Based on original and extensive empirical research in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nicholas Garrett, Sylvia Sergiou and Koen Vlassenroot offer an analysis of warlordism and natural resources in Eastern Congo. This paper is published by Routledge’s Journal of Eastern African Studies.
Edited by Koen Vlassenroot and Steven Van Bockstael - the success of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) has been built on providing assurances that the trade in diamonds amongst signatory countries is based on diamonds traded legitimately, untainted by conflict and corruption. For this success to be durable there is a need to complement the commitment to policing the trade with concerted action to address the root causes of the problem of ‘conflict’ or ‘blood’ diamonds - the development needs of artisanal miners, diggers and their communities. They often live in abject poverty and are frequently vulnerable to exploitation. Effective development of artisanal diamond mining communities must be based on a thorough understanding of the inherent complexities that characterise the sector. This research coordinated by the Egmont Institute and undertaken in support of the KPCS Working Group on Alluvial/Artisanal Producers (currently chaired by Angola), involved many of the leading thinkers in this field. It makes a significant contribution to our knowledge on the sector, laying the foundations for a concerted work programme. Available at J.Story-Scienta Portal (www.story.be)
By Manuel Pinho - the current Minister of Economy of Portugal. Edited by Harrison Mitchell - 15 years ago, the main issue in Europe was how to stimulate economic growth, employment and global trade. It was the economy! Now it is energy and the environment. This cutting-edge and very topical book tackles the challenges of climate change, security of supply of energy and possibilities for alternative energy in Europe. Manuel Pinho takes a look into the future at the possible political and practical solutions as far ahead as 2050. The data is current and the result of pain-staking research into the realistic political and technological solutions in energy reform. Pinho illustrates that there is no silver bullet technology which is going to solve the challenges for everyone but how we could apply the various current technologies and policies which together will create the long-term solutions. The secret to a cost effective integrated energy market in Europe could be the capacity to set clear goals and incentives in order to attract private money to finance investment infrastructure. Pinho sets out in this book, Europe's New Energy Era, some key criteria for making the energy reform in Europe an opportunity to create jobs and further innovation as well as outlining the obstacles. Available at Amazon (www.amazon.co.uk)