By Benjamin Rooij

Over the last decades, some non-OECD countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, Colombia, Mexico, India and China have been rapidly industrializing. While this has had positive effects on economic growth, it has also caused pollution with severe effects . In response to the new pollution threat, most of the industrializing economies have installed pollution prevention and control regulations, and implementing institutions. In practice, however, the regulations often fail to achieve the desired results. This Research and Policy Note explains why the regulation of pollution in these countries is so difficult.

OA Open. Leiden: Leiden University Press, 2008.

By Benjamin van Rooij and Ineke van de Meerie

Reforms to improve poor people’s access to justice and to promote their legal empowerment comprise the latest trend in legal development cooperation. This volume answers a number of basic questions about this new trend, such as access to justice and legal empowerment entail and its importance; the obstacles the poor and marginalised face in seeking justice and empowerment through the legal system; and the reforms proposed by these approaches to legal development co-operation. Furthermore, it outlines important considerations for policy-makers concerning access to justice and legal empowerment reforms.

OA Open. Leiden: Leiden University Press, 2008. 

Edited by Marissa Sonnis-Bell, David Elijah Bell and Michelle Ryan  

To contend with others is to contend with ourselves. The way we “other” others, by identifying and reinforcing social distance, is more a product of who we are and who we want to be than it is about “others.” Strangers, Aliens, Foreignersquestions such consolidation and polarization of identities in representations ranging from migrants and refugees, to terrorist labels, to constructions of the local. Inclusive and exclusive identities are observed through often arbitrary yet strategically ambiguous lines of class, religion, race, ethnicity, nationality, social status, and geography. However, despite any arbitrariness in definition, there are very real consequences for the emotional, physical, and psychological well-being of those constructed as “the other”, as well as legal governance implications involving human rights and wider socio political ethics. From practical, professional, and political-philosophical points of view, this collection examines what it means to be, or to construct, the Strangers, Aliens, Foreigners. Contributors are David Elijah Bell, Adina Camenisch, Hanna Jagtenberg, Seraina Müller, Lana Pavić, Michelle Ryan, Marissa Sonnis-Bell and Tomasso Trilló.

OA. Open. Leiden; Boston: Brill, 2018, 110p.

By Inka Stock

 This book is concerned with the effects of migration policy making in Europe on migrants in the Global South and links insights on immobility to social theories of time to examine the human consequences of current migration dynamics from the perspectives of migrants themselves. Based on in-depth ethnographic research, this is an invaluable learning resource that aims to challenge current international migration politics and policy-making 

OA. Open. Bristol: Bristol University Press, 2019.  202p. 

By Florence Mazian

Purpose of Study: The study aims to understand why genocide is chosen as a solution to problems, using a theoretical framework based on collective behavior.

Historical Context: It examines the Armenian Genocide and the Jewish Holocaust, detailing the social, political, and economic conditions that led to these events.

Theoretical Framework: The study develops a theory of genocide with six determinants, including the creation of "outsiders," internal strife, and powerful leadership with territorial ambitions.

Genocide Dynamics: It highlights how various factors interact dynamically to make genocide a "practical" solution, emphasizing the importance of understanding these dynamics to prevent future genocides.

Iowa State University Press, 1990, 291 pages

By Kathleen Staudt

Focus on Violence and Activism: The book examines violence against women in Ciudad Juarez, highlighting the gruesome murders and the activism that arose in response.

Gender and Fear: It explores the impact of gender and fear on everyday life in the border city, emphasizing the role of cultural and institutional factors.

Research and Activism: The author combines research with activism, detailing workshops and community efforts to address and prevent violence.

Government and Institutional Responses: The book critiques theresponses of government and institutions to violence against women, comparing the situations in the U.S. and Mexico.

University of Texas Press, 2008, 184 pages

By Marcia Wright

This book explores life stories from East/Central Africa, focusing on the experiences of ex-slaves and women, their strategies during times of peril, and their consciousness and changing circumstances before World War I. It is divided into two parts, with the first part titled "Women in Peril" featuring narratives of individual women, and the second part "History at the Turn"providing essays that contextualize the narratives within broader historical settings. The work reflects interdisciplinary research, drawing from feminism, African social history, and studies on slavery, aiming to uncover the history of women and slaves in Africa's internal and external history. It also discusses the challenges of interpreting personal narratives within historical contexts. Finally, the book highlights the need for further research and interdisciplinary exchange to deepen the understanding of the subject matter.

Lilian Barber Press, 1993, 238 pages

By Johnson U. J. Asiegbu

British Anti-Slavery Policy: The book explores the development ofBritish anti-slavery policy from 1787 to 1861, focusing on the SierraLeone settlement and the emigration of liberated Africans.

Emigration Challenges: It discusses the challenges and controversies surrounding the 'voluntary' emigration of liberated Africans under government control.

Labour Recruitment: The book examines the techniques used for labor recruitment, including the role of the Coastal Squadron and Vice-Admiralty Courts

Historical Context: It provides a detailed historical context, referencing various primary sources and documents related to the British anti-slavery movement and liberated African emigration

Africana Publishing Corporation, 1969, 231 pages

By H. E. Maude

Peruvian Slave Trade: The document details the Peruvian slave raids inPolynesia during 1862-1864, highlighting the impact on various island communities

Routes and Voyages: It describes the main routes taken by ships from Callao, Peru, to different Polynesian islands, including the Northern, Southern, and Central routes.

Polynesian Experience: The narrative includes personal accounts and the experiences of Polynesian islanders who were kidnapped or deceived into servitude.

Historical Context: The document provides a broader historical context, linking the events to the wider history of Pacific and Latin American interactions.

Stanford University Press, 1981, 244 pages

By Michael Craton

British Slave Trade: The British slave trade evolved from state-granted monopolies to free trade, with significant state involvement throughout.

African Companies: Various companies, such as the Company of Adventurers and the Royal African Company, played key roles in the trade, facing challenges from interlopers and European rivals.

Trade Goods: The trade involved a variety of goods, including textiles, metals, and liquor, which were exchanged for slaves.

Impact on Africa: The slave trade had profound effects on West African societies, including demographic changes and increased warfare.

Anchor Press, 1974, 413 pages

By Ronald Paulson

Art and Riot: The book explores the relationship between art and riot, using James Ensor's painting "The Entry of Christ into Brussels in 1889"as a model for the art of riot

Historical Context: It delves into various historical riots in England andAmerica, including the Gordon Riots and the Peterloo Massacre, and their representations in art and literature.

Literary Analysis: The book examines how riots are depicted in literature, with examples from authors like Charles Dickens, Charlotte Bronte, and John Steinbeck.

Theoretical Perspectives: It discusses the aesthetics and politics of riot, including the role of spectators and the concept of the sublime in the representation of riots.

Owlworks, 2010, 176 pages

Edited by Robert I. Rotberg

Regional Focus: The book examines governance and terrorism in theHorn of Africa and Yemen, including countries like Djibouti, Eritrea,Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

Terrorism Threat: It discusses thetransnational threat of terrorisminthe region, highlighting the activities of groups like Al Qaeda and theneed for coordinated efforts to combat them.

Governance Issues: The document emphasizes the importance of good governance and political stability in reducing terrorism, suggesting that improved governance can help mitigate the threat.

U.S. Engagement: There are suggestions for more effective U.S.engagement in the region, including diplomatic, intelligence, and military initiatives to support local governments in their fight against terrorism.

World Peace Foundation Brookings Institution Press, 2005, 210 pages

By Robert L. Ivie

Central Theme: The book critiques the rhetoric surrounding America'swar on terror, focusing on the intersection ofdemocracy, fear, andwar.

Historical Context: It draws parallels between the rhetoric used during the Vietnam War and the post-9/11 era.

Rhetorical Analysis: The author examines how democratic ideals are used to justify war and how rhetoric shapes public perception.

References: The book includes numerous references to previous works and lectures by the author, providing a comprehensive background on the topic.

University of Alabama Press, 2005, 251 pages

Edited by Ian Shapiro & Lea Brilmayer

Globalization and Justice: The document discusses the impact of globalization on justice, highlighting that globalization has not significantly promoted justice, especially in terms of wealth redistribution.

Cosmopolitanism vs. Nationalism: It explores the debate between cosmopolitanism, which emphasizes individual well-being and global redistribution, and nationalism, which focuses on the autonomy and interests of nation-states.

Special Responsibilities: The text examines the tension between general responsibilities to humanity and special responsibilities to specific groups, suggesting that balancing these is crucial for global justice.

Philosophical Perspectives: Various philosophical arguments are presented, including those by Brian Barry, Debra Satz, and Samuel Scheffler, each offering different views on global justice and the role ofnation-states.

NYU Press, 1999, 122 pages

By Patricia Marchak

State Terrorism in Argentina: The book explores the period of state terrorism in Argentina from 1976 to 1983, where an estimated 30,000 people disappeared, many were imprisoned illegally, and thousands went into exile.

Historical Context: It delves into the historical origins of violence in Argentina, including the rise of guerrilla organizations and the military's response, leading to widespread fear and repression.

Personal Accounts: The book includes autobiographical accounts from various individuals, providing a rich understanding of the conditions and experiences during the period of state terrorism.

Methodology: The authors used interviews and historical records toconstruct an explanation of why and how state terrorism occurred in Argentina, focusing on the experiences and perceptions of those wholived through it.

McGill-Queen's Press, 1999, 393 pages

By Jean Bethke Elshtain

Just War Theory: The book explores the concept of a just war, particularly in the context of the War on Terror, and questions whether the war against terrorism can be considered just.

Critique of Humanism: The author critiques the naivety of "humanists" who believe in endless negotiation and fail to recognize the existence of evil.

American Responsibility: The book discusses America's role and responsibility in the world, emphasizing the need to defend its principles of freedom and democracy.

Misdescription of Terrorism: The author argues against them is description of terrorism and stresses the importance of accurately describing events to maintain moral clarity.

Basic Books, Aug 4, 2004, 240 pages

Edited by Roger Anstey and P.E.H.Hair

Historical Context: The document explores the history of the Atlantic slave trade, focusing on Liverpool's significant role in the trade duringthe 18th century.

Economic Impact: It discusses the economic organization of the slavetrade, including the goods exchanged and the profits made bymerchants.

Abolition Movement: The document highlights the efforts and debates surrounding the abolition of the British slave trade, particularly the role of Liverpool abolitionists.

Research and Sources: It emphasizes the importance of historical records and recent research in understanding the complexities of the slave trade and its abolition.

Cambridge University Press ,1977 , 244 pages

By Jayne Caudwell

This chapter explores the possibilities of applying a human rights framework to sexual exploitation, sex work and sporting events. Human rights perspectives are emerging as useful ways to interrogate a range of global social injustices. However, defining sexual exploitation is not straightforward. First, I focus on how sexual exploitation and sex work are understood within human rights instruments. Second, I provide a vivid illustration of the trafficking of women for sexual exploitation. Through this case study, I demonstrate the conditions and mechanisms of supply of, and demand for, women for sexual exploitation. Finally, I return to the existing sport-related literature to elucidate the state of current knowledge of sexual exploitation, sex work and international sporting events. In doing so, I highlight the potential of adopting a human rights framework for future feminist research.

In: The Palgrave Handbook of Feminism and Sport, Leisure and Physical Education. 2017. Pp.537-556.

By Walter Kemp and Ruggero Scaturro

  The Danube is Europe’s second longest river, flowing through 10 countries between Germany and Ukraine, from the Black Forest to the Black Sea. Throughout history, it has been the belt of Mitteleuropa, linking the countries of western, central and eastern Europe. The Danube took on new strategic importance after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Danube ports in Romania, Moldova and Ukraine became a lifeline for the trans-shipment of key exports such as grain and fertilizers. Major investment in the infrastructure of ports (such as cranes and warehouses) was made during this period to support increased trade flows. However, experience shows that a rapid increase in licit activity without corresponding improvements in security can increase the risks of illicit activity. Nevertheless, the Danube’s vulnerability to organized crime has received little attention from policymakers or researchers. This may be for good reason: evidence of the risk is scarce. The last organized crime threat assessment (carried out by Europol) dates from 2011. There have been few seizures of contraband along the Danube in the past decade and, although a 2022 Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) report on trafficking through ports in south-eastern Europe1 flagged isolated cases of organized crime on the Danube, these fell outside the scope of that study. Is the current lack of reported criminal activity an indication of a low-risk inland waterway, or is it a reflection of limited attention and resources? After all, as the saying goes, ‘you do not find what you do not seek’. The GI-TOC, which has been monitoring the impact of the war in Ukraine on illicit economies, is well positioned to investigate this question. In September 2023, the United Kingdom commissioned this study to examine the vulnerability of the Danube to trafficking. One of the main findings of this report is a concerning lack of law enforcement cooperation among the Danube riparian states even though most of them are co-members or partners of the European Union. This study found little evidence of trafficking on the river, due in part to a lack of data on seizures, which points to a potential security gap. However, it did discover several vulnerabilities that create a permissive environment for different kinds of illicit activity on some sections of the river. Furthermore, the increased relevance of Danube ports – particularly in Romania, Moldova and Ukraine – because of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine creates new opportunities and relevance for the river but also new challenges, including a heightened risk of organized crime. As a result, part of this report is devoted to assessing the potential risk of organized crime in the tri-border region along the lower Danube. The report concludes with a number of recommendations to reduce vulnerabilities to illicit flows of fuel, cigarettes, smuggling of migrants and other forms of organized crime along the river, and to improve cooperation between law enforcement bodies in different countries.

Geneva, SWIT: The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, 2024.2024. 40p  

By The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

  Organized crime has become a threat to international peace and security . It harms so many fundamental aspects of our lives – from governance to the environment and from health and safety to our online activities . As demonstrated by the Global Organized Crime Index 2023, more than 80 per cent of the world’s population live in countries with high levels of criminality, and the problem is getting worse, as the figure below shows. Indeed, over the past few decades the geographical reach, diversity of markets and impact of illicit economies have increased dramatically . Organized crime is manifesting itself in places and ways never seen before . And the omens for the future are menacing.

Currently, there is no global strategy against organized crime. To reduce the harm to our communities and future generations, this needs to change.

Organized crime should not be looked at as an isolated phenomenon. It intersects with global megatrends as well as violent conflict and terrorism. It thrives in a blurry ‘mezzosphere’ – that often ignored zone at the intersection between the criminal underworld and the upperworlds of business and politics.

Since organized crime operates within an ecosystem, it is important to use systems thinking to analyze it and to identify pressure points to disrupt it. It is vital to change the conditions in which illicit economies operate, rather than just pursue criminal actors. Therefore, in addition to changing market forces and drying up the pool of potential offenders it is important to change attitudes and behaviours.

This report builds on the successes – and failures – of past interventions aimed at countering organized crime and reducing its negative impacts on communities and states. Much that is in the report may not be new to some readers, but what is new is the intersections it seeks to highlight in the responses to organized crime. Additionally, the report seeks to open up the debate, so that voices of other stakeholders – civil society, law enforcement, local communities and the private sector – are also included to work together to counter and strengthen resilience to organized crime.    

Geneva, SWIT: The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, 2024. 102p.