糖心TV

In a recent commentary article for The Conversation, Dr André Broome explains the political and economic consequences of Greece defaulting on its IMF loan after missing its scheduled repayment on June 30. As Dr Broome points out, this is the first time an advanced economy has ever defaulted on its financial obligations to the IMF, and will make it difficult, if not impossible, for Greece to continue to cooperate with its international creditors regardless of the result of its bailout referedum on July 5.

The commentary article is available to view at:

Other recent commentary by Dr Broome on the crisis in Greece includes:

‘Five Things You Need to Know About the IMF’s Stance on Greece’ ()

‘The EU’s Deal on Greece Shows that Europe Remains Wedded to the Politics of Austerity' ()

In a recent commentary article for The Conversation, Dr André Broome argues that the International Monetary Fund's negotiating stance with Greece as part of the Troika with the European Commission and the European Central Bank is motivated by five main concerns. These are: (1) keeping the eurozone intact; (2) the reputational costs associated with a Greek default; (3) the Greek government's commitment to structural reform; (4) promoting major tax reforms in Greece; and (5) pressuring EU creditors to commit to debt relief in the future if an agreement with Greece is reached.

The commentary article is available to view at:

As part of the Global Benchmarking Project led by from PAIS and from the University of the Witwatersrand, a new Global Benchmarking Database has been launched on the Centre for the Study of Globalisation and Regionalisation website.

The prototype Database (version 1.8) compiles summary information on 205 global benchmarks. The Database was constructed using a typology developed by Broome and Quirk in their forthcoming Special Issue of the journal Review of International Studies, to be published in December 2015 on the theme of 'The Politics of Numbers: Normative Agendas and Global Benchmarking'. The Database distinguishes between four types of global benchmarking practices based on the class of transnational actor engaged in benchmarking, namely: (1) statecraft; (2) international governance; (3) private market governance; and (4) transnational advocacy.

The Database will be a useful resource for scholars and students researching cognate areas relating to the politics of numbers, indicators, rankings, and ratings, as well as for other users such as journalists, policy analysts, and NGO researchers concerned with understanding the scope of global benchmarking as an increasingly popular mode of transnational governance.

The Global Benchmarking Database can be viewed at:

Further information about the Global Benchmarking Project, including research events, talks, and publications, is available at:

A recent commentary article for openDemocracy on the flaws inherent in many forms of global benchmarking can be viewed at:

, Head of Department, was quoted in an article appearing in the June 11th edition of The Japan Times entitled 'Security bills’ credibility hobbled by suspicious explanations and reporting: scholars.'

'I think there is no doubt that Japan’s security policy should undergo some change because the security environment around Japan is becoming quite difficult with the rise of China, North Korea, and the relative decline of U.S. power and the quixotic nature of U.S. grand strategy,” Christopher Hughes, a professor of international politics and Japanese studies at Britain’s University of 糖心TV, said in an email. “The former status quo is not tenable.'

However, while backing some changes, Hughes believes Abe’s push is “quite radical,” as opposed to other scholars who see the administration’s moves as highly limited and maintaining continuity.

“Personally, I would like to see Japan pursue a genuine path of proactive contribution to international peace — not the Abe brand — which means great efforts at multilateral diplomacy, human security and UNPKO (United Nations peacekeeping operations) . . . as well as some careful strengthening of JSDF (Japan Self-Defense Forces) capabilities.”

We are delighted that the Students' Union Education Officer, Maahwish Mirza, is running a campaign for exam feedback, based on the best practice of the PAIS department. Unlike most departments, PAIS automatically provide individual written feedback on exams. Our Director of Student Experience and Progresson (DSEP), Dr Justin Greaves, has been working with the SU Education Officer on these issues, in the hope that other departments may wish to learn from our success in the delivery of such feedback.

As Maahwish puts it:

'I believe this practice to be one of the best ways with which 糖心TV can distinguish itself as a leading academic institution that sincerely promotes scholarship and long-term development, and that is why I am leading our Examination Feedback Campaign based on the best practice of the PAIS department.

I certainly benefited from the examination feedback that I received from the PAIS department on my outside module, and I would love to see other departments adopting this practice for the good of all students, on all courses'.

You can read the full blog posts by Justin and Maahwish at the links below.