Media coverage 2011
See below for a selection of media coverage from across the School of Social Science & Public Policy. You can also visit the College's News Centre.
Road map for Afghanistan as contested as ever
The Japan Times 19 December 2011
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Defence Studies Department, states that a recent conference on Afghanistan failed to achieve anything substantial, and major stakeholders continue to hold differing views on its future.
Meeting the China Challenge
Wall Street Journal 19 December 2011
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Defence Studies Department, assess a recent meeting of the USA, India and Japan which likely focused on China’s growing influence in Asia, and says that by building up its own military and making territorial claims, China has brought on such a response.
Japan F-X announcement due within hours
Defence News 19 December 2011
Dr Alessio Patalano, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the purchase of F-35 planes by Japan, and warns that due to high costs and concerns over stealth capabilities, it is a risky decision.
From Leningrad to Helmand
The Times 17 December 2011
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, chooses his favourite books on military subjects from the past year.
China goes to Seychelles
The Indian Express 16 December 2011
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Defence Studies Department, comments on the Chinese decision to build a naval base in the Seychelles, its first such base abroad, and the implications for India.
Unfinished business
The Times Educational Supplement 16 December 2011
Dr Bethan Marshall, from the Department of Education & Professional Studies, comments that teachers tended to teach the same books even before the natural curriculum came into being.
Africans must adapt to drought in warming world: report
National Geographic 16 December 2011
Dr Mark Mulligan, from the Department of Geography who led a report on climate change and changing rainwater levels in Africa, comments on the need for the continent to adapt to flexible farming methods in order to retain water.
Five News
Channel 5 16 December 2011
Dr Peter Neumann, from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence, comments on the jailing of Carlos the Jackal in France for life, and refers to him as a ‘celebrity terrorist’.
Higgs boson: the particle of faith
The Daily Telegraph 15 December 2011
Revd Professor Alister McGrath, from the Department of Education & Professional Studies, comments that there are parallels between the search for the Higgs Boson and the search for God.
No decision on Afghan troop withdrawal in 2013
The Guardian 14 December 2011
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, gave expert advice at a special meeting of the National Security Council (NSC), which reaffirmed plans for UK combat forces to leave Afghanistan by the end of 2014.
Canada's exit from Kyoto, 'a recognition of reality'
Deutsche Welle 14 December 2011
Dr Petra Dolata, from the Department of Political Economy, comments that the Canadian government is set on a unilateral approach to climate change policy, following its withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol.
Focus on people and not processes to create a truly sustainable workforce
The Guardian 13 December 2011
Stuart Woollard, Director of King’s Management Learning Board, comments on the need for firms to focus on creating a sustainable workforce with long-term viability.
Good books for this life - and the next
The Times 10 December 2011
Revd Professor Alister McGrath, from the Department of Education & Professional Studies, recommends his best spiritual and theological books of 2011.
Page-turners
The Economist 10 December 2011
‘Pakistan: a hard country’, by Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, is chosen as one of the Economist’s ‘Books of the Year’ in the politics and current affairs section.
'Intelligent Pakistani generals recognise India's strength'
Times of India 9 December 2011
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the attitude of the Pakistani military towards India.
Pro-democracy protests put Putin, Russia as turning point
Voice of America 9 December 2011
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, predicts that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will survive current protests against his rule. His comments were also reported by the Irish Sun.
Greenpeace stunt at French nuclear plant sparks debate
France 24 6 December 2011
Dr Matthew Moran and Dr Chris Hobbs, both from the Department of War Studies, comment on a debate concerning nuclear power in France following a break in by Greenpeace activists at a nuclear facility.
Schools that fail to improve could face 'three strikes' threat
The Times 5 December 2011
Visiting Professor Becky Francis, from the Department of Education & Professional Studies, conducted a study which recommends that schools which fail to improve should face a ‘three strikes’ threat.
The same pay for the 'same' job isn't fair
The Daily Telegraph 1 December 2011
Alison Wolf, Professor of Public Sector Management comments that national rates sound 'attractively simple', but regional inequalities aren't recognised.
Firms to be freed from health and safety red tape
Daily Mail 28 November 2011
Professor Ragnar Lofstedt, from the King’s Centre for Risk Management, has conducted a review of health and safety measures which has proposed cutting and simplifying existing rules. The review was reported by BBC News, The Daily Telegraph, Sunday Times, Financial Times, The Sun, City A.M, Morning Star and Daily Star, and copy from the Press Association by Huffington Post UK, MSN UK and Virgin Media.
Australia's change of tack on uranium exports will help to refashion Asia-Pacific strategy
The Japan Times 28 November 2011
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, writes a column on the relationships between states in the Asia-Pacific following Australia’s decision to resume uranium exports to India.
Morning Reports
BBC Radio 5 Live 27 November 2011
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the significance of an attack on a Pakistani army post by NATO (item starts 04:51). Professor Lieven also spoke to 5 Live Breakfast.
Welfare caps in London provide richest pickings for Conservatives
The Guardian 25 November 2011
Professor Chris Hamnett, from the Department of Geography, spoke at the Great London Authority Intelligence event on the government’s welfare reforms and their impact on London.
Hospitality, not tolerance: civil society and inter-faith relations
ABC Australia 24 November 2011
Dr Luke Bretherton, from the Department of Education & Professional Studies, writes about the importance of encounter and dialogue in society being generated as a result of civic action.
David Starkey is wrong to call Britain a white monoculture
The Guardian 23 November 2011
Professor Chris Hamnett, from the Department of Geography, writes about the increasingly diverse ethnic backgrounds of pupils in the UK’s schools.
Young people want to work
The Guardian 21 November 2011
Dr Deborah Potts from the Department of Geography comments on youth unemployment in Zambia.
The lessons of fallen giants
The New York Times 18 November 2011
Putin would do well to study the fates of Gorbachev, Yeltsin and Shevardnadze writes Denis Corboy, Director of the Caucasus Policy Institute in the Department of War Studies. The opinion piece, in the run up to the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Soviet Union, also also ran in the International Herald Tribune and the Malaysia Star.
Fears grow of a lost generation of jobless
Financial Times 16 November 2011
A piece in the Financial Times on new unemployment figures, which mentions a review carried out earlier this year on apprenticeships by Professor Alison Wolf in the Department of Management.
Ethnic minority pupils increase by 57% in a decade
BBC News 16 November 2011
The study by Chris Hamnett looked at the changing demographics of schools between 1999 and 2009. Also featured in Daily Express, The Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail and Evening Standard.
King of Jordan calls on Syrian leader to step down
The Independent 15 November 2011
James Denselow, from the Department of Geography, comments on the call from the King of Jordan for the Syrian leader to step down. 'I don't think it will have an impact, so long as the Iranians are still with them and Russia and China are not actively working against them. Syria had already descended into civil war,' he said.
Time Team - Brunel's Last Launch
Channel 4 10 November 2011
Professor Andrew Lambert, from the Department of War Studies, explains how Brunel planned to build the biggest ship the world have ever seen, the SS Great Eastern, to reach Australia (item starts 04:45).
A struggle for power
Nature 10 November 2011
Geographer Mark Mulligan points out the Amazon as an area of untapped potential, with the world's greatest river system.
Iran IAEA nuclear report 'to detail capability'
BBC News 8 November 2011
Professor Wyn Bowen, from the Department of War Studies, comments that Iran may have not yet taken the final decision over whether to build a nuclear weapon.
The truth about secrets
Guardian Weekly 8 November 2011
Dr Chris Tribble, from the Department of Education and Professional Studies, writes about the different meanings and grammatical forms of the word ‘secret’.
A conspiracy of optimism
New Statesman 7 November 2011
Professor Theo Farrell, from the Department of War Studies, comments that the conflict in Afghanistan has, for the British Army, been a succession of six month campaigns.
Teach Jane Austen, state schools to be told
The Daily Telegraph 6 November 2011
Bethan Marshall, from the Department of Education and Professional Studies, says that proposals to teach classic English novels at any early age could be a mistake.
One Planet
BBC World Service 6 November 2011
Jemilah Mahmood, from the Humanitarian Futures Programme, talks about why Asia is so vulnerable to natural disasters (item starts 01:41).
A conspiracy of optimism
New Statesman 7 November 2011
Professor Theo Farrell, from the Department of War Studies, comments that the conflict in Afghanistan has, for the British Army, been a succession of six month campaigns.
With a friend like this
International Herald Tribune 2 November 2011
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, says that the US should start treating Pakistan as a enemy, rather than an ally, in the conflict in Afghanistan.
Fight the future: the battle of St Pauls Cathedral
ABC Australia 2 November 2011
Dr Luke Bretherton, from the Department of Education & Professional Studies, comments on the occupation outside St Pauls Cathedral. His column also appeared in the Huffington Post.
Killing al-Qaeda's middle managers may be key to its destruction
Bloomberg 26 October 2011
A report by Professor Peter Neumann, from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence (ICSR) has recommended the targeting of middle mangers in al-Qaeda to undermine the organisation. The report was also covered by the Miami Herald.
Cyber war and the expanding definition of war
Forbes 26 October 2011
Dr Thomas Rid, from the Department of War Studies, comments that we are unlikely to see a ‘cyber-war’ in the near future.
The US departure from Iraq is an illusion
The Guardian 25 October 2011
James Denselow, from the Department of Geography, comments that the US will continue to exert influence in Iraq despite withdrawings all its troops by the end of the year.
Work accident compensation may be cut to reduce red tape
The Daily Telegraph 22 October 2011
A review led by Professor Ragnar Lofstedt, from the King’s Centre for Risk Management, is expected to recommend scraping some health and safety regulation.
Libya War's End Is Rare Victory for NATO
New York Times 21October 2011
Professor Malcolm Chalmers, from the Department of War Studies, comments that NATO wanted to avoid sending in ground troops during the Libya campaign, which is why the conflict took longer than expected. His comments were reported by AP and the International Herald Tribune along with other global media.
Not as close as lips and teeth
The Economist 20 October 2011
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, argues that for India, Vietnam offers a point through which to ‘penetrate China’s periphery’.
Skills and yet more skills - is this what Britain needs today?
The Independent 18 October 2011
Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, comments on the relationship between education and a better-skilled workforce.
Today
BBC Radio 4 18 October 2011
Dr John Bew, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the legacy of Lord Castlereagh, who was Foreign Secretary in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries (item starts 2:54:43).
What can Occupy Wall Street learn from London?
ABC Australia 17 October 2011
Dr Luke Bretherton, from the Department of Education & Professional Studies, writes a column on a group called London Citizens who have started a campaign on responsibility in financial institutions.
We're facing the prospect of a lost generation of young people
The Guardian 13 October 2011
Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, comments on the prospects for unemployed young people.
Forging shining paths
Indian Express 13 October 2011
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, writes on Indian foreign policy towards Southeast Asia.
Education reforms risk 'mass failure', says exam chief
The Daily Telegraph 11 October 2011
A report by Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, estimated that between a quarter and a third of teenagers were in vocational courses of little use to their future career.
Revolting people
The Guardian 11 October 2011
Dr Chris Tribble, from the Department of Education and Professional Studies, writes a column on the language used to describe protestors and revolutionaries.
Fate of Eurozone bailout rests on Slovak politician Richard Sulik
Los Angeles Times 7 October 2011
Dr Christoph Meyer, from the Department of War Studies, comments that the proposed Eurozone bailout is driving nations apart.
Thinking Allowed
BBC Radio 4 5 October 2011
Dr Hayley Davies from the Department of Education & Professional Studies, discusses how importance children give to surnames (item starts 01:38).
Humanism and atheism as civil religions
ABC Australia 4 October 2011
Dr Luke Bretherton, from the Department of Educational and Professional Studies, writes about the nature of modern humanism and atheism.
150,000 social care workers 'paid below legal minimum'
The Guardian 3 October 2011
Research by Dr Shereen Hussein, from the Social Care Workforce Research Unit, has found that 150,000 workers in the social care sector may be getting paid less than the minimum wage. * The research was also be reported by BBC News and on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Why Awlaki mattered
The Wall Street Journal 3 October 2011
Alexander Melegrou-Hitchens, from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, writes a column on the significance of Anwar al-Awlaki, who was killed in Yemen on Friday. His comments were also reported by the Daily Telegraph and he discussed Awlaki's death on ITV News at Ten.
The great apprentice jobs racket
The Mail on Sunday 2 October 2011
Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, expresses concern over whether the rise in apprenticeships is tackling youth employment.
Afghan success difficult to measure
Press Association 2 October 2011
Professor Malcolm Chalmers, from the Department of War Studies, comments on how success in the Afghanistan campaign will be measured.
The death of Anwar al-Awlaki
Al Jazeera 2 October 2011
Shiraz Maher, from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, discusses the impact of the death of Anwar al-Awlaki.
Discipline and loyalty drawn from a tough life growing up followed by the world of the KGB
The Times 1 October 2011
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, writes a profile of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
China space exploration
Al Jazeera (English) 29 September 2011
Professor Bhupendra Jasani, from the Department of War Studies, was interviewed by Al Jazeera on the launch of the Chinese space station module, and how the Chinese programme compares to those of the USA and Russia.
Is Democracy thwarting India's nuclear power ambitions?
Wall Street Journal 26 September 2011
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, comments on protests against nuclear power in India, and the other barriers the government faces to developing the technology.
Ditching water-sharing deal, India fumbles historic opportunity to reshape neighborhood
The Japan Times 26 September 2011
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, writes a column on the relationship between India and Bangladesh.
Woman's Hour
BBC Radio 4 21 September 2011
Dr Jeremy Hodgen, from the Department of Education and Professional Studies, talks about research he has conducted looking at the understanding of maths by teenagers (item starts 01:23).
The India-Vietnam Axis
Wall Street Journal 21st September 2011
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, writes a column on India’s warming relations with Vietnam, in the context of competition with China.
More is less in peace development
The News (Pakistan) 13 September 2011
Dr Rudra Chaudhuri, from the Department of War Studies, writes a column on the state of relations between India and Pakistan.
Criminal investigations
The Guardian 13 September 2011
Dr Chris Tribble, from the Department of Education and Professional Studies, writes a column on the linguistics behind describing crime.
Authorities doubt riots will affect Olympics
China Daily 12 September 2011
Dr John Bew, from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, comments that terrorism is a more likely threat to the Olympics than riots.
Number of clueless maths pupils soars
The Sunday Times 11 September 2011
Dr Jeremy Hodgen, from the Department of Education and Professional Studies, has presented research stating that there has been no improvement in the standard of maths education.
Was this really the day that changed the world for ever?
The Guardian 10 September 2011
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, comments on whether the Bush administration would have tried to invade Iraq even if 9/11 had not taken place.
As organised terror wanes, focus turns to the enemies within
The National (UAE) September 2011
Professor Peter Neumann, from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, comments on America’s counter-radicalisation policy.
Analysis: with us or against us? A decade on, Pakistan wavering
Reuters 9 September 2011
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the feeling in Pakistan that Islam was ‘under attack’ from the USA.
India government cast as 'clueless' in latest blow
Reuters 8 September 2011
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Defence Studies Department, comments on the governance problems impacting on the Indian government. His comments were also reported in the New York Times and Arab News.
Islamist videos, populists stir German worries
Reuters 6 September 2011
Professor Peter Neumann, from the Department of War Studies, comments on German-language Islamist propaganda from central Asia, which is concerning security services. The Reuters copy was also reported in the New York Times.
Explaining 9/11: a question of scale
Al Jazeera 3 September 2011
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, discusses the global consequences of the 9/11 attacks.
A troubling victory
The Economist 2 September 2011
Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, Vice-Principal (Strategy and Development), comments that America should be pleased by the outcome of the NATO campaign in Libya.
Syrian official defects after 'witnessing killings'
Channel 4 News 1 September 2011
James Denselow, from the Department of Geography, comments on the defection of a Syrian Attorney General to the opposition movement.
Libya: what now?
Al Jazeera 30 August 2011
George Joffe, Visiting Professor in the Department of Geography, writes a column on the dangers ahead for the new Libyan government.
China the quiet winner in war on terror
The Australian 29 August 2011
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, writes a column on the ascension of China following the war on terror.
5 Live Drive
BBC Radio 5 Live 26 August 2011
Dr Jonathan Hill, from the Defence Studies Department, commented on the bombing of a UN building in Nigeria (item starts 1:08:06) The interview was also broadcast on the BBC World Service.
'Epidemic of excuses' by health and safety brigade
The Daily Telegraph 24 August 2011
Professor Ragnar Lofstedt, from the King's Centre for Risk Management, has been appointed to review health and safety laws and report back with proposals to simplify them.
How Labour let a generation down with easy GCSEs
Daily Mail 22 August 2011
A review by Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, into the value of courses taken after the age of 16 is mentioned in an article.
This was the Navy's finest hour
The Independent 19 August 2011
Professor Andrew Lambert, from the Department of War Studies, reviews a book on the Royal Navy in World War II.
The water industry must take on the world
Financial Times 17 August 2011
Nick Butler, chair of the King's Policy Institute, co-authors an article on the importance and development of the UK's water industry.
Today
BBC Radio 4 17 August 2011
Professor Tim Butler, Head of the Department of Geography, comments on the aftermath of the rioting in England and the impact of gentrification (item starts 2:51:10).
London Riots
The Wall Street Journal 10 August 2011
Professor Chris Hamnett, from the Department of Geography, comments on the London riots and the motivations behind those taking part.
T he Mammogram and the Pink Cancer
Emma Jackson, a Post-Doctoral Research Assistant in the Department of Geography, writes an article about the fundraising and marketing techniques used by breast cancer awareness campaigns.
Reinsurance firms leaders in emerging risk analysis
Bloomberg 4 August 2011
Dr Bruce Malamud, from the Department of Geography, comments on whether we can predict natural hazards and how reinsurance companies can minimise risk from natural disasters.
Welcome to synurbia
BBC Nature 3 August 2011
Research by Dr Robert Francis and Dr Michael Chadwick, both from the Department of Geography, into ‘synurbic’ animal species, which are those particularly associated with humans and human habitation, is discussed in a column.
Fry's English Delight
BBC Radio 4 1 August 2011
Dr Julia Snell, from the Education and Professional Studies Department, spoke to Stephen Fry about whether we judge each other by accents and language (item starts 04:38). * Dr Snell's comments were also reported by The Daily Telegraph and the Daily Mail.
Today
BBC Radio 4 1 August 2011
Dr John Gearson, from the Department of War Studies, talks about the start of Ramadan and the impact it might have on fighting in Afgahnistan and Libya (item starts 1:56:51).
Yugoslavia war court sets wider precedents
Reuters 1 August 2011
Professor James Gow, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the success of the Yugoslavia war crimes tribunal.
Culture shields sluggish Norway police from critics
New York Times 27 July 2011
Dr John Gearson, from the Department of War Studies, comments on how there has been little criticism of the Norwegian police following the attacks there.
Russian Winter and Arab Spring
International Herald Tribune 26 July 2011
Dr Denis Corboy, Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the Department of War Studies, co-authored an article stating that Europe is best placed to foster change in the Arab World.
Newsdrive
BBC Radio Scotland 26 July 2011
Dr Randolph Kent, Director of the Humanitarian Futures Programme, comments on the response of the international community to the famine in the Horn of Africa (item starts 04:26).
Norway counts its dead
The Guardian 25 July 2011
Dr John Bew, Director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence, comments that there has been a lack of research on far-right extremism, following the attacks in Norway.
Boulton and Co
Sky News 25 July 2011
Dr John Gearson, from the Department of War Studies, talks about the security threat to the UK following the attacks in Norway.
BBC One
Breakfast 24 July 2011
Dr John Gearson, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the possible motives behind the attacks in Norway. * Dr Gearson's comments also appeared in the Daily Telegraph.
The chasm between India and China
Wall Street Journal 24 July 2011
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Defence Studies Department, writes a column on the relationship between India and the USA.
Analysts' view - bomb and shooting in Norway
Reuters UK 23 July 2011
Jonathan Paris, from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, comments on who could have carried out the attacks in Norway. * His comments were also reported in the New York Times.
The time when the British army was really streched
BBC News 23 July 2011
Dr Huw Davies, from the Defence Studies Department, comments on the relatively small size of the British army during the 19th Century, in comparison to proposed reductions in troop levels of the modern army.
After tour, Reservists' mental health may suffer
Reuters 21 July 2011
A study by Dr Samuel Harvey, from the Institute of Psychiatry and Professor Christopher Dandeker, from the Centre for Military Health Research, has found that reservists have more problems adjusting to civilian life than regular soliders do.
'Bonfire of the Mickey Mouse school courses'
Daily Telegraph 21 July 2011
Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, comments on proposals to remove certain school subjects from league tables
It's club night for science teachers
The Guardian 19 July 2011
Professor Justin Dillon, from the Department of Education and Professional Studies, reports on the Science Teacher Journal Club, a network of science teachers who discuss new ideas.
Famous first words
Guardian Weekly 5 July 2011
Dr Chris Tribble, from the Departmen of Education and Professional Studies, writes an article about phrases used to start sentences.
The art of urban regeneration
The Independent 1 July 2011
Professor Loretta Lees, from the Department of Geography, comments on the decline in funding for arts regeneration projects.
Connect Asia
ABC Radio Australia 10 June 2011
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, talks about Pakistan's military intelligent community.
Ofsted warning over 'weak' vocational qualifications
Daily Telegraph 8 June 2011
A report by Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, into vocational courses is mentioned in an article.
Breakfast
BBC Radio Wales 7 June 2011
Dr John Gearson, Director of the Centre for Defence Studies, talks about the new counter-terrorism strategy.
India finds its second wind with Afghanistan
The Japan Times 6 June 2011
Dr Harsh V Pant, from the Defence Studies Department, writes a column on Indian's relationship with Afghanistan.
Healthcare show
BBC London 6 June 2011
Professor Margaret Cox, from the Department of Education and Professional Studies, talks about artificial limb technology designed at Kings.
More people go armed as Ulster dissident threat grows
The Independent on Sunday 5 June 2011
Dr John Bew, from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, comments on the threat posed in Northern Ireland by dissidents.
Half of pupils need to learn vocational trade at 16
Daily Telegraph 3 June 2011
A report by Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, into practical qualifications, is mentioned.
Five myths about Pakistan
The Washington Post 3 June 2011
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, writes a comment piece on Pakistan's policies towards America and extremism. * Also in The Irish Times and Th Khaleej Times.
Blue Labour and House of Lords reform
ABC (Australia) 30 May 2011
Dr Luke Bretherton, from the Department of Education and Professional Studies, writes an article on constitutional reform and the Church in the UK.
Just war in theory and practice
The Guardian 28 May 2011
Sebastian Bieber from the Department of War Studies, comments on just war theory.
Yemen on brink of civil war
Daily Mirror 27 May 2011
Major General Julian Thompson, visiting Professor at the Department of War Studies, gives his analysis of the situation in Yemen.
Counter-terrorism set to be key issue at G8 summit
China Daily 26 May 2011
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, comments on whether the world is a safer place following the death of Bin Laden.
Braving Pakistan's 'clerical tsunami'
ABC 26 May 2011
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, comments on Pakistan's future.
China is key to America's Afghan endgame
International Herald Tribune 26 May 2011
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, writes an article on China's importance to the USA in issues concerning Afghanistan and Pakistan. * Also in The Globe and Mail (Canada) and Xinhua (China).
Professor Lieven also commented on BBC China.
Italian business faces lose-lose situation in Libya
New York Times 25 May 2011
Sebastiano Sali, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the relationship between Italy and Libya.
Female leadership in higher education
The Guardian 24 May 2011
Dr Kate Maclean, from the Department of Geography, was on a panel offering advice to women for reaching leadership positions in Higher Education.
Analysis: no end in sight for NATO in Libya
New York Times 24 May 2011
Professor Theo Farrell, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the decision to use helicopters in the Libyan conflict. * Also featured in Associated Press, Forbes.
How American folly could destory Pakistan
Financial Times 24 May 2011
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, writes a column on the political situation in Pakistan.
The lessons of Libya
The Economist 19 May 2011
Professor Mats Berdal, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the western intervention in Libya.
Start the week
BBC Radio 4 16 May 2011
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, speaks to Andrew Marr about the future of Pakistan.
A faltering bargain with Pakistan
Newsweek 16 May 2011
A bylined piece from Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, discusses US-Pakistan relations this week, in light of the recent killing of bin Laden.
Why education adds up
The Guardian 10 May 2011
Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, comments on whether lessons on personal finance in schools would be effective.
How shale gas will transform the markets
Financial Times 9 May 2011
Nick Butler, chair of the King's Policy Institute, writes about the rising importance of shale gas. 'There will no doubt be more energy crisis headlines in 2011. However lasting changes are unlikely to flow from political conflicts in north Africa or the nuclear sector in Japan. Instead, it is the quiet combination of geology and technology that could transform global energy in decades to come.'
Death of Osama Bin Laden
BBC Radio 4 iPM 7 May 2011
Dr John Mackinlay, in the Department of War Studies, talks about the capture and death of Osama Bin Laden and the significance of Abbottabad.
India wary of US bid for endgame in Pakistan
The National (UAE) 5 May 2011
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies comments on a piece on Indian foreign policy following the death of Osama Bin Laden. 'New Delhi has been contemplating the impact of a US withdrawal from Afghanistan for a while. If the US left lock, stock and barrel, India would be left to pick up the pieces,' he said.
Osama bin Laden dead: experts fear fresh wave of terror attacks
Daily Telegraph 3 May 2011
The death of Osama bin Laden could lead to an escalation of terrorist activity because al-Qaeda will want to prove it has not been beaten, experts fear. John Gearson, director of the Centre for Defence Studies, said al-Qaeda would remain a 'major security concern.'
He said: 'I think the significance of what has happened cannot really be overstated ... I would expect embassies and military bases around the world to be on high alert for some time.'
'There will be concerns that there could be some sort of retaliation, that al-Qaida may well want to demonstrate that they are still strong and still in the game.' *Also reported in The Sun, Daily Express, Independent, Daily Mail, BBC Radio Five Live Breakfast.
Blue Labour's openness embraces tradition
Guardian.co.uk, Comment is Free, Tuesday 3 May 2011
Dr Luke Bretherton, Reader in Theology & Politics, Department of Education & Professional Studies, writes "Religion can appear a threat to what is 'progressive'. But tradition is not the enemy of emancipatory politics – it is the basis of it."
India protects Kazakhstan stake
The Japan Times 2 May 2011
Harsh Pant, from the Department of War Studies, comments on India's relations with Kazakhstan, amid India's growing interests in Central Asia.
Clever, but stuck
Prospect Magazine 1 May 2011
Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, writes that Governments have neglected the importance of high achievement in their focus on failing schools.
Pakistan: A Hard Country by Anatol Lieven – review
Guardian/Observer 30 April 2011
'Anatol Lieven's clear-sighted study asks if Pakistan has lost control of its international narrative. Still, Lieven overturns many prejudices, and gives general readers plenty of fresh concepts with which to think about a routinely misrepresented country.' Review of 'Pakistan: A Hard Country', by Anatol Lieven, in the Department of War Studies.
Turkey: Inspiring or insidious
Financial Times (Europe) 29 April 2011
A piece on Fethullah Gulen – a preacher in Turkey who has inspired the creation of a vast network of schools and student dormitories that blend academic rigour, especially in the sciences, with a moral education based on Islamic principles. Bill Park, from the Department of Defence Studies comments, describing it as a 'heady and promising combination of faith, identity, material progress, democratisation and dialogue'.
Who holds power on the internet?
BBC Radio 4 The World Tonight 25 April 2011
A debate on controls on the internet hosted by Robin Lustig, featuring Professor Sir David Omand, who is a visiting professor in the Department of War Studies.
Bring in the Taliban
New York Times/International Herald Tribune 23 April 2011
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies writes an op-ed on Washington's military strategy in Afghanistan and why the Taliban should be included in peace talks.
Sound and fury of the New Atheists
The Times (Christian Faith supplement) 23 April 2011
Reverend Professor Alister McGrath, Chair in Theology, Ministry and Education and Head of the Centre for Theology, Religion & Culture, writes about the 'New Atheism', and how cultural interest in God and religion has resurged
Decreasing pool of technicians
Times Higher Education 21 April 2011
University departments could struggle to replace the large number of technicians due to retire in the next few years. This is the conclusion of a report into the skills and training of university technicians by researchers from King's Department of Management. Around half of technicians in chemistry, engineering and physics departments are due to retire within the next 15 years, the report says.
A country that somehow still functions
Evening Standard 21 April 2011
Book review of 'Pakistan: A Hard Country' by Anatol Lieven from King's Department of War Studies. 'This book is measured, insightful and extremely useful for anyone who hopes to understand more about this much misunderstood country.' *Book review also in the Financial Times (23rd April)
Writing History
BBC (The One Show) 20 April 2011
In a feature about Sir Walter Raleigh, Professor Andrew Lambert from the Department of War Studies, visits the jail where Raleigh wrote 'The History of the World'. He talks about how he built the legend of Walter Raleigh and wrote himself into history.
Six people killed in attack on Libyan city of Misrata
BBC News 17 April 2011
Dr John Gearson, director of the Centre for Defence Studies, was interviewed on the current situation in Libya. He said: 'Politics and the military situation are out of sync at the moment. What would make the difference is the rebels having capacity to have commander control, in other words how they deal with attacks from the Gaddafi forces. The UN resolution talks about no foreign forces of occupation. If President Obama continues to take this deliberate back seat countries like Turkey will feel they can direct this operation.'
Postcode Professor sells up in Alpha territory
The Mail on Sunday 17 April 2011
Professor Richard Webber, Visiting Professor of Geography, invented a computer software system called Mosaic that analyses your postcode to reveal everything about you. It is now used worldwide from the NHS to Tesco. In terms of property, it is used by insurance companies to set premiums based on claim rats for each demographic to identify areas on the up. Professor Webber is now selling his home and says he will use the software to narrow the search for his next home.
Britain's changing ethnic map: how suburbia has been transformed
The Observer 10 April 2011
Migrant communities are on the move, driven by rising affluence and aspirations, a new analysis for the Observer concludes ahead of the census results. The piece includes research by Tim Butler, Professor of Geography, who recently carried out studies in five regions in the east of the capital.
NATO expresses regret over mistaken airstrike on Libyan rebels
The New York Times 9 April 2011
NATO acknowledge on Friday that its warplanes hit a rebel convoy the day before, killing at least four peole, and after some confusion eventually expressed regret ovder the accident. Professor Malcolm Chalmers commented that 'We haven't had a significant military operation in which the Americans have taken a back seat for some time.' He continues; 'It really is unclear whether the Europeans can rise to that challenge.'
Who is Britain's best general?
BBC Radio 4 Today Programme 8th April 2011
Dr William Philpott, author and military historian from the Department of War Studies, and Peter Snow, author of To War with Wellington: From the Peninsula to Waterloo, debated who has been Britain’s greatest general.
Pakistan: Post-uprisings depression
The Economist 7 April 2011
A review of Anatol Lieven's new book 'Pakistan: A Hard Country'. 'Yet for drama, colour and complexity, the place is hard to beat; and Anatol Lieven captures the richness of the place wonderfully. His book has the virtues of both journalism and scholarship—not surprising, since Mr Lieven used to be a reporter for the Times and is now at King’s College, London. He has travelled extensively and talked widely, to generals, shopkeepers, farmers, lawyers and bureaucrats.'
'The notion that Pakistan is approaching the condition of a failed state is popular these days. Mr Lieven rejects it. The state may be weak, but in his view society is strong, which both holds the place together and frustrates attempts to modernise it.'
Is Britain to blame for many of the world’s problems?
BBC News online 7 April 2011
David Cameron has suggested that Britain, and the legacy of its empire, was responsible for many of the world’s historic problems. But is that view fair? Dr Nick Lloyd, Department of Defence Studies, gave his view.
Why it's wrong to give up on them
Daily Telegraph (Review) 2 April 2011
Professor Anatol Lieven's book, 'Pakistan: a Hard Country' is reviewed by Peter Oborne who says the work dispels the myth of Pakistan as a country on the brink. He highlights that the greatest dangers to stability in the region are climate change and anti-Americanism
Libya update
Sky News 1 April 2011
Professor John Gearson from the Department of Defence Studies talks about the latest developments in Libya.
Libya conflict
BBC Radio Gloucester 30 March 2011
US President Barack Obama says he's not ruling out arming the rebels who want to overthrow Colonel Gaddafi. Dr Nicolas Lloyd from Defence Studies was interviewed about the issue.
MoD payouts show Afghans' growing catalogue of suffering
The Guardian 29 March 2011
Afghan civilians compensated for deaths, injuries and property damage caused by British forces received £1.3million last year from the Ministry of Defence, but this is less than half of what they asked for. Professor Theo Farrell from War Studies said the increased bill for compensation could be because more civilians were being killed and more damange caused, but there could also have been a change in British policy to make bigger payments.
NATO Allies Look to Tripoli to Topple Qaddafi in Libyan Endgame
Bloomberg 29 March 2011
A piece on the 'exit strategy' of the allied forces as they look to topple Gaddafi in Libya. Professor Mats Berdal, of the Department of War Studies, says: 'There are two options: either Qaddafi leaves the country or is killed. And he’s not likely to leave Libya.' With the allied strikes inflicting 'meltdown', the military 'is increasingly seeing there’s nothing in this for them'.
Libya and Mid-East crisis as it happened: Tuesday
BBC News 29 March 2011
Dr John Gearson, Director of the Centre for Defence Studies at King's, tells the BBC that although sending arms to the Libyan rebels might be 'superficially attractive', those receiving them will need to be trained how to use them.
The Sarkozy Redemption?
Open Democracy 29 March 2011
Dr Matthew Moran, from the International Centre for Security Analysis at King's, writes about President Sarkozy's chance to 'rejuvenate' his image, with the UN-sanctioned military action in Libya.
Parents fighting for children's places at top schools
BBC1 (London News) 22 March 2011
As parents launch appeals to fight for the school of their child's choice new Government figures show the number of those appeals has dropped. London's councils say the admissions system has improved. Professor Chris Hamnett from the Geography department at King's comments: 'There are too many parents facing too few places at the most popular schools.'
Fundamental lessons from Japan
BBC World Service 22 March 2011
Dr Randolph Kent, Director of the Humanitarian Futures Programme at King’s, is interviewed on the humanitarian perspective on the Japanese disaster. He said one of the best prepared countries in the world was, by its own Prime Minister’s admission, overwhelmed by the sequence of disasters and there were gaps in the planning process. Dr. Kent said it was time to learn lessons from this tragedy and not make criticisms.
Libya - can humanitarians preserve a neutral role?
BBC World Service World Today 22 March 2011
Dr Randolph Kent, Director of the Humanitarian Futures Programme at King’s, warns that working under a military umbrella in a conflict zone such as Libya can distort the neutral role in which humanitarians are seen. He told The World Today that peculiarly, he was less concerned about the immediate humanitarian situation in Libya and more worried about the very survival and development in democratic terms, of the region as a whole .
Government to cut health and safety inspections by a third
The Guardian (p9) 21 March 2011
Work and Pensions Minister, Chris Grayling, will announce a long-term review of all health and safety laws in the workplace, to be undertaken by Professor Ragnar E Lofstedt, a specialist in risk management at King's. The findings will be published in the autumn.
Leaders Struggle to Define Next Moves
Wall Street Journal 21 March 2011
Now that a no-fly zone has been established over Libya, the Wall Street Journal looks at what the Western leaders will be doing next, as divisions emerge over the long-term mission. Professor Malcolm Chalmers, from the Department of War Studies, comments that the NATO no-fly zone over Kosovo in the 1990s was undermined by Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic, who placed military personnel in civilian areas and hid military assets. In the end, it was the threat of ground forces that proved decisive. 'You quickly run out of targets and they quickly adapt their tactics,' he says.
War in Libya
BBC Breakfast/BBC News 21 March 2011
Dr John Gearson, Director of the Centre for Defence Studies at King's was interviewed this morning about the air raids on Libya. 'What we're seeing is tension and resolution between a logical military approach versus the political imperative to not make it appear this is a Western intervention,' he said. 'Gaddafi's capacity to threaten allied aircraft had to be removed and his ability to communicate with his forces diminished.' *Dr Gearson's comments were also featured on BBC Radio Five Live, BBC Radio Newcastle, BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, Radio Leicester, BBC Radio Gloucester and Norfolk Today.
Tale of two defense policies
The Japan Times 16 March 2011
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, outlines Chinese and Indian defence strategies. 'The capability differential between China and India is rising at an alarming rate. An effective defense policy is not merely about deterring China. In the absence of an effective defense policy, India will lose the confidence to conduct its foreign policy unhindered from external and internal security challenges.'
Random. Fallacious. Arrogant.
The Independent on Sunday (p18) 6 March 2011
Professor Greg Kennedy, from the Corbett Centre for Maritime Policy Studies at King's, is one of fifty senior military figures, politicians and academics who have written to David Cameron. The letter warns that in its rush to save money on defence, the coalition has made a profound error.
The kids are alright
The Observer 6 March 2011
A million young Britons are out of work but across the UK a growing number of twenty-somethings are creating businesses of their own. Ella Bitton is studying for a business management degree at King's and is a member of King's Business Club. She wants to be an entrepreneur and start her own business.
A third of school leavers take 'dead end' courses
Daily Telegraph (p1) 3 March 2011
Professor Alison Wolf says the vocational education system is failing too many children in a government review published today. The report recommends shifting money away from poor quality courses in favour of work-based tuition, including apprenticeships. *Also in Daily Mail, Daily Express, BBC Radio 4 Today Programme, BBC Radio 5 Live.
The difficulties in setting up a no-fly zone
BBC News 1 March 2011
Mervyn Frost, Head of the War Studies department, talks to BBC News about the problems in establishing a no-fly zone over Libya.
The dangers of dependence on autocratic oil
Financial Times 1 March 2011
Nick Butler, chairman of the King's Policy Institutes, comments on trends that are making the global oil market more vulnerable, and with them carry threats to the global economic recovery. He points to the increasing reliance on oil supplies that are from 'countries that are authoritarian, or worse' as a significant concern.
Military experts' warning over defence spending review
Daily Telegraph 25 February 2011
A letter sent to David Cameron by military experts and retired commanders is published in The Daily Telegraph. It warns of the risks posed to British forces by the Strategic Defence Spending Review. The letter is signed by Professor Andrew Lambert, Laughton Professor of Naval History in the Department of War Studies, among other academics and military commanders.
Libya: Past and Future?
Al Jazeera 24 February 2011
George Joffe, visiting professor in the King's Geography department, comments on who might fill the vacuum in Libya in the aftermath of the Qaddafi regime.
For Somali pirates, killing 4 US hostages an abnormal action
PBS News Hour (USA) 22 February 2011
Martin Murphy from the Corbett Centre for Maritime Policy Studies (Defence Studies) talks to PBS about why the killing of US hostages by Somali pirates is so unusual.
Colonel Gaddafi under pressure at home and abroad
BBC Radio Scotland 21 February 2011
George Joffe, Visiting Professor in the Geography Department, is interviewed about the location of Colonel Gaddafi, saying: 'The regime thought this was just another demonstration but the escalation should have given them a warning. It appears they didn't fully listen to it.'
Former senior Taliban member visits Britain
Daily Telegraph 13 February 2011
The Telegraph reports on the visit to the UK of Mullah Abdul Salaam Zaeef, a member of the Taliban government before September 11. His visit was part of closed-door talks held at King's College London, to bring together opinions from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, the United States and Britain on solving problems in Afghanistan.
Hidden tigers: Why Chinese childen do so well academically
The Guardian (p5) 8 February 2011
The Guardian examines why Chinese children from all backgrounds do so well academically. A recent academic study looked at British Chinese pupils' experience in recent years. Visiting Professor Becky Francis, Director of Education at the Royal Society of Arts and one of the researchers, explains that families of Chinese heritage see taking education seriously as a fundamental part of their identity, and a way of differentiating themselves within their own group and from other ethnic groups.
Defence groups set sights on cyberspace
Financial Times (p19) 6 February 2011
Computer-based security threats are forcing the industry to adapt, with cyber-security climbing up the political agenda. Dr David Betz, Senior Lecturer in the Department of War Studies, comments on the vulnerability of information systems in society and the associated security problems for the defence industry.
David Cameron on multiculturalism in the UK
BBC Radio 4 PM Programme 5 February 2011
A report on the Prime Minister’s announcement that multiculturalism does not work in the UK. Shiraz Maher, from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR), was interviewed in the studio, saying he agrees that multiculturalism has failed in the way David Cameron described.
Egypt's army looks beyond Mubarak
Financial Times (p15) 3 February 2011
An article by Professor Yezid Sayigh, Department of War Studies, on the fate of Hosni Mubarak. He writes, his fate was decided on the eve of Tuesday’s mass demonstration said the protest was legitimate and that it would not fire on the people.
Pressure on pay in private sector mounts
Financial Times (p4) 3 February 2011
The article mentions a report into HR by Speechly Bircham and the Department of Management. *Also in HR Magazine and Personnel Today. Read King's press release.
Response: Blame the banks and the government, not us baby boomers
The Guardian (p35) 6 January 2011
Far from being selfish, we baby boomers paid our taxes and passed our money to younger generations writes Dr Dinah Bisdee, a Visiting Fellow at the Institute of Gerontology.
Poor maths result for home team
The Times Higher Education (p14) 6 January 2011
Fewer than one in five students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland study any kind of mathematics after GCSE, the lowest participation in a comparative study of 24 countries. The research was by Dr Jeremy Hodgen, Department of Education and Professional studies.
Service secrets
BBC History Magazine (p66) 1 January 2011
Dr Michael S Goodman, Department of War Studies, reviews 'MI6: The History of the Secret Intelligence service'.