The fact in order to deliver the same institutional function it does not require a particular institutional form. Likewise a particular institutional form can deliver very different functions in different country contexts. This challenge suggests that appearance can be deceptive. The distinction between formal and informal institutions illustrates this concern. Where easily observable formal institutions [...]
Global demand and prices for oil, gas and minerals have increased dramatically in recent years, not least driven by the economic successes of a number of emerging economies. These developments could provide an opportunity for mineral-rich countries to push economic and social development. But past experiences have raised concerns that the current situation could result [...]
Why institutions matter to achieving economic and social development is certainly not a question that has arisen only in the context of mineral-rich countries. Social scientists have long pointed to institutions as well as institutional change to explain economic and social transformations. This emphasis has been revived by recent institutional theorists with backgrounds in disciplines [...]
Some observers have challenged this negative policy outlook by pointing to mineral-rich countries that have performed relatively well. Commonly singled out are Botswana, Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates and mineral-rich OECD countries. Of the latter some had been heavily depended on resource extraction in the past and over time have successfully diversified into [...]
To explain institutional change institutions need to be conceptualized as a dependent rather than an independent variable. The social science literature on institutional change is too large to be dealt with comprehensively. The discussion is restricted to three perspectives that are relevant to the question under what conditions institutions can change for the better in [...]
Nigeria is a country that dominates the West African region due to its large population (125 million) and the importance of its mineral and oil resources (the sixth largest oil producer in the world). Political instability, poverty and endemic corruption force many native people to leave their places of origin to the European Union countries [...]
Poor countries are a source of production or transportation of illegal goods or as transit points for trafficking, while developed countries offer clear opportunities for the sale and acquisition. These countries have more interest for criminal groups as a base for their activities, namely:
a) In the European Union, Ireland – UK – Germany – Netherlands [...]
Each year tens of thousands of people from West African countries are transported by road to North Africa, mainly Morocco, from where they to Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar, whether hidden in trucks, which make the journey aboard ferries, or rafts.
In some cases there is also the smuggling of illegal immigrants by sea directly [...]
Usually the study is directed toward the criminal aspects of terrorism, which are present in all areas, and into the criminal aspects of illegal immigration. Clearly, migration (regular or not) and criminal activity that may fall under illegal immigration, have a general and wider dimensions than the pure criminal dimension of terrorism. There are related [...]
Afghanistan was the world largest producer of opiates. While throughout the war against illicit crops communists had continued to develop in areas controlled by Moujaidines. When soviets were prepared to withdraw from Afghanistan the Afghan resistance was linked to opium production and trafficking of heroin. They requested to the representatives of the interim government installed [...]
Since the first African slaves arrived on the shores of America, Black empowerment has always depended on the strength of Black Americans to succeed despite the obstacles they were forced to overcome.
When many Black politicians gained political power during Reconstruction, organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan emerged to thwart any dreams of Black empowerment [...]
Over the past few years interest in wind power has increased. Wind power production has developed significantly since the price of oil has gone up and the extra added costs of pollution have become apparent. Why has not more been done? Considering the fact that the amount of wind energy existing in the atmosphere is [...]
Nidal Hasan needs to be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted for this despicable crime at Fort Hood but it is important not to use him as yet another excuse for the incredible incompetence of the mental health industry. The most important information from the Generals and mental health professionals about the Fort Hood shooting will not [...]
The components of national power of the state, qualitative and quantitative factors of economic, political, social and military power are needed to interpret the same state as a dynamic social relationship, which necessarily interacts with all facets of social behavior.
The combination of these optical multidisciplinary appreciate the history and present of nations, as part of [...]
Local governments face a rapidly changing society, both in terms of speed and dimension. Some of today\’s most striking issues are: (i) the economic restructuring as the former socialist industries collapsed; (ii) the impact that high rates of unemployment have on families and communities; (iii) the continuous growth of vulnerable groups, as division and differentiation [...]