NDP Research
The NDP’s guiding principle is to undertake research in the following thematic or regional areas where we believe we have the experience, professional network, and knowledge to add real value and solutions to the policy debate:
Thematic research
- Peace and Security and the role of multilateral institutions
- The emerging role of multinational business in geopolitics and development
- The ethics and parameters of ‘the Responsibility to Protect’ (R2P)
Regional Research
- The geopolitics of the Middle East
- Britain’s role in the World
Current thematic work
A progressive UK foreign policy
The NDP’s latest research focuses on the future of UK foreign policy and the potential progressive positions the opposition Labour Party can take on issues ranging from multilateralism, conflict prevention, and relations with emerging powers. The work has been commissioned by the centre-left think and magazine, Progress, and will be published in the autumn of 2011.
In Defence of Multilateralism
In late 2011 the NDP will also be launching its ‘In Defence of Multilateralism’ project which aims to take a critical look at what many observers see as the decline of the leverage, legitimacy and role of multilateral institutions (primarily the UN) in conflict resolution and stability.
We are also continuing to undertake research on the role of the EU in international affairs, specifically in relation to peace; democracy; and the rule of law. You can read the latest NDP Briefing Note on Europe here.
Current regional work
Syrian Scenarios
As the ‘Arab Spring’ continues across the Middle East the NDP is also beginning a project on the implications of the on-going internal political unrest in Syria. This work will both analyse the current situation in the country while also mapping out a set of potential scenarios for a post-Assad Syria.
Power Audit of EU-North African Relations
The NDP is working on part of a European Council of Foreign Relations (ECFR) report which is looking at how North Africa is seen from different EU member states and maps bilateral relationships in wide range of areas. The report seeks to define and explain possible areas where the EU’s common approach is needed and where the bilateral policies could or should prevail.
