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European Journal of Law and Economics -     

Subnational governments in transnational networks for sustainable development

Since the 1970s, subnational entities such as provinces, states or regions have joined together in transnational associations based upon common interests, especially in Europe. Such transnational networks of subnational governments have also been created in the sphere of sustainable development, a policy domain that is largely shaped in multilateral decision-making settings and that is characterized by complexity and uncertainty, urging policy-makers to learn from other governments. Those networks have both external and internal objectives. On the one hand, they want to represent their members at international organizations and influence multilateral decision-making. On the other hand, they are aimed at fostering cooperation between subnational governments and at stimulating policy learning. After presenting a typology of existing networks in the sphere of sustainable development, the article presents a comparative analysis of the participation of the Belgian entities Flanders and Wallonia in ENCORE (Environmental Conference of the European Regions) and nrg4SD (Network of Regional Governments for Sustainable Development). The research shows that Flanders and Wallonia use networks mostly for formal and informal cooperation but not for influencing multilateral decision-making for sustainable development. The external dimension of the networks, however, is applied for identity politics. The analysis also demonstrates that little political capital is invested in the networks.     

Blame attribution and guilt feelings in violent offenders

Offenders with high psychopathic traits and/or antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) are hypothesised to experience less guilt and less responsibility for their actions than offenders without these problems. These hypotheses were tested and partly substantiated. The study investigates blame attributions and guilt feeling using Gudjonsson Blame Attribution Inventory–Revised (GBAI-R) for 177 young male violent offenders. GBAI scores were compared to ASPD and psychopathy according to the Psychopathy Checklist–Revised. Results showed that individuals with ASPD and those with higher degrees of psychopathy tended to report significantly less guilt and higher degree of mental control than other subjects. Another finding was a weak relationship between ASPD, high scores on psychopathic traits and external attribution. We suggest these results might be explained by admitting poor mental control may be extra difficult for individuals belonging to either of these groups and that the external attribution items do not separate causal from moral responsibility.     

A defence model for the Baltic states

It is often argued that the Baltic states should not be accepted in NATO because they are not defensible and NATO forces would not be able to intervene in time if they were attacked. This article presents a possible Baltic defence concept which appears to be well adapted to Baltic terrain and Baltic material and manpower resources, and which should at the very least impose significant delay (weeks) and heavy losses on a massive attack. Friendly intervention could be in the form of air strikes against aggressor columns blocked on the roads.     

The highway of Europe and Asia

The Art and Architecture of the Ancient Orient. By Henri Frankfort. The Pelican History of Art. Penguin Books, Harmondsworth, Essex. 1954. Pp. xxvi + 270; 192 plates and 117 figures in the text. Price 42s.

The History and Culture of the Indian People. The Classical Age. By Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. Bombay: Arthur Probsthain. 1554. Pp. lx + 745, with four maps and 43 plates (two, of Ajanta paintings, in colour).

Malaya, Indonesia, Borneo and the Philippines. By Charles Robequain. Translated by E. D. Laborde. Longmans. 1954. Pp. 456; 15 photographs, 36 maps, bibliography and index. 30s.

Iran. By Professor R. Ghirshman. Translated from the French for the Pelican Series. 1951 (1954, translation). 5s.

A Bibliography of Painting in Islam. By K. A. C. Creswell. (Publications de l'Institut Français d'Archéologie Orientale du Caire : Art Islamique, tome I.) Cairo, 1953.

The Arabian Peninsula. By Richard Sangar. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, New York. 1954. Pp. 296. Ill. $5.

Qataban and Sheba. Exploring Ancient Kingdoms on the Biblical Spice‐routes of Arabia. By Wendell Phillips. Gollancz. 1955. Pp. 335. Ill. Price 21s.

The Old Turkey and the New. From Byzantium to Ankara. By Sir Harry Luke, K.C.M.G., D.Litt. London : Geoffrey Bles. 1955. Pp. 233. 16s.

The Sūfi Path of Love. An Anthology of Sūfism. Compiled by Margaret Smith, D.Lit. Luzac and Co. 1954. Pp. 154. 21s.

The Road to Mecca. By Muhammad Asad. London: Max Reinhardt. 1954. Pp. xiii + 381. Illustrated. 21s.

Danger in Kashmir. By Josef Korbel. With a Foreword by C. W. Nimitz, Fleet Admiral, U.S.N. Princeton (New Jersey) University Press. 1954. Pp. xvi + 351. Two maps drawn by Waldo R. Barton. Oxford University Press, London. $5.

The Life of Lord Roberts. By David James. (Foreword by L. S. Amery, C.H.) London : Hollis and Carter. 1954. 5¾” × 8¾”. Pp. xxiii + 503; Index, 18 maps, 16 illustrations. 30s. net.

Jinnah. By Hector Bolitho. John Murray. London. 1954. Pp. 244. Ill. 18s.

Tibetan Marches. By André Migot. London : Rupert Hart‐Davis. Pp. 288; 40 illustrations; 2 maps. 18s.

South Col. By Wilfrid Noyce. Heinemann. London. 1954. Pp. 303; 40 plates with line drawings and maps. 21s.

Journey by Junk. By Willard Price. Wm. Heinemann Ltd. 1954. Pp. 219 and Index. Illustrated. 18s.

The Indus Civilization. By Sir Mortimer Wheeler. A supplementary volume to the Cambridge History of India. Cambridge University Press. Pp. 95 and xxiv plates of illustrations. 18s.

Iran. By Richard N. Frye. George Allen and Unwin. London. 1954. Pp. 120; 2 sketch‐maps. 7¼” × 4¼”. 8s. 6d.

Al Yemen. A General Social, Political and Economic Survey. By Dr. Gamal‐Eddine Heyworth‐Dunne. Cairo: Renaissance Bookshop. 1952. Pp. X + 118; sketch‐map. 50 piastres.

Report from Malaya. By Vernon Bartlett. Published by Derek Verschoyle. 1954. Pp. 128. Ill. 10s. 6d.

Babylonian and Assyrian Religion. By S. H. Hooke. London: Hutchinson's University Library. 1953. Pp. 128. 8s. 6d.     

Liberale Romandie,radikale Deutschschweiz? Kantonale Demokratien zwischen Repräsentation und Partizipation

Der vorliegende Beitrag untersucht die weit verbreitete These, dass Deutschschweizer Kantone vor allem radikaldemokratische Merkmale aufweisen, während die lateinischen Kantone stärker liberal‐repräsentative Demokratieformen besitzen. Die empirische und mehrdimensionale Messung der Demokratiequalität in den Kantonen zeigt, dass die pauschale These der direktdemokratisch‐partizipatorischen Deutschschweizer Kantone auf der einen Seite und der repräsentativdemokratischen Stände der lateinischen Schweiz auf der anderen Seite der Komplexität der kantonalen Demokratien nicht gerecht wird. Als erklärungskräftige Alternative für die Positionen der Kantone auf den Achsen liberaler und radikaler Demokratien an der Schwelle des 21. Jahrhunderts erweist sich vielmehr die Stärke der liberalen und demokratischen Verfassungsbewegungen in den Kantonen Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts.     

Beyond Crime Statistics: The Construction and Application of a Criminogenity Monitor in Amsterdam

Criminologists have devoted a great deal of attention to risk factors – also called criminogenic factors – leading to criminal offending. This paper presents a criminogenity monitor which includes 19 risk factors that underlie crime. These factors do not themselves cause criminal behaviour; rather, they must be seen as signals that crimes may be committed. After discussing how the criminogenity monitor was constructed, we apply the risk factors we examined to the situation in Amsterdam, capital city of the Netherlands. The monitor is intended to function particularly as an instrument to rationalise policy-makers’ work in targeting and preventing symptoms of crime at three geographical levels: the entire city, its boroughs and its neighbourhoods.     

The Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention: a Short Presentation

The Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention (Brottsförebyggande rådet, BRÅ) is a centre for research and development work within the justice system and is to provide assistance to the agencies of the criminal justice system in improving their knowledge and developing their methods to combat and to prevent crime.

In this article a summary of the operations of the Council – with a focus on the year 2004 – is presented. It is shown that a great number of evaluation projects have been conducted (e.g. of electronic monitoring of offenders). Another way in which the Council can contribute is working to develop various instruments that can be used to measure the effects of different parts of the criminal justice system. As an example, a routine measure of repeat victimization at the regional and local level for different crime types, is being developed.

In order to maintain a national centre of expertise in the broad area of economic and organized crime, a special secretariat has been established. Its focus is directed at the area of prevention, ranging from strategies to methods. Finally, the Council has the responsibility to support local crime prevention work and mediation at the local level.

The article also points out some challenges for the future.