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This research paper examines the role of transnational organised crime networks and 'middlemen' in fueling African conflicts through the illicit trade of weapons and natural resources. Using the case studies of Leonid Minin and Victor Bout, the document highlights the sophistication of these networks, their use of front companies and tax havens, and the systemic failures of international law enforcement and national legislation to prosecute sanctions-busting activities.

This case study examines the development of the Namibian table grape industry, initiated by entrepreneur Dusan Vasiljevic in 1988. It details how the industry leveraged Namibia's coastal climate to fill a seasonal gap in the European market, the role of government negotiations for EU market access, and the subsequent economic impact on the Karas and South Central regions.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs argues that international donor agencies and UN bodies are hindering malaria control in Africa by resisting the use of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and DDT in favor of less effective measures. The author contends that a 'vertical' health program approach, combining DDT-based IRS and Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), is the most effective strategy, citing successful implementations in South Africa and India.

This case study examines El Salvador's transition from a 'banana republic' characterized by political instability and agricultural dependency to a more diversified, deregulated economy. It details the country's post-civil war reforms, economic strategies, and the remaining challenges it faces, offering lessons for other developing regions, specifically Africa.

Friends of the Earth International issued a statement rejecting the Roundtable on Responsible Soy (RTRS), arguing that its certification process provides a "façade of sustainability" for agribusinesses and energy companies while failing to address the systemic social and environmental damage caused by industrial-scale soy monocultures.

The International Federation of Friends of the Earth rejects the Round Table on Responsible Soy (RTRS), arguing that its certification process provides a 'greenwash' for multinational corporations and agribusinesses while ignoring the systemic social and environmental damage caused by industrial soy monocultures.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) provides an interpretive analysis of three major international scientific assessments—the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report, the IAASTD, and GEO-4—to determine their implications for the policy goals of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). The analysis focuses on 11 key themes, including climate change, biotechnology, and energy production, evaluating how these global trends affect Canada's agricultural competitiveness, social priorities, and risk management.

This report explores the development of environment and sustainable development (ESD) policies in K–12 schools in Manitoba and across Canada. It identifies three primary approaches to policy development: government-led "whole school" initiatives, independent certification and award programs, and individual school district policy development. The document highlights a gap between the advanced sustainability policy frameworks in the tertiary education sector and the more sporadic, often fragmented approach in K–12 education, particularly in Manitoba where many schools act without district-level mandates.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) examines the domestic implementation of the Rome Statute in five African countries: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It finds that while these states ratified the statute, none had enacted implementing legislation by early 2008, leaving them unable to fully respond to International Criminal Court (ICC) requests for arrest and surrender or to prosecute international crimes domestically. The report identifies systemic barriers, including a lack of political priority, capacity shortfalls in legal drafting, and concerns over official immunities.

This fact sheet by Friends of the Earth International argues that genetically modified (GM) crops have not contributed to reducing hunger or poverty and are unsuitable for small-scale farmers due to high seed costs and patent restrictions. The document asserts that GM crops do not increase yields, often increase pesticide use, and primarily benefit large-scale industrial farmers in a few countries through 'convenience' rather than productivity.

This 2008 research paper examines how International Investment Agreements (IIAs) and investor-state dispute settlement mechanisms may constrain the ability of states to protect and promote human rights. It finds that most IIAs are silent on human rights obligations for investors and that the confidentiality of arbitration processes often undermines public accountability. The author argues that stabilization clauses in Host Government Agreements further limit the state's right to regulate and recommends the creation of model language to integrate human rights values into future investment treaties.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) analyzes China's preferential trade policy for African Least Developed Countries (LDCs). While the policy is designed to align with the export capacities of these nations, the author argues that its economic impact is modest compared to its symbolic and diplomatic value in signaling China's rise as a global power and alternative to Western donors.

This report examines the growth of the tourism industry in Lao PDR, analyzing its economic contributions and the environmental risks associated with trade liberalization. It provides strategic policy recommendations to ensure the sector remains sustainable and supports conservation efforts.

This research paper examines the environmental implications of the growing silk handicrafts sector in the Lao PDR, noting that while the industry is inherently environmentally friendly, scaling up production to meet international demand creates risks of water pollution and increased water consumption.

This executive summary by Friends of the Earth International (FoEI) argues that genetically modified (GM) crops provide no ecological, social, or economic benefits. The document focuses on the increased use of pesticides associated with herbicide-tolerant (HT) varieties, the lack of impact on global hunger and poverty, and the stagnation or decline of crop yields compared to conventional farming.

This report analyzes the global forest product commodity chain with China as the central processing hub, importing raw materials from developing nations and exporting finished goods to Western consumers. It identifies systemic sustainability challenges, including illegal logging and poor forest governance in supplier countries like Mozambique and Russia, and suggests policy reforms for the Chinese government to ensure long-term timber security and improve its global reputation.

This report, published by the Socialist Group in the European Parliament, examines the complex relationship between international trade and climate change. It presents perspectives from political representatives and environmental organizations on how trade policy can either hinder or support climate goals, arguing for a paradigm shift that prioritizes environmental standards and global solidarity over market liberalization.

This briefing, published by the Socialist Group in the European Parliament, examines the complex relationship between international trade and climate change. It presents diverse perspectives on whether trade is a solution or a driver of the climate crisis, discussing the role of the European Union (EU), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the impact of trade policies on developing nations.

The Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) provided a quarterly status report as of May 31, 2008, detailing its core and program budgets, member country contributions, and the progress of research networks and training institutes. The report highlights a reliance on four major contributors, the implementation of the Collaborative Research Network II (CRN-II), and new funding from the MacArthur Foundation and IDRC.

This fact sheet describes the Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning System (LEAP), a software tool developed by the Stockholm Environment Institute for energy policy analysis and climate change mitigation assessment. It outlines the software's capabilities in integrated modelling, scenario analysis, and decision support, noting its widespread adoption by government agencies, academics, and NGOs in over 150 countries.