Central bank communication as a public good

In a workshop hosted by the European Central Bank on Thursday and Friday, Professor Merli and colleagues explored the influence of intermediaries on central bank communication. Merli presented on central bank communication from an ECB watcher's perspective.

The Dilemma in the EU Mercosur Trade Deal and its Role in the Protection of the Amazon

In his latest contribution to the London School of Economics blog, Marcus Walsh questions whether the EU Mercosur framework really protects the Amazon Rainforest or if it has exacerbated the prioritization of business interests.

Literature and Resistance: Behrouz Boochani's voice from Manus Island prison

In an event hosted by the University of Bologna, Professor Nina Hall will be speaking with Kurdish journalist and writer Behrouz Boochani, who will participate via Skype and share his latest book "No Friend But the Mountains: The True Story of an Illegally Imprisoned Refugee." The event will be administered in English.

European Parliament Rejects France's Pick for Industry Commissioner

Sylvie Goulard, President Macron's nominee for the EU Industry Commissioner position, was rejected after a difficult hearings process targeting her finances. This struggle between the European Parliament and President Macron can be described as a "political nuclear chain reaction," Professor Tagliapietra tells the New York Times, and Goulard's "defensive and legalistic approach [at the hearings]...clearly did not work."

Open Think Tank Network Conference 2019

Ponto, the first grassroots think tank in Australia, will be hosting a conference from October 4 to 6 in Vienna, where delegates of all grassroots Think Tanks of the OpenTTN are invited to discuss the future of world of open think tanking. Professor Hall will present on the importance of diversity in think tanks, as well as introduce the New Zealand Alternative, a think tank she co-founded in New Zealand.

Interview with Professor Gianfranco Pasquino on Salvini (in Italian)

In an interview with Italy's La Notizia Giornale, Professor Gianfranco Pasquino shares his thoughts on what to expect in the upcoming northern "red" region elections in January and the spring, and the solidity of Salvini's campaign.

Two-thirds of young Arab consider Iran a foe

In a panel discussion chaired by Dr Sanam Vakil, colleagues presented and debated findings from the 2019 ASDA'A BCW Arab Youth Survey conducted in January, at the Chatham House last week. The survey revealed that two-thirds of young Arabs view Iran as an enemy, with perceptions varying by region.

The importance of economic diversification in the Middle East

In his latest for the Financial Times, Professor Tagliapietra writes on the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities, and why financial sector reform is urgently needed for small and medium-sized enterprises to develop in the region.

As Draghi leaves ECB, his opponents get chance to turn the tables

Mario Draghi's October 31 departure from the European Central Bank, as well as the unexpected vacancy by banking supervisor Sabine Lautenschlaeger, leaves Germany, France, and the Netherlands some hope of shifting the balance of power under a new ECB president. Germany, in particular, "needs someone who can speak and argue with some authority on monetary policy,” says Professor Merli, and Berlin may already have a new replacement in mind.

Iran under pressure as Europe's patience 'wearing thin'

Description: Blaming Iran for the recent attack on Saudi oil fields, France, Germany, and the UK are urging Tehran to agree to new talks and take the path of “de-escalation”—and Iran should heed these warnings, says Professor Sanam Vakil.