efficient, equitable and co-ordinated global response to the pressing financial needs of worldwide climate mitigation and adaption efforts.