The World Today: May 2007: May 2007

Over the past two years the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea – more commonly known as North Korea – has taken the world on an astonishing rollercoaster ride. There have been two remarkable peaks: a statement of principles reached at the six- party talks in Beijing in September 2005 and then a break through denuclearisation agreement this February.

Private security companies have played an important, and at times controversial, role in Iraq and to a lesser degree, Afghanistan. Their use has raised questions about the changing nature of civil military relations and the transfer of roles from the military to the private sector.

The much vaunted ‘clash of civilisations’ has somewhat obscured a much broader battle of ideas occurring in the Muslim world. This struggle has serious implications for relations between the west and that world and for Muslims living in western societies. It is a dynamic and important debate on many levels, particularly because of concern over radicalisation and its implications for security and identity.

Corruption and Misuse of Public Office,Colin Nicholls Qc, Tim Daniel, Martin Polaine and John Hatchard, Oxford University Press.

The President of Côte d’Ivoire has signed a new peace accord with rebels occupying the north of the country. But will the agreement hold, or fall apart in bickering like previous such deals? Failure could prove disastrous.

Poisoned Wells: The Dirty Politics Of African Oil,by Nicholas Shaxson, Palgrave Macmillan.