Media coverage 2012
See below for a selection of media coverage from across the School of Social Science & Public Policy in 2012. You can also visit the College's News Centre or follow the links to previous years' coverage.
May
Fertile past unearthed from sands of Arabia
The National 17 May 2012
The Arabian Peninsular may hold the key to understanding how humans travelled out of Africa to populate the rest of the world. Dr Nick Drake, Geography, has been playing his part in the research; identifying historic and prehistoric water sources - rivers and lake basins - by studying NASA images. Along with other researchers, he will reconsider sites which have already been excavated, that may hold previously undiscovered evidence.
Exceptional ordinariness
Guardian (Web) 15 May 2012
Dr Christopher Tribble, Department of Education & Professional Studies, writes why the unusual may not be so different, and what makes something newsworthy.
Making History
BBC Radio 4 15 May 2012
Andrew Lambert,War Studies, talks about the activities of what were effectively freelance ships which were used by both sides in The forgotten war of 1812, but more predominantly by the Americans to raid British convoys.
Al Qaeda's Most Dangerous Franchise
The Wall Street Journal (Europe) 11 May 2012
Professor Peter Neumann and Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens, International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, write about the determination of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsular (AQAP) to strike against the West.
Africa's clothes curse
The Guardian 10 May 2012
In response to an article on the global secondhand clothing trade Dr Andrew Brooks, Department of Geography, says the scale of trade is underestimated.
A viable plan for making Afghanistan safe from terror
Telegraph (Web) 3 May 2012
Dr Julian Lewis, Senior Visiting Research Fellow in the Department of War Studies, questions the military 'solution' in Afghanistan, commenting: 'Western policy should not be characterised by an all-or-nothing approach. The threat from international terrorism is unpredictable and it needs to be counteracted by flexible means.'
Cut back on regulations that prevent job creation
Daily Express (Scotland) 2 May 2012
Professor Ragnar Löfstedt, Geography, has pointed out that too many health and safety regulations are 'applied too widely and disproportionately', and employment minister, Chris Grayling, goes on to say that this is destroying employment opportunities.
When Washington burned
BBC History Magazine 1 May 2012
Professor Andrew Lambert, War Studies, holds a five page feature proclaiming that the British had a greater reason to rejoice after the War of 1812, a military conflict between the United States of America and the British Empire. He comments that maybe now is the time to 'reconsider who really won the War of 1812'.
Bin Laden's death hurt al-Qaeda...but now it hunts with lone wolves
The Sun 1 May 2012
Professor Peter Neumann, War Studies, questions if the world is really a safer place, one year since the death of Osama Bin Laden. He comments: 'If anything, the threat from al-Qaeda is less predictable today than it was a decade ago'.
Good Morning Scotland
BBC Radio Scotland 1 May 2012
Dr Robert Bradnock, Geography, said that al-Qaeda has become less effective after Osama Bin Laden's death, however other terrorist groups around the world have replaced them. He commented: 'The springs of terrorism go much wider than al-Qaeda'.
April
Killers of beheaded Briton in Pakistan 'to release video'
Channel 4 News (Web) 30 April 2012
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, comments that kidnapping in the region Baluchistan, Pakistan, has been happening for a while, but killing westerners is rare. He said: 'There are bandit groups, but in the past, they were careful not to kill westerners, although this could be bungled on their part.'
Agni-V missile test moves India past its old rivalries
The National 29 April 2012
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, saus that 'the real problem in India-Pakistan ties today is not Pakistan's nuclear capability but the reluctance of the Pakistani security establishment to unequivocally renounce terrorism as an instrument of state policy'.
Return of the startechies
New Scientist 28 April 2012
Dr Paul Lewis, Management, who has researched the role of university technicians, comments that 'technicians contribute their own intellectual insight' when working with scientists or engineers on an experiment or new piece of equipment.
Google backs online forum for ex-terrorists
The Daily Telegraph 26 April 2012
The search engine Google, has backed a project to put reformed terrorists and ex-violent radicals in touch online in an effort to combat extremism worldwide. Tim Stevens, a PhD student in War Studies, comments Google is under pressure from governments and private lobbies and warns 'Google will need to be careful about being drawn into such a highly politicised area'.
It can spy and also do a hundred humdrum things
The Hindu 26 April 2012
Professor Bhupendra Jasani, War Studies, remarked that a radar satellite is 'a very powerful instrument' for detecting naval movements; and that they could even pick up the wake of submarines moving below the surface.
UK team develops Trek 'Tricorder'
Press Association 24th April 2012
Synthectic biology is being hailed the 'new GM' and is causing some alarm about meddling with nature as genetic modification. Professor Nikolas Rose, Department of Social Science, Health & Medicine, believes technology needs to be controlled and regulated to win public trust.
India’s nuclear choices
Times of India 23 April 2012
Frank O'Donnell, a PhD student in the Department of War Studies, writes that India's missile test could throw challenging questions about which direction the country's nuclear weapons programme will take.
A very long endgame in Afghanistan
The Sydney Morning Herald 21 April 2012
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, points out the Afghan state fostered by the Soviets fought on with surprising resilience, actually outlasting the Soviet Union itself.
We can't let those who care for us be paid so little
The Guardian 19 April 2012
Dr Shereen Hussein, Department of Social Science, Health & Medicine, estimates that there are between 150,000 and 220,000 care workers who are receiving less than the minimum wage.
India tests long-range missile; capable of reaching China
Reuters 19 April 2012
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, commented on India test-firing a long range missile capable of reaching deep into China and Europe on Thursday, saying: 'It is one of the ways of signalling India's arrival on the global stage, that India deserves to be sitting at the high table.' Also reported by CNBC (Web), the Guardian, Al Jazeera, and the Hindustan Times.
Away with the jerry cans! Oil's bubble is bursting
Financial Times 18 April 2012
Nick Butler, Social Science & Public Policy, writes: 'one of the great pleasures in life for economists is watching bubbles burst.'
5 Live Breakfast
BBC Radio Five Live 18 April 2012
Professor Peter Neumann, Department of War Studies, comments that the general public doesn't comprehend Anders Breivik's motivations, as we don't understand or empathise with his actions.
On legal aid, MPs should vote to protect vulnerable women and children
Guardian (Web) 17 April 2012
The government aims to save £350m annually on the budget for legal aid by implementing a series of cuts but research by King's found the cuts would cost at least £139m in unintended consequences.
The future is not looking so 'Bright' for Atheism
ABC Australia 13th April 2012
Professor Alister McGrath, Education and Professional Studies, said that the ‘New Atheism’ movement is losing its appeal and has become predictable in its denunciations of religion.
Puritanical Darwinism and sacred laughter
ABC Australia 12th April 2012
Dr Luke Bretherton, Education and Professional Studies, said that satire is a way of being faithful to the gospels which themselves don’t treat the world too seriously.
Boulton & Co
Sky News 11 April 2012
Following an earthquake off the coast of Indonesia, Dr Bob Bradnock, Visiting Senior Research Fellow, Geography, said that the Indian Ocean is nowhere near as prone to earthquakes as the Pacific region.
Why earthquake off Sumatra did not trigger a devastating tsunami
The Guardian 11 April 2012
Dr Bruce Malamud, Geography, said that aftershocks can be expected in the coming weeks and months following an earthquake off the coast of northern Sumatra in Indonesia. Dr Malamud also spoke to the New Zealand Herald.
Will more diplomacy save Syria?
Al Jazeera 11 April 2012
James Denselow, Geography, said that Kofi Annan’s peace plan will not stop the violence in Syria and is unlikely to work.
Why economics matters
The Guardian 10 April 2012
Dr Chris Tribble, Education and Professional Studies, said that analysis of the words used to describe the economy can enlighten teaching of business.
World Diary
Financial Times 9 April 2012
Major General Julian Thompson, Visiting Professor, War Studies, is speaking at the Royal United Services Institute on Thursday 12 April on the topic ‘reflections on the Falklands War’.
Hopes that insurers' deal marks a turning point for older drivers
Independent on Sunday 8 April 2012
Dr Debora Price, Institute of Gerontology, said that driving is an essential element of older people’s wellbeing and without access to a car, their risk of isolation would be a lot greater.
Sunday
BBC Radio 4 8 April 2012
Professor Alistair McGrath, Education and Professional Studies, said that the resurrection of Jesus is not part of a human need for immortality (item starts 31:12).
A New Year's resolution? Let's stop paying less than the minimum wage to those who care for the elderly and vulnerable
New Statesman 4 April 2012
A report by Dr Shereen Hussein, Social Care Workforce Research Unit, has shown that at least 150,000 care workers are being paid less than the legal minimum.
King's College London and Cornell University join forces to launch International HR management academy
HR Magazine 4 April 2012
King's and Cornell University have launched an international HR (human resources) academy which is designed to be a forum for sharing cutting edge academic research, and new knowledge and ideas with HR leaders.
India's Gen. V.K. Singh alleges massive bribery scheme
Global Post (India) 3 April 2012
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, says that despite talk of India being a rising military power, much of its armed forces is in need of modernisation and upgrading.
The sovereignty dispute from a British point of view
Buenos Aires Herald 2 April 2012
Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, Vice Principal (Strategy and Development) says that rather than focus on the issue of sovereignty, Argentina and Britain should focus on matters regarding the Falklands which they can agree and work together on.
Lofstedt: risk assessor
Health & Safety at Work 1 April 2012
Professor Ragnar Lofstedt, Centre for Risk Management, says he was honoured to be asked to undertake a review of the UK’s health and safety laws.
Manufacturing growth
Prospect 1 April 2012
Professor Alison Wolf, Management, says that training people in new skills does not necessarily create growth or innovation in the economy.
Bridge of Spies: a true story of the Cold War
BBC History Magazine 1 April 2012
Dr Michael Goodman, War Studies, reviews a book on Cold War spies, saying that their world is ‘so fantastic you could not make it up’.
Falklands War was 'nearly a disaster'
The Scotsman 1 April 2012
Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, Vice Principal (Strategy and Development), says that if certain supply ships had not been sunk during the Falklands War, then the re-taking of the islands by the British might have been easier.
March
An end to illusion
Financial Times 30 March 2012
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, says that an ignorance of the complexity of tribal relationships at a local level in Afghanistan is one of the reasons for the failure of the West to form a coherent political plan for the country.
Policing the world?
Bangla Mirror 30 March 2012
Professor Chris Kinsey, Defence Studies, says that British security firms are increasingly involved in the lucrative business of providing armed guards on ships sailing off the coast of Somali, to protect them from pirates.
China's Boom Unsettles the BRICS
Wall Street Journal 28 March 2012
Dr Harsh Pant writes that 'even if the BRICs get their economic act together', they won't transfer that strength into a unified political force.
Taking the next step: security sector reform in Libya
Open Democracy 27 March 2012
Jelena Petrovic, a PhD student in War Studies, says that the experiences of implementing reforms in the security sector in the Balkans could hold lessons for the emerging Libyan government.
Cyber War: what is it good for...
Gov Loop (US) 26 March 2012
Dr Thomas Rid, War Studies, says that although the threat of cyberwar is real, it is nowhere near as serious as it is often made out to be. Dr Rid says that only two countries, the USA and Israel, have the capability to execute a cyber war effectively.
Talk point: how would the younger generation run big business differently?
The Guardian 26 March 2012
Jack Tang, a student from Management who is the founder of thestudentjob.com, says that traditional business practices are uninspiring for the younger, tech-savvy generation.
Let's not play politics with murder
The Observer 25 March 2012
Shiraz Maher, International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, says that an Islamic extremist from Birmingham attempted to terrify Muslims who identified themselves as British or served in the British Army.
Nuke-free NZ is poster child
New Zealand Herald 24 March 2012
Professor Wyn Bowen, War Studies, says that a nuclear terrorist event would have political and economic repercussions for the whole world.
Getting off the fence
Indian Express 24 March 2012
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, says that India will have to learn to make difficult choices in global politics, such as whether to cut its energy ties with Iran in the face of pressure from the West.
The UK firms who tackle Somali pirates
BBC News 24 March 2012
Professor Chris Kinsey, Defence Studies, says that the recent discovery of oil off the coast of Somali will lead to more work for British private security firms currently providing protection for ships off the Horn of Africa.
Toulouse gunman killed
Channel 4 News 22 March 2012
Professor Peter Neumann, War Studies, says that since 9/11, France has seen relatively little terrorist incidents but that the recent shootings are significant as they are the first example of home-grown terrorism in the country. Professor Neumann also spoke to BBC Radio Wales.
A different class
The Stage 22 March 2012
The Department of Education and Professional Studies has teamed up with the Southbank Centre to deliver an MA in Education in Arts and Cultural Settings, the first course of its kind.
Sunrise
Sky News 22 March 2012
Professor Peter Neumann, War Studies, says that the suspect in a series of shootings in France, who is under siege by French police, will want to be seen as a martyr who died for his cause.
News
CBC 21 March 2012
Dr John Gearson, War Studies, says the increased incidence of 'lone wolf' attacks, such as the recent shootings in France, demonstrates how the threat from Al Qaeda has changed.
Geopolitical jostling with China is reshaping the strategic order in South and Southeast Asia
The Japan Times 19 March 2012
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, says that how to manage China’s rising defensive expenditure and maritime sovereignty claims will be one of the biggest diplomatic challenges facing the region.
Orbit: Earth's Extraordinary Journey
BBC Two 18 March 2012
Dr Nick Drake, Geography, shows Kate Humble how the ancient African monsoon created a landscape of rivers and lakes in what is now the Sahara Desert (item starts 47:10).
'Hate vid' cleric rap
The Sun 17 March 2012
Professor Peter Neumann, War Studies, says that cleric Anjem Choudary is capitalising on religious tensions in India by producing videos calling for Muslims in the country to enforce Sharia law.
Search is on to find archbishop’s successor
Financial Times 17 March 2012
Professor Alister McGrath, Theology and Religious Studies, says that Archbishop Rowan Williams, who has announced his resignation, was a peacemaker in the Church of England who held different factions together.
Shape a peaceful Afghan exit
New York Times 15 March 2012
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, says that a rushed departure by NATO forces from Afghanistan would give the Taliban a sense of victory.
Satisfaction and its discontents
Times Higher Education 8 March 2012
Duna Sabri, Visiting Research Fellow, Department of Education and Professional Studies, says that the National Student Survey is a poor indicator of quality and has gained a disproportionate amount of influence in Higher Education
To catch a warlord, first get the word out on Twitter
National Post (Canada) 8 March 2012
Jack McDonald, a PhD student in War Studies, says that the 'Stop Kony' campaign, which aims at bringing warlord Joseph Kony to justice, is dangerous as it gives the impression that popular opinion and viral marketing can induce foreign military intervention. His comments were also reported by ABC (Australia) and the International Business Times.
What humanitarians can learn from the Oscars
Trust Law (Reuters) 7th March 2012
Dr Jemilah Mahmood, from the Humanitarian Futures Programme, says the humanitarin sector should use film to highlight the women's issues.
Companies are not paying enough attention to staff health and wellbeing
The Guardian 6th March 2012
Stuart Woollard, Director of King's HRM (Human Resource Management) Learning Board, says that companies need to ensure the physical and mental health of their workforce is being looked after to give them a competitive advantage in the long-term.
Today
BBC Radio 4 5 March 2012
Research by Dr Graham Cookson, Department of Management, has found that proposed cuts to the legal aid budget would shift the costs onto other parts of the public purse, such as the NHS and would therefore wipe out nearly 60 per cent of the claimed savings. The report was covered by The Independent and the New Statesman (item starts 1:50:11).
‘My God, we’ve done it, and no more young men will die’
The Times 5 March 2012
Major-General Julian Thompson, Visiting Professor, War Studies, recounts his experience of leading 5,500 troops during the Falklands War.
Ripple effect from India's biggest defence deal
The Japan Times 5 March 2012
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, says that major defence purchases, such as India buying the French Rafale fighter, are not an end in themselves but should help a nation achieve it strategic objectives.
Alister McGrath
Woman Alive 1 March 2012
Professor Alister McGrath, Department of Education & Professional Studies, says leaders in Christianity need to think how they present themselves and the wider faith to the general public in a positive way.
February
The Army failed my soldier son over breakdown
The Sunday Telegraph 26 February 2012
Research produced by the Centre for Military Health Research found that 40 out of 1,000 service personnel were suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Bibi Said What?
The Wall Street Journal 24 February 2012
Elhanan Miller in the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation comments on the chain of events that have recently occurred in the Middle East and the role that social media has played
Law in Action
BBC Radio 4,21 February 2012
Dr Graham Cookson, Department of Management, says the Government will only save about 40 per cent of the money it hopes to by reforming legal aid, due to costs being transferred to other parts of the state (item starts 18:05).
PM BBC
Radio 4 22 February 2012
Professor Alison Wolf, Department of Management, says that regional pay contracts should be introduced along the lines of reforms in Sweden, by allowing managers in schools or hospitals to decide where to allocate additional staffing funds (item starts: 28:55).
World at One BBC
Radio 4 23 February 2012
Professor Peter Neumann, Department of War Studies, says that when other countries intervene in Somalia, it mobilises people of Somali descent across the world to fight against the intervention (item starts 26:18).
Social engineering
Engineering and Technology Magazine 20 February 2012
Professor Nikolas Rose, Head of the Department of Social Science, Health & Medicine, says that organising a collaboration between engineers and social scientists is not always easy, due to a lack of understanding between the two disciplines.
The One Show
BBC One 20 February 2012
Professor Alison Wolf, Department of Management, says the Government is right not to include certain vocational qualifications in school league tables as they are not perceived to be as worthy as GCSEs by employers (item starts: 12:14).
World Have Your Say
BBC World Service 20 February 2012
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies Department, says that with India getting 12 per cent of its energy from Iran, it is difficult for the relationship between the two countries to change dramatically in the near future (item starts: 01:34).
Of incontinence pads and private equity
Open Democracy 16 February 2012
Dr Gerhard Schnyder, Department of Management, says that recent revelations in the private health and elderly care sectors in Sweden show that privatising such services is mainly about transferring public money to private individuals.
Culture club seeks new members
The Times 15 February 2012
As part of a growing trend to expand the reach of arts education, the Southbank Centre has developed a master’s course in education in arts and cultural settings with the Department of Education & Professional Studies at King’s.
China could teach India about power politics as Western pressure impacts trade with Iran
The Japan Times 14 February 2012
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, says the West is increasingly looking towards China and India to provide answers concerning problems in the Middle East.
Today
BBC Radio 4 14 February 2012
Professor Peter Neumann, War Studies, says it is difficult to see how Abu Qatada, who has been released from prison, will be dangerous given the severe restrictions on his movement (item starts 1:19:51). Professor Neumann was interviewed by BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC London, BBC Radio Scotland, 'World Today' on BBC World Service and the News at One on BBC 1.
Equality for women in print is not a pretty sight
The Guardian 14 February 2012
Chris Tribble, Education and Professional Studies Department, analysed the words used to describe both genders in The Guardian and found that men tend to be referred to as ‘armed, big, brave’ or ‘hard’ whereas women are more likely to be called ‘beautiful, educated, local’ or ‘modern’.
Afghanistan shows up shaky grounds for intervention
Business Day (South Africa) 14 February 2012
Professor Jack Spence, War Studies, says that following sectarian violence in Afghanistan days after the reduction in NATO troops, the West will be more reluctant to intervene in failing states in the future.
ICT lessons need an expert touch
Evening Standard 13 February 2012
Dr Mary Webb, Education and Professional Studies, says the next generation of ICT and computing teachers should have degrees in computing, information technology or information systems.
Pakistan likely to respond to Indian SSBN threat
Defence News 13 February 2012
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, says India’s ambitions for ballistic missile submarines are aimed at China, not Pakistan, and so will not upend the precarious state of affairs between the two countries.
Website is just the job for students with cash worries
Metro 13 February 2012
Jack Tang, a student at King’s, has set up a new website, thestudentjob.com, to help students find work during their studies.
Wales Tonight
ITV 10 February 2012
Alexander Hitchens, a Fellow of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, says that through the Government’s Prevent programme theologians explain to young men at risk of radicalisation why their actions are wrong.
Do not throw that IB pearl away. richer than the impoverished A level
Times Higher Education 9 February 2012
Professor Alison Wolf, Management, told Parliament’s Education Committee that the drive to make school exams more transparent had narrowed learning and made the process more banal.
Case in Britain echoes dilemma at Guantanamo
NPR 8 February 2012
Professor Peter Neumann, War Studies, says Abu Qatada was one of the key theologians within al-Qaeda and provided religious justification for committing acts of terrorism in the West.
The real north-south divide crippling Britain
The Sunday Times 4 February 2012
Professor Alison Wolf, Department of Management, calls for the scrapping of national wage bargaining in the public sector, which she says is a barrier to much needed reform.
'Israeli gas must first supply local market'
The Jerusalem Post 3 February 2012
Nick Butler, Chair of the King’s Policy Institutes, says that Israel must use natural gas to supply its own market before exporting it abroad and that revenues from gas won’t begin to stream in until 2020
Löfstedt: The EU, risk and evidence
Safety Management Magazine 1 February 2012
Professor Ragnar Löfstedt, Centre for Risk Management, said he agreed to undertake a review of health and safety regulation on the grounds that it was apolitical, evidence based and there was a chapter on Europe.
The intelligence war for German scientists
BBC History Magazine 1 February 2012
Dr Michael Goodman, War Studies, says that the British hatched a number of operations during the end of World War II to persuade German scientists to work for them, rather than defect to the Russians.
January
Can NATO force weather France's faster exit?
Al Alarabiya 29 January 2012
Professor Malcolm Chalmers, War Studies, says that the promise by the USA to pull out of Afghanistan by 2014 has appeased immediate public demand.
Iran-India relations weighted in favour of Gulf Arab states
The National (UAE) 29 January 2012
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies Department, says that countries in the Middle East are beginning to engage with India more, as it is a means by which they can preserve the balance of power in the region
League tables to drop 'dead-end' qualifications
The Sunday Times 29 January 2012
Certain vocational qualifications are to be axed from school league tables by the Government, in a move implementing recommendations made in a report by Professor Alison Wolf, Management, that many qualifications were effectively ‘dead end’ and of no use in the job market.
News at Ten
BBC One 29 January 2012
Dr Chris Hobbs, War Studies, says that a three-day visit by International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors to Iran is unlikely to achieve very much, unless negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme re-start (item starts 11:53).
Legal aid reforms under scrutiny as peers criticise proposed cutbacks
Legal Week 27 January 2012
The Government’s proposed legal aid reforms are facing further criticism in the House of Lords, following a report by Dr Graham Cookson, Management, which found that the plans would save less than half the money predicted by the Government.
Humanitarian sector needs a radical rethink
Reuters 26 January 2012
Dr Randolph Kent, Director of the Humanitarian Futures Programme, says that countries are increasingly taking charge of their own humanitarian relief efforts and are reluctant to allow traditional non-government agencies operate outside of their control.
NHS urged to create DNA database
The Daily Telegraph 26 January 2012
Dr Stuart Hogarth, Political Economy, says that a report which calls for a NHS database of DNA in order to provide personalised medicine exaggerates the current means of testing for the risk of common diseases.
Are women biased towards women in the workplace?
Silicon India 25 January 2012
Dr Elisabeth Kelan, Management, says that women find it difficult to connect to women’s networks in the work place, as they are seen as something from a previous generation.
America reorders its defence for Asia-Pacific
The Japan Times 24 January 2012
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies Department, says that America’s new focus on the Pacific region signals a new strategy aimed at tackling the emerging threat from China’s military build-up.
London's Chinese mark new year
BBC News 23 January 2012
Lin Zing, who is studying business management at King’s, says that although she will miss her family over the Chinese New Year period, she will celebrate with her friends in London.
Today in Parliament
BBC Radio 4 23 January 2012
A review of health and safety legislation by Professor Ragnar Löfstedt, from the Centre for Risk Management, which recommend a number of regulations be axed to reduce red tape, is discussed by MPs in the House of Commons (item starts 25:58).
Afghanistan: The Best Way to Peace
New York Review of Books 9 February 2012
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, reviews several recent books on Afghanistan, and concludes that the West has a chance of doing a better job than the Soviet Union in the country, and could save Afghanistan from a future of civil war.
French tolerance dwindles over Afghan 'insider threat'
France 24 21 January 2012
Antonio Giustozzi, a Visiting Professor in War Studies, says that if France decides to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan, other countries are likely to follow.
Is Pakistan heading for a coup?
Channel 4 News 20 January 2012
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, concludes that current political turmoil in Pakistan could push the military to act, especially as they regard the current government as a threat.
Generosity of examiners blamed for rise in A-level results
The Daily Telegraph 19 January 2012
Professor Alison Wolf, Management, says that university departments are being forced to run classes for students to bring them up to speed on key concepts in maths.
Russian 'spy rock' was genuine, former chief of staff admits
The Daily Telegraph 19 January 2012
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, says that although Russia is often accused of not changing its attitude since the Cold War, the same could be said of MI6, following revelations that a ‘spy rock’ was used by British agents in Moscow to download sensitive information.
King's College report highlights £139m cost of legal aid cuts
Solicitors Journal 17 January 2012
Dr Graham Cookson, from the Department of Management, has found in a report commissioned by The Law Society that plans to reform legal aid would save less than half the money predicted by the Government.
Scorned cruise ship captain not alone in history
MSNBC 17 January 2012
Professor Andrew Lambert, War Studies, says that throughout history, captains have often abandoned their ships, in the wake of the captain of the Costa Concordia being accused of doing so. His comments were also reported by Discovery News and the International Business Times.
The oil hawks are living in cloud cuckoo land
Financial Times 17 January 2012
Nick Butler, Chair of the King’s Policy Institutes, says that there is a general perception that oil prices will begin to fall, due to changing supply and demand and the potential easing of political tensions between Iran and the West.
Ofsted to get tougher with failing schools
The Times 17 January 2012
Professor Becky Francis, Department of Education & Professional Studies and Director of the Royal Society of Arts, conducted a report last month which found that ‘satisfactory’ schools were disproportionately in poorer areas and more likely to have disadvantaged pupils.
My Mesopotamian Getaway
Foreign Policy 13 January 2012
Emma Sky, Visiting Professor at the Department of War Studies, following a visit to Iraq over the New Year says it is too early to tell how history will judge the American era in the country.
The Monocle Daily
Monocle Radio 12 January 2012
Professor Guglielmo Verdirame, Department of War Studies, discusses how Interpol works and what powers it has, in the context of an Egyptian official wanted for war crimes appearing in London.
Call to promote science careers
Press Association 11 January 2012
Professor Louise Archer, Education & Professional Studies Department, has conducted research which found fewer than one in five children aged 10-11 aspire to a career in science. The study was covered by The Scotsman and by BBC Radio Kent.
King's press release related to 'Call to promote science careers'
News at Ten
BBC One 11 January 2012
Professor Wyn Bowen, Department of War Studies, says the assassination of an Iranian scientist killed in Tehran is part of a wider effort to slow down their nuclear programme (item starts 16:50). His interview was also broadcast on the BBC News Channel.
'False' savings from legal aid cuts
The Independent 10 January 2012
Dr Graham Cookson, from the Department of Management, has found in a report commissioned by The Law Society that plans to reform legal aid would save less than half the money predicted by the Government. The findings were also reported by The Daily Telegraph, I, Financial Times, The Times, The Guardian, Evening Standard, Daily Mirror, Morning Star, Politics.co.uk, New Law Journal, The Gulf
Times and the Press Association.
King's press release related to ''False' savings from legal aid cuts'
About time for India and Japan to grow bolder
The Japan Times 10 January 2012
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies Department, discusses growing ties between India and Japan and says they need to realise the full potential of their bilateral relationship.
Fighting fit for Scotland
The Scotsman 10 January 2012
Dr Peter Lee, Defence Studies Department, explores how Scotland might defend itself if it became independent and says Scotland would need a small, integrated, affordable defence force.
All in this together?
The Guardian 10 January 2012
Dr Chris Tribble, Education & Professional Studies Department, comments on which people and topics received the most mentions in The Guardian in 2011, which included protestors, Libya and debt.
House of Lords
Parliament TV 10 January 2012
A report by Dr Graham Cookson, Department of Management, which claimed that reforms to legal aid would save less than half the money the Government had hoped, is discussed in the House of Lords.
King's press release related to 'House of Lords'
5 Live Drive
BBC Radio 5 Live 5 January 2012
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the decision by the USA to reduce defence spending, and suggests that America will rely more on special forces in the future (item starts 2:54:42).
Taliban strike deal with Qatar on office there
The Guardian 4 January 2012
Professor Theo Farrell, from the Department of War Studies, comments that the Taliban may want to increase their options ahead of NATO withdrawing from Afghanistan in 2014, following news that they are to open an office in Qatar. His comments, given to the Associated Press, were also reported by the Huffington Post, Homeland Security and Military.com.
Chinese military bases are about more than just naval supplies and protecting trade routes
The Japan Times 3 January 2012
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, states that Chinese naval expansion, including a base in the Seychelles, shows that it intends to assert its growing power in the Indian Ocean.
Is Britain a Christian nation?
Huffington Post 3 January 2012
Dr Luke Bretherton, from the Department of Education & Professional Studies, writes that David Cameron is wrong to say Britain is a ‘Christian Nation’
Today
BBC Radio 4 2 January 2012
Dr Randolph Kent, from the Humanitarian Futures Programme, predicts a ‘new humanitarian world order’, where developing countries have the capacity to respond themselves to natural disasters (item starts 53:51).
Health alert on post-conflict areas
Press Association 1 January 2012
Dr Preeti Patel, from the Department of War Studies, co-authored a report that found that countries recovering from war and widespread illness are at risk of exploitation by alcohol, tobacco and food companies.
Days of violence
BBC History Magazine 1 January 2012
A review of a book by Dr Nick Lloyd, from the Defence Studies Department, on the Amritsar Massacre, one of the worst atrocities committed by British soldiers in India.
Operation Garbo
BBC History Magazine 1 January 2012
Dr Michael Goodman, from the Department of War Studies, reviews a book on the story of Juan Pujol Garcia, a spy in the Second World War known as ‘Garbo’.