While highlighting some of the problems of the return of displaced persons after a conflict, we have also pointed out positive aspects of this process. In particular, we have shown that returnees are more likely to use certain sanitary measures that appear to limit the occurrence of some severe diseases prevalent in the area. These sanitary measures not only have private benefits for the households adopting them, but also tend to create a positive externality for the community. This is a good example of how returnees can bring in useful knowledge and specific habits that can positively contribute to the reconstruction efforts after armed conflicts.
http://www.voxeu.org/article/when-refugees-become-returnees-new-evidence
Turkey’s new Caliph: understanding Erdoğan’s hegemony
Do you know enough about Turkey, a giant that straddles Europe and Asia? This is an interesting article about Turkish politics.
Syria’s raging civil war and the west’s inertia
This article contains some interesting thoughts about how we war in Syria can be resolved.
Europe, Equipopulous
This is how Europe would look like if all countries had the same population.
Europe’s Goldilocks Dilemma
Unfortunately Europes stupid austerity measures are set to continue. This article tells you why.
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/07/14/europe_goldilocks_dilemma_austerity_growth
Take One for Tehran
In the long run the West would be better served by an alliance with Iran rather than Saudi Arabia.
All Is Not Well in Novorossiya
Schisms are opening up among the separatists in Ukraine, but maybe mire important even in Moscow they seem to be unsure of how to proceed.
Why international interdependence has reduced the costs of secession
Does our interdepence reduce the cost of secessionism? This article asks whether security is no longer an issue agaist regions going it on their own.