Science, Technology, and Public Policy

"Nigeria is Africa's largest economy and 26th in the world. Its GDP stands at $510 billion with immense growth potential. A stable and peaceful Nigeria will contribute to Africa's rise and integration into the global economy. On the other hand, an unstable, stagnant and conflict-driven Nigeria will be a threat to regional and global stability."

"The international community can also do things beyond Somalia, and indeed beyond the exigencies of emergency food aid. Rich nations, including the United States, can start by delivering the support they have promised to build Africa's own food-production capabilities. Small farmers throughout sub-Saharan Africa need help to boost their productivity....What these farming communities need, above all else, is increased public investment in rural roads, electrical power, irrigation, clinics, schools, and agricultural research."

"It is possible that sudden eruptions of rebellion could occur in other countries, such as Sudan, in ways that mirror some of the events in North Africa. What's much more likely is that sub-Saharan Africa will go on as it has been, with a relatively revolution-proof mixture of slow democratic reforms and gradually rising economic prospects, a dual transformation that has kept its citizens just happy enough to avoid outright rebellion."

Currently there seems to be an increasing interest in and demand for China's mediation in resolving conflict. To certain extent, such a phenomenon is associated with China's re-emerging power. But more importantly, it is probably the style and skills of China's mediation that matter, which represents the emerging of a unique mediation culture, with China being its messenger. The paper examines key elements of such a mediation culture, using examples of China's mediation in regional and international affairs. The shaping of such a culture offers good lessons for mediators around the world who strive for effective conflict resolution.

"This report is about biotechnology and the role it can play for development in Africa. The report suggests specific and practical measures to advance development, quality of life and environmental sustainability using biotechnology."

"Outgoing UN Secretary General Kofi Annan’s recently concluded efforts to promote the deliberation among the UN’s 192 member states on a global counterterrorism strategy may well represent the most difficult challenge he has faced in what many see as the most difficult job in the world. After months of consultations starting from a debate on Kofi Annan’s recommendations, member states finally reached consensus this past September on such a strategy, the first of its kind in UN history....Difficulties...led Annan to realize that the only way he could achieve a breakthrough on the issue of terrorism was to focus on the practicalities of a counterterrorism strategy. No matter how much member states differ on the definition of terrorism, he reasoned they share the common interest in stable development. This common interest ultimately proved decisive."

"Development is crucial for human security, not only for those in poor countries but also for people throughout the world."