Suchergebnisse

West Africa is one of the most instable regions in the world with ongoing conflicts and civil wars. At the same time the region's importance is growing globally due to its rich resources and strategically important location. Many states, including Norway, are currently rethinking their strategies in the region and how to deal with the problematic situations in the Mano River and Niger Delta areas. L. Pitkaniemi

The author discusses the role international firms and their local agents can play in making the governments in developing countries request foreign aid which primarily serves their (i.e. the firms') own interests. The example which is discussed in detail deals with a delivery of Norwegian medicines to Bangladesh.(DÜI-Ptk)

The author concentrates on the development of Norway's relations with Central America. From virtually non-existing connections, the 1980s have seen the establishment of a Norwegian embassy in Costa Rica, and a substantial growth in aid to Sandinist Nicaragua. The political debate in Norway over Nicaragua is outlined, as is the anger provoked in the US government by the Central American policy of its NATO ally

An open debate where the eight central figures from the eight largest Norwegian political parties explain their foreign policy goals for the term 2009-2012. While all three leftwing parties stress the importance of climate change and equality, the criticism towards NATO intensifies when we moved from the center-left to the far left. The traditional center and right wing parties all emphasize the importance of free trade and globalization with an increased degree of skepticism in the center. The Progress Party stands out from the crowd by attacking foreign aid for increasing corruption and diminishing human rights in developing countries. L. Pitkaniemi

A feature of our time has been marked interest in celebrity and celebrities of all kinds. Celebrities associated with the entertainment industry and, paradoxically, it is their life that attracts the most interest among the fans, rather than their professional successes and artistic expression pressure (Turner 2007: 5). Huge celebrity reportage focuses on the person's external attributes but also their global activism. Celebrity views on war, peace, gender equality, poverty reduction, debt relief and HIV/AIDS are among the things that make large space in the media and social networks. Facebook and Twitter make it possible for celebrities to quickly communicate their message to the fans and other interested audiences. Adapted from the source document.

Explores the question why dictators such as Robert Mugabe or Kim Jong Il implement mad policies that are driving the economic activities of their respective countries into the ground. The main reason for this is that dictators are trying to increase or retain their power by their domestic and foreign policy choices, and that these choices have to be understood from this perspective by those countries who choose to deal with them. For example, a common foreign policy choice of a dictatorship is to restrict trade to better control the country's economic output. The correct understanding of dictatorships is also the first step towards a successful foreign aid policy. L. Pitkaniemi

An introduction to the report Norwegian Self-Image and Norwegian Foreign Policy that describes similarities and differences between the image and foreign policy of Norway. Norwegian foreign policy has long been characterized by neutrality, compliance with international rules, moralization, internationalization and a focus on certain sectors. Geopolitics is one of these sectors and increasingly relevant in a world where countries are competing for natural resources to achieve energy security. While Norway portrays a good image by generously providing developmental and humanitarian aid and by maintaining a high profile in the UN, the country is also hurt by its high food tariffs, a strict immigration policy and its refusal to be part of the EU. Adapted from the source document.