Economics, History & Politics at Buckingham...Economics, History and Politics Newsletter Spring 2016...

Economics, History and Politics Newsletter | Spring 2016

A group of Politics and Economics students travelled to the European Parliament in September 2015. This empowering and enlightening experience was made possible by funding from Santander Universities and the European Parliament. Two students share their experiences:

“We arrived in Brussels late Tuesday morning and were warned it would be an intense schedule! The first night in Brussels gave us the opportunity to explore the city. The locals were friendly and hospitable. We were all geared up and raring to go on the first day of meetings on Wednesday.

In addition to our own University lecturers, we were accompanied by Professor Mallory Factor who informed us that he had successfully managed to pull a few strings, securing back-to-back meetings with the prestigious law firm Sidley Austin LLP and MEPs from the UK and other countries. The partners at Sidley

were very welcoming and knowledgeable and it was an invaluable and inspiring experience. The rest of our day was based at the parliament, where we were privileged to be given an official tour of the building. A quick lunch was followed by the marathon series of meetings. We met a large number of MEPs, including Nigel Farage who was not let off easily by a group of young and inquisitive Buckingham students.

The majority of Thursday consisted of a visit to the heavily secured NATO headquarters; this was a most intellectually stimulating experience. Late Thursday we headed back safely to the UK, mentally exhausted but inspired. The trip as a whole was well organised and academically invaluable. We are truly grateful and honoured to have been part of this experience.”

Denise Tapfumaneyi and Thuane Assuncao Santos

European Parliament, Brussels

Economics, History & Politics at Buckingham


Dean’s message

Welcome to all our alumni, current and prospective students! The last six months have been great for the Department. We have been ranked 7th (out of 77) for Politics in the Guardian University Guide 2016, and in the 2016 National Student Survey (NSS) both Economics and History scored a 100% satisfaction rating. To top this the University was awarded the accolade of ‘University of the Year’ for Teaching Quality 2016 by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, and ranked 1st in the country for employment prospects by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA, 2016).

In addition to our existing security

and intelligence degrees we have taken our first students on the MA in Law Enforcement, Security and Intelligence. At the undergraduate level we have degrees in Politics, International Relations, History and Economics. If you are interested in applying to Buckingham we offer financial support in the form of various scholarships.

Providing excellent teaching is at the heart of what we do, but teaching has to be sustained by serious research. In this newsletter you will find out about our staff publications and academic outreach over the past six months.

Dr Paul GrahamDean of Social Sciences

University of the Year for Teaching Quality 2016 This year the University was awarded the accolade of ‘University of the Year’ for Teaching Quality 2016 by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.

The University attributes its overall success to the tutorial teaching system brought over by its founders from the University of Oxford, which means that teaching is small-group and personalized, allowing students to make better progress. Very few universities maintain a real tutorial system, and Buckingham is one of those few.


Upcoming seminars

6 April: Seminar by Ali Tajvidi, visiting lecturer in Politics at the University of BuckinghamTitle: Obama and Iran Nuclear DealLocation: AdRB1, 4.15pm

13 April: Seminar by Andrew Selkirk, editor-in-chief of Current PublishingTitle: Greece and Rome - The Rise and Fall of the World’s First Market Economies: A Right Wing ViewLocation: AdRB1, 4.15pm

20 April: Seminar by David Parker, Emeritus Professor Cranfield Title: The UK Privatization Program since 1970’s Driving Upon Internal Government DocumentsLocation: AdRB1, 4.15pm

4 May: Seminar by Anthony J. Evans, associate Professor of Economics at ESCP Title: Choose Your Own Financial CrisisLocation: AdRB1, 4.15pm

11 May: Seminar by Philip Booth, editorial and programme director at the IEATitle: Is George Osborne Solving the Government Debt Problems? Location: AdRB1, 4.15pm

1 June: Lecture by Julian Richards, co-director of BUCSIS at the University of Buckingham Title: Pakistan’s Intelligence View of India Location: AdRB1, 4.15pm


Chevening Scholars

Chevening is the UK government’s international awards scheme aimed at developing global leaders. Established in 1983 and funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations, Chevening offers two types of award – Chevening Scholarships and Chevening Fellowships. The recipients of these are personally selected by British Embassies and High Commissions throughout the world.

Chevening offers a unique opportunity for future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers from all over the world to develop professionally and academically, to network extensively, experience UK culture, and to build lasting positive relationships with the UK.

The Buckingham University Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS) has attracted two Chevening Scholars who are current students; visiting Lecturer and Doctoral Fellow Candyce Kelshall from the Carribean, and Postgraduate student Kamane Wauga from Papa New Guinea. Candyce said:

“Kamane Wauga and I are both Chevening scholars. It is interesting that I attended Buckingham and am now teaching him Diplomacy. I am confident that this may be quite unique. It also shows that Buckingham is a university of first choice for recognised scholars. Having two Chevening scholars at Buckingham simultaneously from such diverse parts of the world speaks to the extensive reach of Buckingham’s global reputation.”

Candyce Kelshall

Kamane Wauga and Candyce Kelshall

New module – Spring 2016

Are actors like ISIS driven by ideology? Does anger promote political conflict? Can intuitive policy decisions be better than rational ones? Does the personality of political leaders matter?

These are some of the questions we will explore in our new module on Political Psychology.

The module offers an overview of an exciting field of research that has been expanding quickly over the last decade. We will study concepts from psychology that offer new ways to think about political behaviour, and apply these concepts to cases of war, terrorism, group formation, and popular uprisings.


My favourite module... My favourite module has undoubtedly been Macroeconomic Theory. The module’s major concern resides in transferring to students the basic theoretical knowledge, models and concepts involved in economic analysis (mainly comparative static analysis) and economic policy decision-making. In order not to overwhelm students with the vast amount of subject matter, the adventure into the dynamics of modern economies begins with the introduction of a simple national income identity. The module then investigates in much detail each of the sectors represented within the equation, so as to gradually broaden and deepen students’ understanding of the economy and its determinants. Eventually students will gain a broad expertise of not only closed and open economies but also the implications of different exchange rate regimes for the latter.

Michael Millbrodt, Economics with Politics

Among many useful and interesting modules in my MA degree, I have to say my favourite subject has been International Law and Diplomacy. The module, without any doubt, has expanded my horizons and made me aware of politics and power in the international community, as well as using the lenses of international relations to interpret international law. I learnt much about sovereignty and the role of non-governmental organisations. As a former journalist this module has enhanced my knowledge of Human Rights Law and the use of force in the time

of war. The module extends the hope for those who believe in justice and bringing the perpetrators of war crimes to court. Dr Sarah Sargent has explained the principles of self-determination, environmental issues, and the corporate social responsibility under the umbrella of UN guiding principles. I will graduate soon knowing I achieved something significant in taking this module and degree.

Bayan Asa’d, MA Security, Intelligence and Diplomacy


The Institute of International Monetary Research (IIMR) is an educational charity. Its work is to inform the public debate on economic policy and enhance knowledge about how the economy works, based on the University of Buckingham campus at Prebend House.

Dr Juan Castañeda is the Director of the Institute of International Monetary Research and lecturer in Economics at the University of Buckingham. He has extensive experience researching in monetary policy and central banking. In particular, he has worked as an expert adviser to the European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee. Speaking of the future work of the IIMR, Dr Castañeda says: “The large body of theory linking money to nominal income and prices, and the ample empirical evidence which supports it, have been neglected in recent decades. Mainstream academics and central bankers have embraced theories that expressly reject the use of monetary aggregates in the framing of monetary policy decisions. The mission of the Institute and my primary role as its Director is to foster solid research in this field, and to contribute to the analysis of the pivotal role of money in explaining output and price fluctuations in the economy.”

The Institute is currently developing a Master’s programme (MSc) in ‘Money, Banking and Central Banking’ in collaboration with the University of

Buckingham. The subject is particularly relevant given all the changes introduced in banking and financial markets during the last global financial crisis, as well as the changes made by major central banks in the running of their monetary policies.

This all emphasises the importance of high quality monetary and banking analysis so we can assess those policies compatible with stable economic growth and financial stability over the long term. Expert knowledge of monetary economics and monetary policy, risk management and financial institutions is going to be of crucial importance. This programme aims to produce graduates with this specialised knowledge and the skills required for a career in central banking and finance, in particular in investment banking, as well as monetary analysis suitable to pursue a career in research departments and specialised media. In conjunction with the MSc the IIMR will be organising conferences in London and Buckingham every year, with well-known speakers from the economic world.

More information on the Institute of International Monetary Research can be found at: www.mv-pt.org

Contact details:T: +44 (0)1280 827548 E: [email protected]

The Institute of IMR


Santander Scholarships

The Department has a number of Mobility Scholarships available for our Humanities graduate students (MA/MPhil/DPhil) and academic staff to study, attend seminars/conferences, or develop a research

programme overseas at one of our partners within the Santander Universities network.

Each award is worth up to a maximum of £1,000.

In addition, there are scholarships for Humanities academics to undertake more advanced research with one of our Santander partners, either in the UK or overseas. Each award is worth up to a maximum of £5,000.

New MA in Law Enforcement

around the world, and promises to be an exciting new addition to our postgraduate offerings.

In January 2016 the Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS) commenced delivery of a new postgraduate programme called ‘Law Enforcement, Security and Intelligence’, offering taught MA, Diploma and Certificate options. The programme is a new and unique offering that considers contemporary security and intelligence issues from the perspective of the law enforcement community and policy.

The programme has emerged from a long period of engagement with the UK Police, through Dr Richards’s position as the representative of the University of Buckingham; one of four academic Centres of Excellence on the Police Intelligence Innovation Working Group.

The programme has already attracted interest from a wide range of police, military and security practitioners

To apply please contact our admissions office:Debbie Millns, Admissions ManagerT: +44 (0)1280 820220E: [email protected]


GradwatchBuckingham is currently (as of July 2015) the top ranked university for graduate employability (98.1%) as calculated by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Our graduates do exceptionally well in getting into employment, further training and higher degrees.

Leonard Behrens, History with Politics (2014)“After completing my undergraduate degree at Buckingham, I went on to work as a research assistant over the Summer of 2015 at the German Institute of Global and Area Studies (GIGA) in Hamburg, specifically the Institute of Latin American Studies. I worked alongside an expert in Latin American affairs, and was involved in the formulation of reports about the political development of the continent. I am presently studying for a master’s degree in public policy at King’s College London, whilst also working as a research assistant at the Henry Jackson Society, a foreign policy and security think tank, just next to Westminster Palace. I can truthfully say that I would not have gotten to where I am without the skills and knowledge I gained at Buckingham.”

Temi Arise, Economics with Politics (2014)“Since graduating in December 2014 I have been bombarded with amazing opportunities. From starting my first job at RBS, just a week after my final exams, to attaing a place on a Business Analysis Graduate Scheme at Lloyds Banking Group! My time at Buckingham built my capability to manage small time scales and make the most out of limited time. These skills have been essential tools used in both roles since graduating, and will be used throughout my banking career.”

Aaron Hawkins, Business Economics (2010)“After graduating from Buckingham in December 2010 I landed a job as an audit assistant at FW Berringer & Co, a firm of chartered accountants based in Bromley. I began working on smaller clients whilst assisting on the larger ones


and over a short period of time my responsibilities increased significantly as I progressed into my current senior role - the phrase “sink or swim” comes to mind! I became a fully qualified chartered certified accountant after three years, and continue to lead audits of multi-million pound turnover companies. This includes travelling around the UK and across Europe, as well as overseeing the development of junior members of staff and attending networking events to attract new clients for the firm. Champagne and canapés is just a part of the job that somebody has to do!”

Jordan Taylor, Economics with Applied Computing (2013)“After completing my degree I was given the opportunity to work within the Economics department at the University engaged on a variety of research tasks with my Professors. The experience I gained and the flexibility of my degree combination led me to another placement with The TaxPayers’ Alliance that subsequently became my employer. It’s fantastic to be in a job that utilises both parts of my degree and I also maintain a large amount of freedom over how my work is structured. My work covers dealing with social media, planning campaign strategies, writing briefings and assisting the research team. As working in campaigning is hugely varied I have to learn about new topics quickly and the solid grounding in basic principles and critical thinking my Professors emphasised throughout my degree is instrumental to this.”


Juan Castañeda• J Castañeda, F H Capie and G Wood, ‘Central Bank Independence in Small Open

Economies’, in M. Bordo et al. (eds.) Of the Uses of Central Banks: Lessons from History, Norges Bank, forthcoming in 2016

• J Castañeda, D Mayes and G E Wood, ‘European Banking Union’ (with D. Mayes and G. E. Wood), in D. Mayes, G. Wood and J. Castañeda (eds.), European Banking Union: Prospects and Challenges, Routledge, 2016

• J Castañeda, J. L. Cendejas and F. F. Muñoz, ‘Business Cycles and Monetary Regimes in the U.S. (1960-2014): A Plea for Monetary Stability’, Economic Analysis working paper series, Num. 5/2015, UAM, Madrid, 2015

Stephanie Dornschneider• S Dornschneider and N Henderson, ‘A Computational Model of Cognitive Maps.

Analyzing Violent and Nonviolent Activity in Egypt and Germany’, Journal of Conflict Resolution, March 2016, 363-399.

• S Dornschneider, Whether to Kill: The Cognitive Maps of Violent and Nonviolent Individuals, Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2016

Paul Graham• J Hoffman and P Graham, Introduction to Political Theory,

Third Edition, London and New York: Routledge, 2015• P Graham and D Kim, ‘Sex Ratios, Gender Equality and

Multiculturalism in South Korea’, Monthly Review of Philosophy and Culture, 492, 42/05, 2015

• P Graham, Rawls, Second Edition, London: Oneworld, 2015. What is justice? How can we know it? How can we make our society more just? The most significant political philosopher since John Stuart Mill, John Rawls (1921–2002) grappled with such dilemmas. In the first introduction to Rawls’s work which encompasses his entire career Paul Graham combines lucid exposition with thought-provoking criticism.

Valentina Kostadinova• V Kostadinova, ‘The Gulf Arab Countries’ Foreign and Security Policy post-Arab

Uprisings: towards Greater Regional Independence of the Middle East’, 2015. Available at: http://www.grc.net/data/contents/uploads/GRM_Valentina_paper_2772.pdf

Staff publications


Julian Richards• J Richards, ‘Pakistani intelligence and India’, in P Maddrell (ed.), The Image of the

Enemy. Washington DC: Georgetown University Press, 2015• J Richards, ‘Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism’, in A. Silke (ed.), The Routledge

Handbook on Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism, London: Routledge, forthcoming in 2016

• J Richards, ‘Needles in Haystacks: Law, Capability, Ethics and Proportionality in Big-Data Intelligence Gathering’, in A Bunnik et al. (eds.) Big Data and National Security: Innovation, Ethics and Transparency. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, forthcoming in 2016

• J Richards, ‘No Easy Walk to Democracy: Security, Politics and the State in Pakistan’, Pakistan Security Research Unit (PSRU), Brief number 72, 2015 (see https://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/psru/PSRUBriefing72.pdf )

• J Richards, ‘The Rise of Far-Right Extremism in Contemporary Great Britain and Continental Europe’, Concordia Discors (Russia), 3/26, 2016

• J Richards, ‘Intelligence Studies, Academia and Professionalization’, International Journal of Intelligence, Security and Public Affairs, 1/1, 2016

• J Richards, ‘Prevent: Essential policy or busted flush’, Police Professional, 16 April 2015

• J Richards, ‘Balancing Security and Liberty: The New Counter Extremism Bill’, Police Professional, 25 May 2015

Martin Ricketts• M Ricketts, ‘Peacock, Alan T. (1922–2014)’, in S N Durlauf and L E Blume (eds.), The

New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics, Palgrave Macmillan, 2015• M Ricketts, ‘Ownership, Governance and the Coasian Firm’, in C Veljanovski (ed.),

Forever Contemporary: The Economics of Ronald Coase, Institute of Economic Affairs, London, 2015, 46-69

• M Ricketts, ‘Adverse Selection, Moral Hazard and State Regulation’, Economic Affairs, 35/1, 2015, 109-122

Jane Ridley • J Ridley, Victoria: Queen, Matriarch, Empress, Allen Lane, 2015.

This title is part of the Penguin Monarchs series: short, fresh, expert accounts of England’s rulers in a collectible format. Queen Victoria inherited the throne at 18 and went on to become the longest-reigning female monarch in history. Overturning the established picture of the dour old lady, this is a fresh and engaging portrait from one of our most talented royal biographers.


An interview with Professor Martin Rickets Professor Martin Ricketts is Professor of Economic Organisation at the University. He has been on the academic staff of the University of Buckingham since 1977, becoming successively Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Reader and finally Professor.

in it most. The gradual development of the School of Education and its success is definitely something that gave me pleasure.

How has the University changed over the past 40 years?It is endlessly evolving. By comparison with other universities, Buckingham was very tiny. I taught the first people to graduate. Recently we have had the success of Education and Medicine. I think we have been lucky in maintaining quite a lot of its original ethos. The University has managed to maintain its connection between staff and students. The feel is still of a small institution.

You have been involved in the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) for a long time. How has the link with Buckingham evolved?The IEA connection with Buckingham goes right back to its foundation, because the whole idea of setting it up was kind of developed at the IEA. I got to know Arthur Seldon, who was the Editorial Director, and I wrote a few things for the IEA.

What was it that brought you to the University?I was working for Alan Peacock, who eventually became the University’s first Vice-Chancellor. I got a lectureship, I had however never lectured before! It was only when I got to Buckingham that I gave my first, fully fledged course in Public Finance.

Is Public Finance your main interest?Public Finance covers a tremendous scope. You just can’t be in the area without some involvement and interest in ethics, in economics, in politics and so on.

You have had many different roles at the University. What have been your highlights?I suppose there have been quite a few. In the beginning, I was engrossed in making my way as an academic, with encouragement of people like Alan Peacock. In the early years of this century, I became Dean of the School of Humanities. That was probably the job I enjoyed most. Difficult to say precisely why, but I think my heart was


Can you tell me about the Ronald Coase Scholarships, in which you have been heavily involved?I have always been interested in the economics of Ronald Coase. We were very fortunate, because Coase was a supporter of the IEA and known to people setting up this University. To our great pleasure he endowed a scholarship. We are really looking for potential. We hope that it is going to be attractive to people to apply and that it will help a fair number of students get through their University career.

The University put on a symposium to mark your retirement. What did you enjoy about it?At first I was rather dreading it, because I don’t particularly enjoy being in the limelight. Afterwards I

joked that I could get used to it! The speakers were all my friends and gave papers that were related to the development of Buckingham and the IEA, so you can see how closely they are intertwined. Many that went to my symposium had actually taught at the University at different times.

What would you say to a student wanting to study Economics at the University?It is an absolutely great place to study Economics because of the course structure and background of the people here. It introduces you to a whole range of disciplines. I think what we offer has a much more historical context, which students really need. Our methods make our students more rounded economists at the end.

Do you think Buckingham is in danger of being subordinated to politicians like every other university?The short answer is yes. Buckingham was set up because there was this danger. People who came here as academics did so because they felt the government was too powerful in education. If it is too powerful then, it is obviously too powerful now. However, as long as I am involved with the University, I will always try to resist it.

By Vicky De Wilde

Professor Martin Ricketts


provided by guest speakers, further information is readily available in the form of conference reports and speaker profiles. All those invited to chair and take part in the events are leading experts in their field, each offering a different view as to the issue on the agenda. If you’re lucky, you may be able to catch a word with some of those guests afterwards. Though many audience members may wish to do the same, they are more than happy to discuss any thoughts or feedback you may have about the talks, as well as where to find more information. The staff at Chatham House are just as welcoming and friendly, making the whole experience easy and hassle-free to attend and enjoy. I would highly recommend any of the events to anyone studying within the department: I’m sure you will find it interesting and fun, and it may indeed provide you with some additional and exclusive insight into your course.”

Ian Kelly

Please contact Melissa Wyley for registration and further information: [email protected]

Chatham House

Founded in 1920, Chatham House engages governments, the private sector, civil society and its members in open debate and confidential discussion on the most significant developments in international affairs. Each year, the institute runs more than 300 private and public events – conferences, workshops and roundtables – in London and internationally with partners. The University has a Chatham House membership, which provides four free tickets to each event. Upcoming events are regularly circulated by the Department Administrator.

One of our students, Ian Kelly, went to the recent event on ‘The UK, Japan and the Changing International Order’ and wanted to share this experience:

Ian with Carl Bildt, former Swedish PM

“The events at Chatham House provide an excellent opportunity for anyone within the Economics and International Studies department to gain a unique insight into current events and questions for the future. The venue encompasses an attractive and relaxed setting; alongside the commentary

Do you have any pictures of Chatham House we could use? Or any other relevant pictures

Phot

o by

Col

in S

mith

Study Economics at Buckingham with a Ronald Coase Scholarship

£10,000An exceptional endowment from Professor Ronald Coase, recipient of the Nobel Prize for Economics in 1991, has made it possible to offer generous scholarships in Economics. Up to five £10,000 scholarships will be available for entrants in October 2016.

University of Buckingham Coase Scholars can follow one of the following nine-term degree courses which start in October:

• Economics • Business Economics • Economics, Business and Law • Politics, Economics and Law • Economics with History • Politics with Economics • Economics with Politics • Politics and Economics

Scholarship candidates should be UK citizens and should have, or expect to achieve, three A level passes with at least one of these graded at A or A*.

Selection will be by interview.

The closing date for

scholarship applications is

Friday 1 July

Find out more:

Melissa Wyley T: +44 (0)1280 820324E: [email protected] W: www.buckingham.ac.uk

Economics, History and Politics Newsletter | Spring 2016Study Economics at Buckingham with a Ronald Coase Scholarship

£10,000An exceptional endowment from Professor Ronald Coase, recipient of the Nobel Prize for Economics in 1991, has made it possible to offer generous scholarships in Economics. Up to five £10,000 scholarships will be available for entrants in October 2016.

University of Buckingham Coase Scholars can follow one of the following nine-term degree courses which start in October:

• Economics • Business Economics • Economics, Business and Law • Politics, Economics and Law • Economics with History • Politics with Economics • Economics with Politics • Politics and Economics

Scholarship candidates should be UK citizens and should have, or expect to achieve, three A level passes with at least one of these graded at A or A*.

Selection will be by interview.

The closing date for

scholarship applications is

Friday 1 July

Find out more:

Melissa Wyley T: +44 (0)1280 820324E: [email protected] W: www.buckingham.ac.uk


International Studies AdmissionsTel: +44 (0)1280 820369Email: [email protected]

University AdmissionsTel: +44 (0)1280 820313Email: [email protected]

Scholarships and bursaries

High Achiever ScholarshipsAn automatic scholarship, worth £2,500 per annum, is available to undergraduate Home (UK/EU) students achieving ABB or above in their A Levels.

Five Counties ScholarshipsUndergraduates living in Buckinghamshire (including Milton Keynes), Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, or Hertfordshire can receive up to £2,500 per annum towards their tuition fees.

Buckingham bursariesStudents in receipt of a maintenance loan of £5,000 or more per annum will receive an automatic bursary of £1,100 per annum.

The University of Buckingham, Yeomanry House, Hunter Street, Buckingham, MK18 1EG

facebook.com/UniBuckingham @UniOfBuckingham

Go to: www.buckingham.ac.uk/open-days/

Book a tour by contacting us via the details above

Book a tour of the campusCome to an Open Day

Date post:	14-Sep-2020
Category:	Documents
Upload:	others
View:	21 times
Download:	0 times