Why coca leaf, not coffee, may always be Colombia's favourite cash crop

Mar 20, 2017 02:45 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Colombias current peace process is facing numerous challenges. In a country that has suffered the worst impacts of the international drug war, one main dilemma is this: what to do with rural regions which have specialised...

Unpicking the labyrinth that is India's Adani

Mar 18, 2017 07:43 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Indian multinational Adani Group is becoming a more familiar name in Australia, as the companys interest in its proposed Carmichael coal mine in Queensland grows. At the same time, theres concerns the arrangement may shift...

Conflict behind the sand dunes takes a new turn

Mar 18, 2017 07:29 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

This is the eleventh article in our Contested Spaces series. These pieces look at the conflicting uses, expectations and norms that people bring to public spaces, the clashes that result and how we can resolve...

How entrepreneurship can bring people off benefits – if they're given a chance

Mar 18, 2017 07:02 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

The lack of a real economic recovery and austerity since the 2008 financial crisis continues to make life difficult for ordinary people. Its part of the reason that public attitudes toward benefit recipients is...

Down but not out: diagnosing UKIP's biggest problems

Mar 18, 2017 06:55 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

UKIP seems to have lurched from crisis to crisis since achieving its founding ambition to take the UK out of the European Union. However, UKIP still has noteworthy support. It might be down, but it certainly isnt...

US under Trump Series

US under Trump Series: Budget proposals of President Trump

Mar 17, 2017 11:33 am UTC| Commentary Economy

US President Donald Trump released his budget proposals for 2018 and it looks just as he said it might. Among $3.9 trillion US budget, only 27 percent or about $1.1 trillion is under discretionary segment and rest is...

Economics isn't ideology-free and it's misleading to suggest it is

Mar 17, 2017 11:17 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull recently commented that when it comes to Australias energy supply: policymakers have put ideology and politics ahead of engineering and economics. Its not uncommon for a politician...