By Christopher Featherstone, Doctoral Researcher, Department of Political Science and International Studies School of Government, University of Birmingham Descriptions of Boris Johnson as a populist abound – there have been comparisons between him and the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Whilst comparisons such as multiple divorces, silly hair and unconventional approaches tell us little … Continue reading “Media Management: Is Boris Learning Lessons from Trump?”
Category: Politics
Undiplomatic Signals
By Professor David Dunn, Department of Political Science and International Studies School of Government and Society, University of Birmingham By its very nature, diplomacy involves secret communications, between states, and between envoys and their governments. Indeed the word itself, di-plomacy means a paper folded in two to keep it confidential. It is the embassy’s job … Continue reading “Undiplomatic Signals”
Is commercialism destroying the ethos of the public sector?
By Catherine Mangan, Director of Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV) School of Government & Society, University of Birmingham Sunday 23 June marks the UN Public Service Day, celebrating the value and virtue of public service to the community. On this day, it is important to question whether the concept of a public service ethos … Continue reading “Is commercialism destroying the ethos of the public sector?”
Trump could learn a lesson or two from Bush on “Fake News”
By Christopher Featherstone, Doctoral Researcher, Department of Political Science and International Studies School of Government, University of Birmingham Fake news, as defined by the Cambridge Dictionary, can be “false stories that appear to be news, spread on the internet or using other media, usually created to influence political views or as a joke.” The accusations … Continue reading “Trump could learn a lesson or two from Bush on “Fake News””
What is developmental leadership?
Kyle Smith, DLP and Professor David Hudson, International Development School of Government, University of Birmingham Development and change take more than a leader: it takes organisation, politics, a network and a voice. Political will alone is not enough. Follow Teuila’s journey in creating change. By working with a diverse group of individuals and organisations from … Continue reading “What is developmental leadership?”
Why compulsory voting alone can’t fix a broken political system
Dr Susan Dodsworth, International Development Department School of Government, University of Birmingham This Saturday, Australians – myself among them – will vote in a federal election. As in previous elections, voter turnout is expected to exceed 90%, in part because Australia is one of a handful of countries to enforce compulsory voting. Whenever Australia’s high … Continue reading “Why compulsory voting alone can’t fix a broken political system”
Your guide to Brexit: What is the UK facing?
It’s less than six months until the UK’s departure from the European Union. The party conferences have ended with the May Government clinging to a compromise “Chequers Plan” — but with the Prime Minister so embattled by hard Brexit-ers that she dare not mention it by name. Uncertainty prevails. So what are the prospects for … Continue reading “Your guide to Brexit: What is the UK facing?”
All bets are off: What’s the deal with Brexit?
By Professor Scott Lucas, Professor of American Studies Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham It is less than six months until the UK’s departure from the European Union. The party conferences have ended with the May Government clinging to a compromise “Chequers Plan” – but with the Prime Minister so embattled … Continue reading “All bets are off: What’s the deal with Brexit?”
A lion in the jungle or a dancing queen? Theresa May at the Conservative Party conference
By Dr Matt Cole, Teaching Fellow Department of History, University of Birmingham The annual conference of the UK Conservative Party is an intriguing conundrum: it determines much more than it decides. This year, facing Brexit and the future of Prime Minister Theresa May, was no different. There was no vote over the UK departure from … Continue reading “A lion in the jungle or a dancing queen? Theresa May at the Conservative Party conference”
Brexit’s Effect on the National Health Service and immigration
By Professor Mark Exworthy, Professor Jean McHale and Dr Nando Sigona, University of Birmingham The impact of Brexit on the NHS With six months until Brexit, the UK’s National Health Service is beset by uncertainty over staffing, patients, medicines, devices and public health, especially if there is No Deal. As 30% of NHS staff come … Continue reading “Brexit’s Effect on the National Health Service and immigration”