In 2009, the World Bank’s Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) released an unprecedented 700-page evaluation which found evidence that the institution is failing to adequately address the risks of fraud and corruption in its assistance programs. Furthermore, the Bank will roll-out sweeping reforms in its investment lending operations beginning in fiscal 2011. These reforms are shifting considerable responsibility for the quality of World Bank-financed operations to recipient countries. more»

China’s Economic Stimulus Programme – And What We Know About It – China is believed to be better prepared for the consequences of the financial crisis than all other emerging countries. But how deeply has China’s economy really been affected by the crisis, and what measures are being taken by its government? By Barbara Unmüßig more»

NATO at Sixty: The Future of NATO in a Plural World Order – This much is certain: The world does not much look like it did 60 years ago. The communist threat, together with the Iron Curtain has since faded into history. But NATO remains - burnished by its victory, yet also discomfited by the disappearance of the world into which it was born. By Cameron Abadi more»

German-Gulf Cooperation – The current state of affairs of Pakistan can be compared to pre-revolutionary political and social conditions in the 18th century of Europe. Pakistan faces widespread insecurity, poverty, lawlessness, inequality between the wealthy and the poor and a lack of education. This explosive mixture makes Pakistan one, perhaps the most important hot spot in international affairs. By German Orient Foundation more»

Co-operation or Chaos – Which Kind of World Order? – In his keynote speech at the conference Climate Change, Resources, Migration - Old and New Sources of Conflict in Africa? Mr. Ralf Fücks, the Co-President of Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung discussed the new world order. He envisions a new model of global governance based on international law, human rights, and multilateral co-operation under the umbrella of the United Nations. more»

EU Presidency to tackle democracy issues – This report presents the first ever peer review of the European Union’s external policies and practices on support for democracy and democracy building around the world. By International IDEA more»