saverionline

In Search of Leadership

saverionline — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:35:14 +0000

The latest controversial appointment by the Episcopal church in the US is not surprising; in this respect at least, society is evolving for the better. What is surprising is the continuous lack of leadership by Dr Rowan Williams. Schism is inevitable, but getting there by a slow and painful progress as a result of not taking sides is very damaging for all involved. A bit of courage and conviction would be helpful, albeit probably too late.

The Good, the Bad, and the Unsustainable

saverionline — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:33:13 +0000

That overfishing is a serious problem is nothing new. We need a better understanding however as to the relationship between health and ethics when it comes to seafood; this article points us in the right direction.

A New OPEC?

saverionline — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:08:51 +0000

The importance of rare earth metals to the global economy now, and especially in the future, cannot be underestimated. China has a monopoly, and the US, EU, and Japan will have to position themselves with great care. Is this another OPEC but in the hands of a very skillful superpower? This space will be keeping a close eye on news and analysis concerning this is issue.

In the Eyes of the Dragon

saverionline — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:14:48 +0000

US foreign policy towards China under the Obama administration is starting to take shape, and is likely to entail elements of quid pro quo we have not seen before. However China knows well that the US will seek to define a long term relationship where it is first among equals, and is furthermore weary of its heightened strategic attention on Asia-Pacific.

T.G.I. Friday

saverionline — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:39:23 +0000

Timing is important, very important, especially when it comes to politics. Weathering the complications of public opinion, pressure groups, and the media is especially desirable when the news to be dealt is uncomfortable at best. Friday’s has been a good friend to many administrations (and their PR machines) in democracies around the world, and political bias not withstanding, this article by Karl Rove shows why.

Will the Real Economy Please Stand Up

saverionline — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:51:07 +0000

Good policy need not be a zero sum game, however it is normal to expect that distributive conflicts are at the heart of power relationships. Who gets what, when, and to what extent is the question that informs all other questions; how financial institutions will, or will not be, shaped from the events of the past two years is a good example of why.

The Morality of Compromise

saverionline — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:42:35 +0000

In what,if any, circumstances can compromise be seen as a moral act?

A Fighting Chance

saverionline — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:28:24 +0000

Given the chance, nature can be remarkably resilient; conservation programs can work, making them all the more important to support.

Two Tables for One

saverionline — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:06:11 +0000

Everybody is focusing on who the next president of the European Council will be, however the post of High Representative for Foreign Affairs might well prove just as, if not more, crucial. He or she will have the novel task of leading a new diplomatic corps (apparently with the task of “preparing” foreign policy initiatives, whatever that means, but with no mandate to enforce them) and will crucially have a seat both at the Council and the Commission. This will make it one of the three top jobs in Europe ,together with the president of the Council and the president of the Commission, and the only one with a voice at both the intergovernmental and supranational level.

Testing the Waters

saverionline — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:39:37 +0000

In her first term Angela Merkel has garnered more respect for courage and conviction abroad than domestically. Her personal history suggests that now that she is free of the shackles of a grand coalition she might well change tack and aim to have a more determined identity in national politics as well.