By Dr Richard Shorten, Senior Lecturer in Political Theory School of Government, University of Birmingham The long-running BBC Radio 4 panel show ‘Just a Minute’ works on a simple premise, whereby guest panellists are invited to speak on a given subject for 60 seconds. During this time, fellow guests will listen out for pauses and … Continue reading “How right-wingers hesitate, deviate, and repeat”
Category: Politics
The Future of ‘Citizenship Policy’ in the UK
Co-authored by Tendayi Bloom, Katherine Tonkiss, Agnes Czajka, Eleni Andreouli, Devyani Prabhat, Cynthia Orchard, Nira Yuval-Davis, Kelly Staples and Georgie Wemyss As the Windrush scandal has shown, when a person is unable to show evidence of their citizenship, the results can be devastating. In August 2019, the think tank British Future launched an independent inquiry … Continue reading “The Future of ‘Citizenship Policy’ in the UK”
How Could Tactical Voting Have an Impact on the General Election?
By Dr Sotirios Zartaloudis School of Government, University of Birmingham Following the decision to hold an election in the UK for the third time since 2015, a new term has gained prominence in British politics – the one of tactical voting. The main idea behind tactical voting is that voters should vote, not just according … Continue reading “How Could Tactical Voting Have an Impact on the General Election?”
Media Management: Is Boris Learning Lessons from Trump?
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?”
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?”