Rethinking the Peace Negotiations in Colombia

At the ‘conversation style’ event, “Rethinking the Peace Negotiations in Colombia”, we will take stock of the major challenges and opportunities in the context of the peace talks with the FARC, reflect on the current situation of the peace deal implementation, and consider the way forward in light of the elections. The event will be co-hosted by CCW’s "From Conflict Actors to Architects of Peace" (CONPEACE) programme and the Blavatnik School of Government.

Accountability from Within: Politically Insulated Bureaucrats and Incumbent Rent-Seeking

A growing literature shows that elections are a poor mechanism to hold corrupt incumbents accountable. In that context, can institutional checks and balances compensate for the shortcomings of elections in fighting corruption? This paper examines a possible source of institutional accountability: the presence of politically insulated civil servants with oversight authority over the actions of incumbents. I examine the effect of politically insulated bureaucrats on a type of incumbent rent-seeking: the use of political budget cycles.

After Italy’s general election

A discussion of the results of the March 4th election and the potential consequences for Italy and for the European Union.

The seminar will be introduced by Bill Emmott, Visiting Fellow at All Souls, author of “Good Italy, Bad Italy” (2012) and co-author of the documentary “Girlfriend in a Coma” (2013), who will then moderate a discussion among the panel.

DVDs of “Girlfriend in a Coma” will be available free of charge for all attendees.
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