By Professor John Bryson Department of Strategy and International Business, University of Birmingham I have spent many days in Brussels working with the European Commission providing advice that shaped European policy outcomes. This included working on the Services Directives, service innovation policy and services and trade negotiations. Trade negotiations are complex. Each partner to the … Continue reading “Playing with Fire and Fish? No-Deal and the Wider Impacts for the EU and the UK”
Author: Guest editor
The Queen’s Speech and Our Character
By Jason Metcalfe, Research Associate Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, School of Education, University of Birmingham In all that we presently do, we must desire to, and act with, deliberation and reflection, to maximise the greatest good for all those around us, be it our neighbours, nation or the global community. On the 5th … Continue reading “The Queen’s Speech and Our Character”
How to bridge the gap between theory, research and what’s unravelling in the everyday life of individuals with autism?
Dr Lila Kossyvaki Department of Disability Inclusion and Special Needs (DISN), School of Education, University of Birmingham April is the month when autism comes to the forefront and many people work on raising awareness. Although, beyond any doubt autism should be visible all year long, establishing international days or longer periods of time to mark … Continue reading “How to bridge the gap between theory, research and what’s unravelling in the everyday life of individuals with autism?”
Sexual violence and empowering survivors in Kenya
By Laura Stevens and Dr Heather Flowe School of Psychology, University of Birmingham As we walked into the Ruben Centre, Mukuru, Kenya, one of the poorest places in the world, we were greeted with the glorious sound of children’s voices filling the air. Their voices were so free and full of joy despite their circumstances. Never … Continue reading “Sexual violence and empowering survivors in Kenya”
Happiness is in a good book
By Rachael Hunter, Research Fellow at the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues The child, through emulation, can develop the love of reading that the adult possesses. On the other hand, the child can enhance the adult’s virtues of open mindedness, optimism and courage, which come from a life less tainted by experience. The mental health … Continue reading “Happiness is in a good book”
UN International Youth Day: an excellent opportunity for character?
By Jason Metcalfe, Research Associate Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham The campaign aims to promote youth engagement by exploring the role of safe spaces in contributing to dialogue, freedom of speech/expression, and mutual respect. Young people have an important role to play as partners in today’s global society and in leading … Continue reading “UN International Youth Day: an excellent opportunity for character?”
Fake bonding? Will Trump and Putin’s Helsinki meeting replay Singapore?
By Nicholas Wheeler, Professor of International Relations Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham Professor Marcus Holmes, The College of William and Mary If Helsinki achieves this, or at least paves the way to an eventual agreement, then Trump will have some claim that he has forged a personal bond with Putin that … Continue reading “Fake bonding? Will Trump and Putin’s Helsinki meeting replay Singapore?”
Racial displacements: learning (from) the city
By Dr Giovanni Picker, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Senior Researcher Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology, University of Birmingham Forced displaced populations, whether urban or global, are often racialised subjects viewed as less deserving Understanding global inequalities is no easy task. While income, wealth and gender (i.e. sex at birth) are measurable data, race and ethnicity are … Continue reading “Racial displacements: learning (from) the city”
On not helping refugees
By Rachel Humphris, Lecturer Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology, University of Birmingham Refugee Week offers us the opportunity to reflect on the ways that we can better support refugees. For me, there are three critical points to consider when looking at how we can welcome and help those often badged as ‘others’: Why … Continue reading “On not helping refugees”
Why do people volunteer for international development organisations?
By David Hudson, Professorial Research Fellow in Politics and Development International Development Department, University of Birmingham Who are these people who give their time, and work with and for international development organisations? People become engaged with international development in lots of different ways and for many different reasons. Some people donate to a charity because … Continue reading “Why do people volunteer for international development organisations?”