Search results

Problems of conceptualization & definition connected with the measurement of att's & values in comparative internat'l res on ED are dealt with. Specifically, the following issues are discussed: (1) 2 diff but related problems re the diff'ial att'al patterns associated with modernity: consistency & sequence; (2) 2 problems re the nature of the relationship between att'al data & structural data: the congruence, which basically defines the adequacy & equivalence of att'al data & structural data, & the nature of the explanatory relationship. Assuming that att'al data could be obtained which cross-culturally would typify the degree of correspondence with the structural data, what could be inferred about the order of causality? (3) 2 problems re the qualitative aspects of the dysjunction between modernization & industr'ization, personal att's & soc structures: the problem of decision-making & planning, & the problem of nat'l goals in an internat'ly fixed environment. Each of these problems is examined in detail. A methodological dilemma is found re econ underdevelopment: 'To argue the case for underdevelopment is to argue a set of value premises related to backwardness. Whereas, to argue the case for the extrinsic causes of stagnation is to argue the case for an interest theory; namely, that it is primarily in the interest of the advanced nations to exploit the less developed nations.' This dilemma creates an enormous ideological chasm between those who believe that the fully developed nations require underdevelopment & those who believe they do not require underdevelopment. The following conclusions are reached: (a) The process of development involves subunits of industr'ization & modernization. (b) These 2 main subunits may or may not be spatially or temporarily parallel. (c) It is best to analyze & generalize about discrete processes entailed in development rather than make a monistic assumption about the nature of changes in society. Decisive choices can be made by conceptualizing att'al data as 1 critical cluster of factors. M. Maxfield.

SummaryThis article reviews the suggestion implicit in two recent obiter dicta of the Supreme Court of Canada and the widely held view in English Canada that the Labour Conventions Reference was wrongly decided, and that parliament should have exclusive jurisdiction to implement any treaty. It is argued that reversal of this rule would constitute a fundamental change in the nature of the Canadian federal system; is not warranted by any functional argument and has never been requested by the principal interested party, namely the government of Canada. It is also argued that the only proper way to make such a change is by way of formal constitutional amendment. Given the existence of a host of treaties covering every imaginable field of human conduct, a blank cheque to parliament to implement any treaty would in effect constitute one of the most major changes of the Constitution in our hutory. Among the problems considered is that of the extreme fluidity of the concept of a treaty in international law. The author suggests that other avenues exist for the expansion of federal legislative jurisdiction to implement treaties in the field of international trade if this is necessary.

2010 was an important year for everyone striving for a world free of landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war. It was particularly important for the Antipersonnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) and for its implementation. The evaluation of the APMBC Implementation Support Unit (ISU) confirmed the appreciation of the States Parties and other stakeholders for the effective work of the ISU and for the role played by the GICHD in hosting it. Moreover, the entry into force of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) on 1 August 2010 represented a positive legal and political step in supporting the fight against indiscriminate weapons. It is encouraging for operators in the field, who have surveyed, cleared and destroyed all kinds of ordnance over many years. Some of the procedures, methods and techniques developed for the disposal of landmines can be used directly for cluster munitions clearance; others may need adaptation. The GICHD is undertaking research and developing practical tools to meet these challenges. In December 2010, the First Meeting of States Parties to the CCM took place in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The GICHD participated in this major event and organised a side-event focusing on the implementation of the new Convention. The GICHD's dedication to support the full implementation of both the APMBC and the CCM, and towards humanitarian disarmament in general, will remain strong in 2011 and beyond. I would, therefore, like to thank our donors for their support, which enables the GICHD to fulfil its important mission.