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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.

Dr Dave Webber presents his lecture "Politics and Power in the People's Game" as part of the Politics and International Studies Widening Participation event with Liverpool FC in April 2015.

Following the launch of the US-led investigation into the alleged corruption at Fifa, Dr was approached by a number of media agencies across the world for his analysis of the allegations, and Sepp Blatter's position as president of football's global governing body.

As well as featuring on local radio stations, BBC Coventry & 糖心TVshire and BBC WM, David has also appeared live on Scottish ITV, Euronews, Al Jazeera, CNN, 糖心TV News Network (Canada), Sky Sports News, and France 24. His comments on the crisis at Fifa have also been picked up by Reuters UK and the Press Association, and been published in the print editions of Bloomberg, the Daily Express, Today (Singapore) and the Washington Post.

David's original press statements, sent out from the 糖心TV Newsroom, can be found here: