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Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: 1926-2022; the DSF sends its heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family.
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Join the DSF: Subscription Form
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The DSF On Twitter
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Defence
and Security Forum Ltd., is an independent, self-financing organisation
keeping you informed on Defence and Foreign Affairs. When the pandemic
is over, the DSF will organise seminars, suppers at exclusive venues,
and special outings.
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The Defence and Security Forum has a new Twitter account: @dsf_forum. To follow the latest discussions and updates, go to https://twitter.com/dsf_forum.
Watch Lady Olga Maitland's interview with GB News, Wednesday 18th August 2021, on the ‘Plight of Women in Afghanistan’.
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DSF - Events in May 2023 - Russo-Ukraine War Update
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DSF DINNER ANNOUNCEMENT
How is Ukraine weathering the storm?
On the ground first hand reports. What next for the allies? Is Moldova the next in line?
This dinner debate features the following speakers:
General
Sir Nick Parker, KCB, CBE, former commander Land Forces, today chairman
of Re-Act, a disaster response charity rescuing people on the ground.
He is also today working in Turkey.
Mr. Justin Crump, CEO, Sibylline, military veteran, specialist in on the ground intelligence with a large network in Ukraine.
Mr. Mike Longstaff, OBE, CEO of Audere International Kiev Report.
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Photo Source: Graham A. Jarvis.
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DSF - Events in March 2023 - DR VALERY MOROZOV
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DSF - Events in April 2023 - How do we Co-Exist with China?
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DSF DINNER ANNOUNCEMENT
Understanding Putin's Mindset
Understanding President Putin’s mindset and that of the Kremlin. Mr Morozov is a
Russian businessman granted political asylum in the UK after personally
clashing with President Putin and Dmitri Medvedev over a major
corruption scandal. Today he is a regular commentator and analyst on
Russia.
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DSF DINNER ANNOUNCEMENT
How do we Co-Exist with China?
Will their charm offensive work? In association with Asia Scotland Institute, Sir
Sherard Cowper-Coles, former ambassador, Chairman China-Britain
Business Council and Group Head Public Affairs, HSBC will Moderate and
give a perspective on managing UK China relationships. Professor Kerry
Brown, Professor of Chinese Studies and Director of the Lau Institute ,
Kings College, London will explore navigating relations with China
today.
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DSF - Events in October 2022
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DSF - Events in November 2022 |
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Invitation
to a Panel Discussion Hosted By Contemporary Turkish Studies and The
European Institute At The LSE, and By The British Institute at Ankara -
18th October 2022.
Archaeology and Soft Power-cultural diplomacy between Türkiye and the UK.
SPEAKERS:
Professor Stephen Mitchell FBA, former Leverhulme Professor of Hellenistic Culture.
Sir David Logan KCMG, former British Ambassador to Ankara.
Tuna Şare Ağturk, Marie Curie Research Fellow, University of Oxford
Professor Yaprak Gürsoy, Chair of Contemporary Turkish Studies, LSE.
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DSF DINNER ANNOUNCEMENT
Top Level Security Briefing
SPECIAL VIP GUEST SPEAKER
For
security reasons name will not be released at present. He will speak on
national security issues - including the Russo-Ukrainian War.
Lady
Olga Maitland: ”This address will be at a critical time for Europe
facing a tough war in the Ukraine, and a changing world with new
threats and relationships with China, Iran, and international
terrorism.”
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DSF DINNER ANNOUNCEMENT
‘Inside The Kremlin: What Next For President Putin?’
Deep dive on 11th October 2022 into the security and intelligence services with their impact on Russian politics and society.
SPEAKERS:
SIR TONY BRENTON, KCMG,
Former UK Ambassador to Russia
PROFESSOR MARK GALEOTTI, UCL
Well known for his Russian scholarship with a
Deep dive into the security and intelligence services with their impact on Russian politics and society
SIR JOHN SCARLETT, KCMG, OBE
Former Chief , MI6, British Secret Intelligence Service
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DSF - Recent Events
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DSF and Other Speeches
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EVENT: H.M. THE QUEEN’S JUBILEE DINNER
Wednesday
22nd June - Join the DSF to celebrate the life, the sense of commitment
and duty, as well as to reflect on the life and impact of H.M. Queen
Elizabeth II.
EVENT: Living with President Erdogan Prospects for Turkey after Presidential Election 2023
1st June 2022 - Lady Olga Maitland to host DFS Roundtable for DR. CENGUIZ OZGENCIL, Chairmand, Bosphorus Summit,
Istanbul.
EVENT: ‘Lessons to be Learnt from the Russia Ukraine War’
26th
April 2022 - GENERAL SIR NICHOLAS CARTER, GCB, CBE, DSO, Former
Chief of Defence Staff, analyses the events of the Russo-Ukrainian War.
EVENT: UKRAINE UNDER SEIGE - HIGH LEVEL BRIEFING
14th
March 2022 - With the UK-UKRAINE ROUND TABLE, the DSF explores the
impact of the conflict on the energy sector, charities, the evacuation
effort and discusses Russia's fighting capabilities.
EVENT: A Changing World of Threats: Cyber-warfare to the Changing Nature of China, Russia, Iran and International Terrorism
24th
February 2022 - A DSF Dinner looking at national and internation
security isssues. Lady Olga Maitland says: "This address will be
significant as we deal in a changing world of threats, be they from
advanced cyber warfare to the changing nature of China, Russia, Iran
and international terrorism."
Moderated by Rt. Hon. Sir Malcolm Rifkind, KCMG, QC, former Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary.
Will Russia invade Ukraine on Sunday night?
Media
reports suggest that Russia is about to invade Ukraine, but will Putin
dare to do so, and when? It may just be another modern cold war game, a
game brinkmanship more than an actual threat. Find out what's likely to happen, read this article to see if Russia will invade this Sunday night.
US and NATO talks with Russia: failure or a new "Great Game"
The talks between the US and Russia in Geneva
and between NATO and Russia in Brussels were declared a failure by most
analysts and commentators. Russia put forward its demands, and these
demands were rejected by both Washington and its NATO allies...Find out more.
What Are The Options for Afghanistan?
Defence And Security Forum Dinner In Association With Afghan Democratic Peace And Prosperity Council
Join the DSF on 1st December 2021 at the Army and Navy Club in London to discuss the future of Afghanistan.
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Speeches and articles of Valery Morozov
Protecting Nations Cyber-security and Geo-Politics
"This is
a shifting world. No one, no organisation, no state is immune from
geo-political tensions and indeed wars. And with it, the weaponisation
of cyber." So how do you we prevent State-sponsored cyber-attacks? Find out in Lady Olga Maitland's speech to CISO 360, September 2022.
ISTANBUL SECURITY CONFERENCE - 26th May 2022
THE Effects of Climate Change and Migration in Vulnerable Countries - Precautionary Measures and Solutions
Lady Olga
Maitland joins Baskent University at Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Conrad
Hotel, Istanbul to analyse the impact of climate change and migration
on the world of today.
Protecting Nations: A Call For An Arms Control Agreement on Cyber-Warfare
Lady
Olga Maitland says a conventional war with military hardware was where
it was easy to see the enemy. He was there in front. World War 1
and World War 11 had a clear enemy, the German military might.
In the Iran Iraq war and the Gulf Wars of the 1990s, Saddam
Hussein invaded with tanks. You knew who the enemy was –
and squared up accordingly. There is now a new enemy – an invisible
enemy causing a cyber-attack on military and critical civilian
infrastructure.
Read her full speech...
‘NATO: 20TH Century Relic or Credible 21 Century Strategic Actor?’
Sir David
Logan, KCMG, former Ambassador to Turkey, discusses the relevance of
NATO in the 21st Century. Lady Olga Maitland says, ‘The Address by Sir
James could not be more timely post-Afghanistan, and the painful
lessons learnt. Sir James is still working closely with NATO forces
and will give a realistic insight on how the NATO Alliance might move
forward.’
Turkish Press Coverage of Lady Olga Maitland
Protecting Nations: A Speech by Lady Olga Maitland
Businesses
have every right and expectation that while they have individual
responsibility to protect their enterprise, there is one body above,
who have a duty of care for the safety of a nation against
cyber-attacks, and this in particular applies to the military. A
country that is safe and at peace from any form of attack will
naturally prosper.
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| The DSF Returns With A New Event |
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| ‘NATO: 20TH Century Relic or Credible 21 Century Strategic Actor?’
Sir David
Logan, KCMG, former Ambassador to Turkey, discusses the relevance of
NATO in the 21st Century. Lady Olga Maitland says, ‘The Address by Sir
James could not be more timely post-Afghanistan, and the painful
lessons learnt. Sir James is still working closely with NATO forces
and will give a realistic insight on how the NATO Alliance might move
forward.’
| DSF Lockdown News
Due
to the coronavirus lockdown, DSF has now postponed the Summer programme
to the Autumn with some additions included. A new agenda will be
circulated. Meanwhile, geopolitical issues do continue and should be monitored. Stay safe, stay connected.
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Algeria and the UK: Current and Post-COVID-19 Trade and Investment
DMA,
in partnership with the Algerian British Business Council (ABBC) is
delighted to invite you to the virtual event, ‘Algeria and the UK:
Current and Post-COVID-19 Trade and Investment.’ on 30th September from
11:00-12:30 BST.
Free to attend, please REGISTER HERE, where you can submit any questions you would like our speakers to address prior to the event.
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Asia Scotland Institute Update: COVID-19 'Resurgence'?
The
Asia Scotland Institute says Europe is expecting a resurgence in
COVID-19 cases. It also reports on the UAE and Bahrain being the 3rd
and 4th Arab countries to create diplomatic relations with Israel. The
institute also offers some insights into its recent webinars. Learn more, click here.
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Update from the Capitals by Sarantis Michalopoulos, Daniel Eck, Benjamin Fox
Eurativ.com
provides a compendium of news from the capitals of Europe. Belgian
authorities call for EU-wide travel risk assessment system. The
differences in the colour-coded risk systems between Belgium and France
are “extremely confusing”, governor of the West Flemish province, Carl
Decaluwé, has warned and urged EU countries to coordinate. Discover more.
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 UK and Japan Agree a New Free Trade Deal
The
UK and Japan have agreed a new free trade deal. Hopefully, this is the
first of other FTAs to be put in place at the end of the Brexit
transition period. The government estimates, the agreement will boost
trade with Japan by over £15 billion. Discover the latest updates from the Asia Scotland Institute.
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European Leadership Network: The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
Since
nuclear weapons testing began on 16th July 1945, over 2,000 have taken
place. Today is the United Nations International Day against Nuclear
Tests (IDANT), designed to raise awareness of the devastating
humanitarian, environmental and geostrategic impact of nuclear weapons
testing. To mark the day, we explore current issues around the
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), the treaty designed to
end nuclear testing for good. Find out if the door is closed on nuclear testing...
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As Its Problems With Turkey Grow, Russia Compensates Through Iran
The notion that the Trump administration is distracted is wrong, given the flurry of activity in the region - writes Raghida Dergham in The National, published on 30th August 2020. Discover why, read her article. |
Webinar: ‘Algeria and the UK: Current and Post-COVID Trade and Investment'
DMA,
in partnership with the Algerian British Business Council (ABBC) is
delighted to invite you to the virtual event, ‘Algeria and the UK:
Current and Post-COVID Trade and Investment,’ on 30th September from
11:00-12:30 BST. Find out more...
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 Petition: Set Up a New, Open, Way to Investigate the Conduct of Special Political Advisers
General
Sir Stewart Eldon, KCMG, OBE, former UK Representative at NATO, writes:
"Past investigations of complaints about Special Political Advisers
have not responded directly to public concern, are seen not to have
been transparent and have damaged trust in many UK Administrations of
different political hues. The Committee on Standards in Public Life
should be given the job."
Click for more details and to sign the petition...
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Send the DSF Your Points of View
In
the absence of the regular DSF Programme, DSF will hold a dialogue on
current events. Please do tell us your thinking, either in a paper or a
personal point of view. We welcome your views
Asia Scotland Institute Webinar: Lalage Snow - A Journey Through Conflict In Search Of Calm - 6th October 2020 at 4pm BST
Award-winning
freelance journalist, Lalage Snow will take us on a tragic and
beautiful journey through the world's darkest places. Learn why she wants to give people a voice.
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Will Iran succeed in completely taking over Lebanon?
 Raghida Dergham explores in her article for The National why the 'country finds itself at a dangerous crossroads, as regional powers jockey for influence in West Asia.'
The
Trump administration is allegedly pre-occupied with the
forthcoming US Presidential Elections, and the Russians are convinced
that Hezbollah are "the sole guarantor of Lebanon’s stability,
independence, and sovereignty, and the only saviour of Lebanon." So,
does this mean Iran will take over Lebanon? Find the answers in Dergham's article. |
Syria: The Deadliest Place to be an Aid Worker?
Caabu's News Digest -
According to Care International and data from the Aid Worker Security
Database, Syria is the deadliest place to be an aid worker after 2020
saw a 30% global rise in attacks on humanitarian workers. Since
January, there has been a total of 74 fatalities, with Syria accounting
for more than a quarter of the deaths.
Jordan has arrested 1,000 teachers in a crackdown on the Jordan
Teachers' Syndicate union. The initial euphoria at the agreement to
establish diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Arab
Emirates wore off yesterday after it was claimed the Gulf state was
close to signing a deal for US F-35 stealth fighter jets.
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| Council for Arab-British Understanding Newsletter, 19th August 2020
In Caabu's news digest:
Lebanon's
prime minister Hassan Diab is due to notify president Michel Auon of
his resignation, after a third of ministers quit their posts in the
wake of the Beirut explosion. Discover why...
Beirut protesters push ruling coalition to brink of collapse.
Macron casts himself as the man to rebuild Lebanon, but is he?
The 'real story' behind the recent refugee arrivals in the UK.
'Nobody knew about PTSD': the survivors of a 'friendly fire' attack 17 years on. What has changed?
Discover more news stories, principally about Lebanon in this news digest by the Council for Arab-British Understanding.
| Asia Scotland Institute: Schools, Brexit and COVID Pandemic
 The
Asia Scotland Institute discusses in this week's newsletter, 23rd
August 2020, the UK's school and college examination results; the
COVID-19 backlash against China, led by the US, with a new United
States intellgience report finding that many local offiicals in Wuhan
and Hobei were in the dark, leading to calls for the prevention of a
new 'cold war' between the two countries.
The fortunes of
Apple are great, reaching a valuation of $2trn, but this comes
against the backdrop of rising unemployment and with other business
sectors struggling with the recession. Learn more, including about the Institute's forthcoming events and webinars...
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| Commonwealth Business News Update - via DSF on 14th August 2020
 COVID-19: Thousands of demonstrators marched through downtown Montreal on Saturday to protest against the Quebec government’s mandatory mask regulations.
Belarus election: Clashes after poll predicts Lukashenko re-election.
COVID-19: RBA highlights risk of deeper coronavirus recession, but the Government can avert it. | The Guardian: 'Global Power Games Could Blow the Whole Middle East Apart'
Simon
Tisdall, writing for the UK's The Guardian newspaper, discusses why
'the huge explosion that destroyed much of central Beirut is a daunting
metaphor for the perils facing failing Middle East states.' He argues
that the region has often been cited as being unstable, and so
following the explosion in Beirut questions are being raised about how
many shocks fragile countries within the Middle East can take before
they literally fracture, crash and blast apart.
He therefore ponders whether the region is about to explode. Explore his article to find out what might just happen next.
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| Africa: Video on Access to Capital
Opened by the Under Secretary of State for the FCO and DfID, Access to Capital will focus on finance for business and alternatives to traditional funding in both public and private markets.
The speakers
for the event, brought to you by DMA and our media partner, the Wall
Street Journal, was held on 23rd July 2020, are: the former head
of emerging markets at HSBC as the event’s chair; the private equity
firm SkyBound Capital; the diaspora investment advisory platform
Homestrings and UK Export Finance. Learn how to access capital in Africa.
| Asia Scotland COVID Update: 'New surge' in COVID Cases
 Europe
is experiencing a new surge in COVID cases, but it seems driven by lax
social distancing mostly among young people and so fewer people are
dying according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and
Control. To control this surge, countries are enacting new travel
restrictions, indeed the author of this update faces isolation on
return from France next week. An Imperial College London study
this week concluded 3.4 M people in England have had COVID, a figure
more than ten times the official count. Learn more...
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Overcoming Disunity: Reinvigorating the P5 Process a Decade On.
This new report from the European Leadership Network (ELN) is the product of a
ten-month-long effort to explore common ground among the five nuclear-weapon
states (NWS) parties to the NPT. Over ten months, ELN researchers conducted
interviews with more than 60 officials and experts from all five NWS and some
non-nuclear-weapon states (NNWS).
The
report, by ELN Policy Fellow Dr Maximilian Hoell and ELN Research
Director Andreas Persbo, offers practical recommendations for the P5
states to reduce nuclear risks... Read the report.
| COVID Update from the Asia Scotland Institute
"More
than 18.5 million globally have contracted COVID-19 and more than
700,000 people have died. Latin America overtook Europe as the region
with the most deaths, accounting for about 30% of total global deaths.
The BBC Persian service reported 42,000 people had died with Covid-19
in Iran compared with the government’s official death toll of 14,405.
Victoria & Melbourne in Australia are under lockdown for a second
time, Cases in Japan are also on the increase and spikes are occurring
in Europe."
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| Asia Scotland Institute Webinar: The International Rescue Committee
Join us to listen to David Miliband, President & Chief Executive Officer, International Rescue Committee, on 17 September 2020 at 1.30pm BST. David Miliband will explain the organisation’s function as an ‘agent of change’.
...promoting Survival, Protection, Recovery & Renewal. This will be followed by a question and answer session. Book your seat today.
New Policy Brief from the European Leadership Network (ELN)
Belarus
goes to the polls on 9th August 2020 in one of the most turbulent
election cycle in decades. While protests have captured media
imagination, little attention has been paid to what comes next or to
the potentially serious consequences for European security. Join the ELN to discuss the implications for Russia and for the West.
| Asia Scotland Institute's Week in Review
 Coronavirus
COVID-19 is spiking in East Asia again, including in places that seemed
to have successfully contained the virus. China announced today that it
has quarantined 18,000 people in the north western region Xinjiang.
Vietnam
is containing a big outbreak by banning large public gatherings and
nonessential services. Japan reported over 1,000 daily cases for
the first time this week. In Africa, the total number of COVID cases
has doubled over the last 25 days and in the US they have now had more than 4.4 million coronavirus cases and more than 150,000 people have died.
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| A Personal Letter: Explosion in Beirut
Raghida
Dergham, founder of Beirut Institute had her life shattered with
the destruction of her own home on 4th August 2020. Discover find why she's lost faith in the Lebanese Government, but not in Beirutis.
Beirut Institute
Summit e-Policy Circle 12 - 29th July 2020
 The
13th and final session of the Spring-Summer season of Beirut Institute
Summit e-Policy Circles at 2 PM -GMT. Our esteemed guests
for e-Policy Circle 13 are HE Lakhdar Brahimi, HE Zalmay Khalilzad, HE
Thomas Pickering and Rt. Hon. Jack Straw.
This
Session will be hosted by Raghida Dergham. As a run-up to Beirut
Institute Summit in Abu Dhabi Edition IV in March 2021, the e-Policy Circles will be under the same theme of the summit: Stability Redefined.
| Iran Records Highest COVID-19 Deaths in 24 Hour Period
Iran
has recorded its highest number of deaths from COVID-19 within a
24-hour period, pointing to a resurgence of the virus while its
healthcare system tries to cope under US “maximum pressure”. Dr. Roxane
Farmanfarmaian of the University of Cambridge wrote her reflections on
the current situation in a new commentary for the ELN, entitled "Iran,
sanctions, and the COVID-19 pandemic".
Read more updates from the European Leadership Network (ELN) in its 29th July 2020 discussion paper.
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| Beirut Institute
Summit e-Policy Circle 12 - 22nd July 2020
 As
a run-up to Beirut Institute Summit in Abu Dhabi Edition IV in March
2021, the e-Policy Circles will be under the same theme of the summit: Stability Redefined.
The speakers are revealed, and you can book your place in this Zoom conference today...
| ABBC Webinar: H.E. British Ambassadorial Round Table
Tuesday, 11th August 2020, 2pm (BST) -
The Algeria British Business Council (ABBC) is pleased to host an
Ambassadorial Webinar with H.E Barry Lowen, British Ambassador to
Algeria, who will be speaking about Algeria’s economic environment and
the emerging opportunities for UK-Algerian bilateral trade.
Opening
remarks by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Trade Envoy to Algeria,
Rt Hon. Lord Risby of Haverhill. The discussion will be moderated by
Lady Olga Maitland, Chairman of the ABBC. There will be participation
from members of the Board and Advisory Council lead by Mr Yassine
Bouhara, Tell Group.
Reserve your seat, join us to strengthen cooperation between the two countries at this critical time.
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| Afghanistan: The Use
of Force
 Transcript of a speech by Major General Patrick Cordingley, DSO OBE, DSC, FRGS - July 2020, in which he discusses the effectiveness of the use of force in war - citing Afghanistan as an example. | Beirut Institute
Summit e-Policy Circle 11 - 15th July 2020
 Lady Olga Maitland joins a prestigious panel of experts
to discuss whether an Iran-China Pact could be nore symbollic
than strategic., and other geo-political issues - including threats to
international and national security.
Dr
Irina Zvyagelskaya, who heads the Centre of the Middle East Studies at
the Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and
International Relations in Russia, and a speaker at the Summit, told The National
newspaper, that it "points to Beijing's increasing confidence while
facing up to Washington. “I believe that China can really outlive any
sanctions nowadays. It doesn't need Russia even, it can do it alone."
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Indonesia - COVID, the Economy & Trade and Regional Relations
 The Asia Scotland panel discusses Indonesia:
- How
Indonesia has effectively managed the Covid 19 pandemic; Indonesia's
economy and how its Government sees the future post this pandemic; the
country's position in Asia and its international relations with its
neighbours, especially China; and the opportunities for
investment and trade with the UK and of course Scotland.
Register to join this webinar on Eventbrite, to be held on 16th July 2020 at 10 am BST.
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China: Stability Re-defined. Lady Olga Maitland: Beirut Institute Webinar, 15th July 2020
 Lady Olga Mailtand explains why China is the elephant in the room in her opening remarks for the Beirut Institute's webinar on relations with the
country.
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| Webinar, 21st July 2020 - Addressing US- European differences to better respond to China
An Asia-Scotland webinar: "China’s party-state has become considerably more assertive...these trends have significantly altered American and European perceptions of', and interactions with, China."
India–China Clashes: Escalation Along the Line of Actual Control
A
webinar, held on 3rd July 2020 in association with the Asia Scotland
Institute, about Indo-Chinese relations, and worryingly it appears that
the infractions between them could increasingly likely that it could
escalate into conflict with significant wider implications for
geopolitics in Asia.
View the YouTube footage of the webinar. | New report: The P5 Process: Opportunities for Success in the NPT Review Conference
Over
the past ten months, the European Leadership Network (ELN) and King’s
College London (KCL) conducted a project to investigate the challenges
and opportunities for the P5 process. It was successful in encouraging
further transparency within the P5 process among the P5 states and to
the wider NPT community, including through leading a civil society
event as part of the official P5 meeting in London in February 2020.
This
joint report offers practical recommendations for the P5 in
advance of the NPT’s quintennial Review Conference (RevCon)...The
Defence and Security Forum therefore invites you to learn more about this report.
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| Covid-19 v Nuclear War: Major General Patrick Cordingley, DSO OBE
Major
General Patrick Cordingley, DSO OBE says a nuclear war would be worse
than the current coronavirus pandemic, exploring whether a nuclear
deterrent is still needed today.
Have his opinions changed? Find out, read his speech...
European
Leadership Network News, Circa 22nd July 2020: The 75th anniversary of the first nuclear
test explosion, Trinity, carried out by the United States on 16 July
1945. | DSF Discussion on Hong Kong and the Encroachment of China
Amongst
the articles highlighted is a piece by the Epoch Times, claiming that
China is ramping up its influence operations on Twitter. It is also
reported that the social media site has closed more than "170,000
accounts linked to the CCP. Concerns are also being raised about Beijing's National Security Law.
Asia Scotland Update: Hong Kong and the Tech Companies' Response.
Asia Scotland Update on the New Security Law, 5th July 2020.
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| Web Event: 'Stability Re-defined'
Join the Beirut Insitute for it's e-Policy Circle 8 on Wednesday, 24th June 2020, to discuss how stability is being redefined.
Watch the YouTube video of e-Policy Circle 7...
DSF Discussion Paper - European Leadership Network newsletter, 17th June 2020. Ahead
of the NPT Review Conference, this series of commentaries from the ELN
explores expert national viewpoints from the five nuclear-weapon
states. This comes in advance of the release of two major ELN research papers on the P5 Process.
| Covid-19: Asia Scotland Institute Newsletter, 21st June 2020
As
many countries around the world begin to relax lockdown measures,
experts have discovered the low-dose steroid treatment dexamethasone
cuts the risk of death by a third for patients on ventilators. But
despite this good news, seventy-seven nations have seen a growth in new
cases, with notable outbreaks in Latin America, Africa, South Asia and
the US.
What will be the result of lockdown easing? Discover the Institute's thoughts on the possible outcomes.
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Lockdown emergence: Asia Scotland Institute News, 14th June 2020
This
week, as the world exceeded seven million coronavirus cases, countries
are considering when to come out of lockdown. India has more new daily
virus infections than all but the US & Brazil, but they are ending
their lockdown as they, like other developing countries are concerned
that the economic catastrophe for their poorest citizens imposed by lockdown is greater than the health risk...
| Coronavirus Pandemic, Revealing the True Colours of Nations
In
just a few months, the world has changed almost beyond recognition. The
Coronavirus pandemic has revealed the true colors of nations and
peoples. It has changed how lives and businesses can be conducted. It
has intensified an epochal contest for global power...Learn more in this DSF Discussion Paper from Andrew Leung's Quarterly Newsletter of 19th June 2020...
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| The Post-Covid-19 Sino-American Duopoly
 Dr.
Arslan Chikhaoui, Executive Chairman of the Consultancy and Studies
Center, NSV, discusses Sino-American relations and how China can emerge
from the pandemic as a winner in the race to find a vaccine. Find out how, read his article to uncover his thoughts. | Coronavirus Pandemic: the Common Reaction
The
primary feature of the Coronavirus pandemic is the common reaction of
every nation, wherever situated geographically, politically,
religiously, or commercially, provoked by the threat posed. This is the
first instance of such a dramatic universal stance to any problem...John Beveridge continues by exploring the common interests of humanity.
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| What Does Cyber-Arms Control Look Like? What Are the Four Principles for Managing Cyber-risk?
 In
this policy brief for the European Leadership Network, Dr Andrew
Futter, Associate Professor of International Politics at the University
of Leicester and alumni member of the Younger Generation Leadership
Network (YGLN), sets out a number of key criteria that we need to consider in future “cyber-arms control”.
The New Normal – the Demise of Oil-dependent Politics
"As other world
powers industrialised, they too followed the practice of oil-dependent
politics. From this moment, before the First World War, until COVID struck in
December 2019, oil has dominated global politics." So why is oil-dependent politics in demise? Paul Beaver responds.
| Under the Shroud of Pandemic: Governments Tighten the Noose
 Two
months ago Alexander Lukashenko, the dean of the post-Soviet dictators,
stood in a peaked cap of cartoon proportions and told the Belarussian
people that vodka and trips to the sauna would see them through
Covid-19.
This attitude has been aped by other authoritarian
leaders, choosing to downplay virus or even downright deny its
existence, rather than having the shortcomings of their states exposed.
Though the crisis has given rogue regimes the opportunity to implement
strict security measures without the interference of the international
community, it has also been unforgiving in highlighting the
shortcomings of dictatorial government.
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| Asia Scotland Institute Webinars
Event update, 1st September 2020:
The Asia Scotland Institute have recently confirmed several new online
webinars for Septemeber and October that may be of interest to you.
We're looking forward to hosting:
Webinar: Alvin Yeung, Leader of the Civic Party and Dennis Kwok, Member of the Legislative Council, discuss the current situation in Hong Kong - 23rd June 2020, 10 am BST. Book on Eventbrite.
Webinar, 21st July 2020 - Addressing US- European differences to better respond to China
An Asia-Scotland webinar: "China’s party-state has become considerably more assertive...these trends have significantly altered American and European perceptions of', and interactions with, China."
Indonesia - COVID, the Economy & Trade and Regional Relations
16th July 2020 - The Asia Scotland panel discusses how
Indonesia has effectively managed the Covid 19 pandemic.
India–China Clashes: Escalation Along the Line of Actual Control
A
webinar, held on 3rd July 2020 in association with the Asia Scotland
Institute, about Indo-Chinese relations, and worryingly it appears that
the infractions between them could increasingly likely that it could
escalate into conflict with significant wider implications for
geopolitics in Asia. View the YouTube footage of the webinar.
An Asia-Scotland webinar: "China’s party-state has become considerably more assertive...these trends have significantly altered American and European perceptions of', and interactions with, China."
Webinar, 10th June 2020: Moral Leadership in a Time of Uncertainty: Conversation with Jacqueline Novogratz
Coronavirus: Indian industry and business
The
Asia Scotland Institute was delighted to speak with Mr Vikram S
Kirloskar, the President of the Confederation of Indian Industry
recently. Mr Kirloskar is also Chairman and MD of Kirloskar
Systems Ltd and Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor. He has vast
experience of business in India in a variety of sectors and the CII is
hugely influential in advising the Indian Government. He speaks frankly
on a wide range of contemporary issues affecting Indian industry and business as the country emerges from the Coronavirus crisis.
| Newsletters and Updates from the Asia Scotland Institute
Asia Scotland Update: Australia Falls into Recession for the First Time in Almost 30 Years, 6th September 2020.
Asia Scotland Update: From COVID-19 to Trump's Nomination for Republican Party's U.S. Presidential Candidate, 30th August 2020.
Asia Scotland Update: From Schools to COVID, 23rd August 2020.
Asia Scotland COVID Update: 'New surge' in COVID Cases, 16th August 2020.
Beirut Explosion: An update from the Asia Scotland Institute, 9th August 2020.
The Future of Handshakes and Sino-American Relations, an update from the Asia Scotland Institute - 26th July 2020.
British Government U-Turns on Huawei, Asia Scotland Institute Update, 19th July 2020.
News from the Asia Scotland Institute, 7th July 2020.
Asia Scotland Institute News Update, 28th June 2020.
Covid-19: Asia Scotland Institute Newsletter, 21st June 2020.
Videocasts and articles from Asia Scotland Institute, 15th June 2020.
Lockdown emergence: Asia Scotland Institute News, 14th June 2020: Will there be a second wave of Covid-19?
Update of the 31st May 2020: "It has been an eventful week with some worrying geopolitical developments and continuing concerns about Coronavirus", says the institute's director Doug Cook.
The Unreal Dichotomy in COVID-19 Mortality
Low-income
and lower-middle income countries (LICs and LMICs) account for almost
half of the global population, but they make up only 2 percent of the
current global death toll attributed to COVID-19. But will the burden
of COVID-19 mortality shift to the developing world? This Mckinsey article analyses the data. Sourced from the Asia Scotland Institute.
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| THE NEW NORMAL WORLD – China and a Call for a National Debate On Britain's Place in the World
The
fundamental issue with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is that it
is a totalitarian state with all the issues that raises for the Western
democracies. The dilemma is that we need the PRC as a trading and
investment partner, but we are wary of the security issues which these
opportunities will bring", writes Paul Beaver. So where does this leave
Britain?
| The End of the Brexit Nightmare or More Problems at the end of the Four-Year Dream?
 The
end will be 31st December 2020, for good or ill. You could say,
"thank God for the coronavirus as it has distracted both the government
and the people, with due cause. It has also thrown the Brexit
debate off the wires. Many would say, no bad thing. A fatigue
factor of yah-boo exchanges has not been enlightening",says Lady Olga Maitland in her speech for 13th Annual Nordic Summit IT-Security-GRC. |
|
Paper on Controlled
Infection To Exit Covid-19 Lockdown: A First Utilitarian Analysis  "The
UK-wide lockdown to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented.
The government could offer the opportunity for healthy people to choose
to be immediately infected with COVID-19 in a controlled way and then
confined to their homes until they are no longer infectious. They would
then be able to resume something closer to normal life, once sufficient
numbers were immune and the government allowed it.
We show here that
this option could be attractive to many, with an overall net benefit
for a representative young, healthy person of 0.34 to 0.71 Quality
Adjusted Life Years (QALY). The parameters with the greatest influence
on this net benefit are identified", writes Dr. Chris Hope. Uncover his view on how the UK can exit the Covid-19 lockdown.
Published by Cambridge Judge Business School, 2020.
| Asia Scotland Institute's Recent Webcasts and Articles
The Institute has conducted a series of webcast recently, if you
missed them the details are here:
Asia Scotland Institute Vidcast with Shoshana Stewart, CEO Turquoise Mountain: A "Remarkable Story"
In this videocast, Sir Daniel Alexander will talk about the role of the AIIB in the context of COVID-19.
The Edinburgh Tattoo Explored with Brigadier David Allfrey, Chief Executive and Producer of the Royal
Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
DSF-Asia Scotland Institute webinar, 27th May 2020 on 'UK Relations with China: Separating Reality from Rhetoric'. YouTube VIdeo
Vikram Singh Mehta,
Chairman Brookings, India on the current situation in India: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2smivgeXU0
Vice Admiral Sir Clive
Johnstone with Dr Paul Little on mercantile security and
maritime issues: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6la-O26UbcU
Lord Jim O'Neill on
pandemics, economics and geopolitics in the context of COVID 19: https://youtu.be/PRbqOZ1WSLg
Mr Kevin Sneader,
McKinsey & Company, on what the world may look like post-pandemic: https://youtu.be/IRb9HPO3cXU
President Steve Kuo Taiwan's
leading Disease Control expert on Taiwan's dealing with COVID19: https://youtu.be/dcR8GPtXJwk
Mr Stephen King,
Senior Economist HSBC on the global significance of COVID 19: https://youtu.be/r6G9EDlPGFk
Article: Restarting national economies during coronavirus.
Article: Coronavirus Tracked: If you want the latest figures as countries fight to contain the pandemic, this Financial Times article provides everything you need in one place. |
| Pandemics, Economics and Geopolitics
Newsletter of the Asia Scotland Institute, "We have witnessed the harrowing scenes in America" - week ending 7th June 2020.
Asia Scotland Institute: Vietnam Health and Economy Webinar – 18 Jun 2020 at 10:00 am BST on Zoom. The Asia Scotland Institute will discuss current issues in Vietnam with HE Mr Tran Ngoc An, Vietnam’s Ambassador to the UK, et al.
Asia
Scotland Institute: Afghanistan and Pakistan webinar about the
'Implications of the Breakdown in the Peace Process with the Taliban' - 16th June 2020 at 15:00 hours BST.
Asia Scotland Institute: 'China's current and future global relationships' - Joerg
Wuttke. President EU Chamber of Commerce in China, has agreed to talk
to the Institute on a webinar on Fri 12 Jun at 1100 hours (BST) on the
subject of China's current and future global relationships.
Lord
Jim O'Neill, Baron O'Neill of Gatley, Chair of Chatham House,
interviewed Roddy Gow, Chairman Asia Scotland Institute on a
broad range of topics covering his deep understanding of pandemics,
economics and geopolitics in the context of COVID 19. The video now has been published on Asia Scotland Institute's YouTube Channel and other social media platforms.
| Response to Silvia Frosina: "Machines Don't Fight Wars"
Len
Tiahlo responds to Silvia Frosina's citation: "Machines don't fight
wars. Terrain doesn't fight wars. Humans fight wars. You must get into
the mind of humans. That's where the battles are won", said Col.
John R. Boyd. Find out why he thinks her comment on “in depth
expertise,” is precisely the point, read his thoughts.
John Beveridge also responds...
Exploring Taiwan's Response to COVID-19
The
Asia Scotland Institute explores Taiwan’s approach to COVID 19 in
an interview given by Vice President Chen, a veteran epidemiologist
before entering politics, to the BBC on 8 April in which he shares
Taiwan’s experience of the virus and highlights the need for
international cooperation. Discover more here.
Tightening of UK- Relations: Richard Knowlton comments on Silvia Frosina's recent blog
China's
geopolitical, economic, and military weight make it essential for the
UK to make a careful assessment of its relationship with China. How do
we calculate the next more? Knowlton discusses his thoughts, which are
mostly in agreement with Silvia Frosina. However, he raises some issues
to add to the conversation. Find out what they are.
Tightening of UK-China Relations Demands to Deepen Knowledge of the Chinese Context
Silvia
Frosina, Research Officer at The Next Century Foundation , argues the
U.K. needs to get the big picture about China, to "reboot its foreign
policy and build healthier, equitable and ethical bilateral
relationships with its international partners." Discover why in her article...
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|
Opinion: The Atlantic Alliance Had Pre-existing Conditions. The
Pandemic Will Worsen Them
Philip H.
Gordon and Jeremy Shapiro argue that the trans-atlantic relationship
should isolate. They argue that it was already in intensive care before
the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic rapidly emerged. They also look ahead
to the US presidential election with some pessism about a second Trump
term in office, declaring the relationship would no longer be so
special.
| China - Friend or Foe?
In association with Dr Roddy Gow, OBE, Chairman, AsiaScotand
DSF would like to have your opinions on the future of UK trade relations with China. Answer some questions and find out more...
|
| Defence and the Integrated Review: A Testing Time
The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) is the world's oldest and the the UK's leading defence and security think tank. Read the Whitehall Report 2-20
by Malcolm Chalmers and Will Jessett, which seeks to provider a foreign
policy framework for the Integrated Review at a time of COVID-19.
| The Maitland Ties with Ceylon/Sri Lanka Live On After Over 200 Years
In
this speech Lady Olga Maitland explored, in 2016, her family's links to
Sri Lanka. She also reveals what makes her proud of the Maitland
family's achievements. Discover them here...
|
| American, Chinese, Iranian, and Russian Standoffs as Impacted by Covid-19 and Oil Prices
Find
out why the recent escalation in US-Iranian tensions is related to
several factors, including oil, US elections, and the month of Ramadan.
Raghida Dergham offers a viewpoint in The National. | DSF Discussion Paper 1 - Back to Work NOW for the under 40's by Dr Sally Leivesley
Reducing Lockdown for UK and other Countries using lessons from Wuhan Back to Work (under 40’s). How can this be done?
|
| Coronavirus Pandemic Has Thrown the World Order Into a Tailspin
Raghida
Dergham, the founder and executive chairwoman of the Beirut Institute,
argues in The National that it It will not be possible for nations to
return to the policies that had been put in place before COVID-19. Discover why she thinks the world order has been thrown into a tailspin...
| The Importance of European Medical Exports During COVID-19
The
ELN publishes a policy brief on the importance of European medical
exports during COVID-19. It follows the high-level transatlantic
statement, organised by the ELN and The Iran Project, on the impact of US sanctions on the Iranian healthcare system. |
| Back to Work NOW for the Under 40’s: A Recommended Industry-Government Initiative
Continuing her discussion, Dr Sally Leivesley, reveals a plan to deliver confidence to the UK economy for growth and new trade opportunities by releasing all those under 40 from lockdown-to the workforce.
| Opinion - COVID-19: The Dangerous Waiting Game
With
the number of deaths mounting, we Cannot wait three months for the
results of many trials of drug combinations to take place. Maybe we can
wait two weeks max. Dr David McGhee offers his thoughts. |
| The Global Significance of COVID-19 and its Implications to Asia
In
an interview with the Asia Scotland Institute Mr Stephen King,
Senior Economist HSBC gives his perspective on the global significance
of COVID 19 and its implications to Asia (YouTube).
| 2020: North Macedonia officially joined NATO
North
Macedonia officially joined NATO, becoming the alliance's 30th member.
Earlier that week, the EU gave its approval for membership talks to
begin with North Macedonia and Albania. To mark these events, the European Leadership Network (ELN) brings together ELN commentaries on NATO and the EU, from network members and experts.
|
| Webinar: Fighting COVID-19: Experiences and lessons from the frontlines in Asia
On
3rd April 2020, the Brookings John L. Thornton China Center convened a
remote panel of experts from China, Japan, Singapore and South Korea to
discuss what has worked to combat this pandemic.
| Adapting To A New Security Environment: Challenges And Opportunities For Defence Industry
Lady
Olga Maitland, President of the Defence and Security Forum, argues that
The security environment globally is never settled in her speech to the
ISTANBUL Bospherus Summit: An International Co-operation Platform. So
what can change? Find out in her speech here.
|
| Your views: The Geo-political Impact of COVID-19
During
the current coronavirus crisis, it would be helpful to have an
analysis of the impact it is having geo-politically. One example
would be, will the gifts of aid from Russia and China
change global relationships? Send the DSF your thoughts,
articles, podcast and video links. Talk to us, find out more...
| 12th Annual European GRC and DPO Day, 2019
GDPR
facing constantly changing environment, challenges, technology. Is it
always fit for purpose?...The threats and attacks continue, everyone is
vulnerable, A business can crash. You can be hit from
unexpected quarters, and third-party networks are the weakest spot...uncover more in Lady Olga Mailtland's speech.
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| Virus offers warring parties a ladder to climb down
Rt.
Hon. Alistair Burt, former Minister of State at the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office, tells Arab News that the Novel Coronavirus
COVID-19 offers warring parties in the region to find a truce. Learn more in his article.
| Adapting To A New Security Environment: Challenges And Opportunities For Defence Industry
In
2017, Lady Olga Maitland declared: "The security environment globally
is never settled", and that's true today in 2020. So, where are
the growth markets in defence? Uncovered all in her speech.
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| Lady Olga Mailtland: UK Outlook for 2020
The
world is on the move. The dynamics are changing. Europe is drifting
away from the US. Where does this leave relations with NATO? Lady Olga
Maitland, President of the Defence and Security Forum offers her
thoughts about the UK's relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump
and NATO. Read her speech here.
| A CISO's Place Is on The Main Board
In 2016 Lady Olga Maitland argued that chief information security officers should sit on the main board of their companies. Learn why in her Copenhagen Compliance speech in Dubai.
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| Istanbul Security Conference 2019: ‘Reassurance and Re-engagement’
A
speech by Lady Olga Maitland on “EU’s Demographic Challenge,
Refugees and Migration: Impact on Social Stability and Border
Security: Developing Preventive Policies and Strategies’.
| Copenhagen Compliance: The CEO Perspective on Security
In
2014, Lady Olga Maitland addressed the 9th Chief Security Officer
Summit in Brussels, Belgium to examine the the role of CEOs in
protecting organisations from cyber-attack, terorrism and organised crime. In many ways, she argues, it's a matter of corporate social responsibilty.
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| The Pace Heats Up at Holkham Hall, North Norfolk’s 18th Century Stately Home
Lady
Olga Maitland explore opera at Holkham Hall where "the crowd roared and
stamped crying encore for the celebrated opera singer José Carreras, one of the legendary Three Tenors.
| The Use of Information Technology by Terrorist Organisations
"The story of the presence of terrorist groups in cyberspace has barely begun to be told... The truth is that the use of the internet by terrorists has been growing like wildfire", said Lady Olga Maitland in her 2007 speech to the Homeland and Global Security Forum. Learn how they are using technology, and how they can be defeated.
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| Columbo Defence Seminar: Soft Power and its Influence on Global Issues
In 2016 soft power was consdired a force for good, but it can only go so far. Find out why Lady
Olga Maitland, President of the Defence and Security Forum, thinks
peacekeeping only really works when conflicts are resolved.
| Money transfers: do senders and recipients get the best deal?
Lady Olga Maitland, CEO, International Association of Money Transfer Networks (IAMTN), explores their value in her 2006 article. |
| Copenhagen Compliance: Security and Risk Governance, Gaining Board and Stakeholder Buy In
In
2016, Lady Olga Maitland explored the chainging role of the Chief
Information Security Officer (CISO) in the fight against cyber-attacks.
Get it right, she warns, to avoid going bust... (PDF)
| Nuclear Projects and their impact on Arabian Security
In
her 2010 speech to the Euro-Arabian Centre For Studies, Lady Olga
Maitland looks Britain's pursual of invaluable friendships with
countries such as Oman and the UAE, going beyond energy to defence and
security. Reveal the impact on Arabian security by reading her speech here.
|
| A British Perspective of Kuwait
Lady
Olga Mailtland discusses the relationship between the UK and Kuwait -
including the importance of trade between the two countries in this
2001 lecture. Learn about the history behind the relations between them.
A Common Sense Revolution
In December 1999, Lady Olga Maitland examined the reasons for not voting Labour. In her speech she discusses Labour's failed promises.
| Western Isles Of Scotland: Europe’s Last Great Wildnerness
Europe’s
last great wilderness lay way below Lady Olga Maitland as she flew over
them some years ago in a military plane en route to Canada. Read more in her speech of 28th May 2006.
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| Burn's Night Address, January 2000: Society of Scottish Lawyers
"In future nothing will be too much trouble. A new me will emerge which will stun you all", writes Lady Olga Maitland.
| A Just War?
Lady Olga Maitland examines what makes a just war in her 1983 speech to the Defence and Security Forum. Explore the answer to this question.
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 | Turkey Can We Have A Common Cause With President Erdogan: NATO? Regional Security?
Dr.
Cenguiz Ozgencil, Chairman, Bosphorus International Co-Operation
Platform think tank, was Guest of Honour at the dinner hosted by Lady
Olga Maitland at 21 Cloudesley Street on 15th May 2018.
Find some photographs from the event here....
|  | How Much China Has Changed
"Returning
to the city where I was once First Secretary of the British Embassy, I
realised just how much China has changed" - Roger Garside.
Read his article in Prospect Magazine here. | | Image: Banqueting House, courtesy of Historic Royal Palaces. | Edward Heath International Lecture
Delivered by Dr. Henry A. Kissinger At the Banqueting House, Whitehall, London October 24, 2016
When
the Tories unexpectedly won the 1970 election, Richard Nixon was so
elated that he called nearly every hour to update me on the status of
the returns. In terms of hierarchy, it should, of course, have
happened the other way around. But I found myself in Mexico
attending the 1970 World Cup without secure communications...
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International Relations
analyses the
nature of the rules and forces
governing the
behaviour
of states, the factors that
lead to military conflict or
peaceful
co-operation, and the current trends towards both a more integrated and
a more fragmented world.
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 | Gaza:
a Pawn in the new 'Great Game'
Beirut
based, Alastair Crooke, OBE, director of Conflicts Resolution is the
renowned expert on the Hamas and Hezbollah and frequent broadcaster on
the Israeli/Gaza war.
This
is a past event.
|  | Meeting The Patriarch
Lady
Olga Maitland and HH Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia (in
white hat) at the Cavalry and Guards Club on Sunday, 16th
October 2016.
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'Building
up Confidence:
Prospects and Challenges' by
Arslan CHIKHAOUI - Economic & Political Specialist and CEO
- Middle East Association Seminar on Algeria. London, 6th
November 2008.
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SYRIA: Empowering The Democratic Resistance. A paper by the Arab Reform Initiative - September 2013.
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 | Report: A Threat
Transformed: Al Qaeda and
Associated Movements in 2011
A 38 page PDF report by the Centre for Strategic and International
Studies, which
was published in February 2011.
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Launch
of
International Association for the Remittances Industry
- December
2008.
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Can
Western European Economies Learn from Central and Eastern Europe?
Graham
Jarvis looks
to Poland and the Czech Republic for lessons on how the West might
better have avoided the present financial and economic crisis.
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 | Free Kuwait Campaign at the Cenotaph, 1991. Olga M. and team placing flowers on the War Memorial..
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Politics |
Defence
and Security |
|
Politics is at the heart
of the DSF
and critical in its influence over
international relations, defence and security. The DSF
frequently hosts leaders in British politics as well as representatives
from countries all over the world from the United States to the Middle
East to the Far East.
Click
here to read more. |
DSF discusses defence and
security issues;
they are not just affecting Britian,
but countries all over the world. After all, the Forum is a
foreign and defence affairs think tank that was launched by Lady Olga
Maitland in 1983. It was then known under its
campaigning wing, ’Families for Defence’...
Click
here to read more.
|
