Exchange dedicates regular sections to issues of investment, trade, development and political risk. We are currently selecting articles for publication and seeking potential contributors. 

See key themes, structure and other details below.

COMPONENT (1)

“Business and Conflict: Foreign Investment and the Arab Spring”

Key themes:

· How can business thrive in authoritarian countries? How are political risks managed?

· What is the future of FDI in the natural resource sector in the wake of political transition and economic restructuring in the Arab World?

· How can business promote conflict-resolution and peace-building?

Content under this component:

1a) Editorial:

1b) Analysis: “Business best practice and CSR in international oil trade: what business can do together with governments”

1c) Analysis: Regulating arms trade in order to foster a safe business environment. Themes: What kind of international rules and enforcement mechanisms are required; what should governments do to strengthen control along porous borders; how should defense companies implement codes of due diligence and CSR; how should a balance be struck between the goals of arms control, defense policy and the investment and trade interests of defense and security companies?

COMPONENT (2)

Country Reports: Development Priorities and Investment Opportunities in the Western Balkans/SEE

Key Themes:

· Export Processing zones

· Telecommunications

· Transport

· Energy

Content under this component:

1a) Editorial:

1b) Export Processing Zones: are EPZs effective drivers of sustainable economic development? Do they embody an effective industrial policy? What are the main risks and safeguards associated with EPZs? How can governments maximize the positive impact of EPZs? How can foreign investors maximize the potential of EPZs while contributing to local development? 

1c) Telecommunications for development: how investment in public goods such as telecoms infrastructure can foster private sector development in the Western Balkans? How should concessions for the privatization of natural monopolies (such as broadband networks) be managed? What is the optimal format of PPP in the development or restructuring of telecommunication networks? 

1d) Transport Infrastructure: The role of transport interconnectors at the regional level in the Western Balkans. Integration of railway system for freight transport and road connections as part of corridors 8 and 10. How can governments coordinate policy actions and investments to avoid replications

1e) Energy: penetration of renewables into the Western Balkans’ generation mix: can investment in renewables be promoted through domestic subsidies or bilateral trade agreements with EU countries? What is the role of EU-Balkans and regional cooperation in promoting diversification into renewable sources? 

COMPONENT (3)

Investment, Trade and Commercial Diplomacy

Research articles/analysis are welcome for this section

COMPONENT (4)

Interviews:

This component will include:

· Interviews with trade ministers

· Interviews with ambassadors

· Interviews with senior business executives

In addition to the above specific themes we also welcome the following topics:

The list of topics below suggests the range of topics appropriate for this Issue, which ideally seeks input from scholars across a number of disciplines related to conducting business in a less secure world. We seek papers/articles on:

• Why global businesses need to acquire diplomatic skills?
• Why political diplomats need to understand how the business world operates?
• The role of international businesses in fostering good governance and democracy
• The impact of political and diplomatic disputes in international business activity
• International trade, investment and diplomacy
• Articles on international trade agreements their impact and implementation
• The responsibilities of multinational companies in the developing world
• Articles covering international standards of business behaviour and diplomacy: how to cultivate and reinforce corporate ethics and credibility.
• Analysis of various governance systems and working cultures that differ from Western capitalism.
• Examination of International law and principles of treaty making (soft and hard law); regulation by international organisations (particularly as they affect international business), international arbitration, mediation and judicial settlements.
• Assessment of the functioning of intergovernmental bodies, such as the World Trade Organisation, IMF, World Bank, the International Labour Organisation, plus other diverse global trading block

Style: Journalistic, Language: English

Please bear in mind that the maximum length is 1000 words We require authors to forward a passport-size picture with their profile, which will be shown alongside the publication. We also ask that you provide a short biography.

Please send your work to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Please note that given the not-for-profit nature of the organization, all contributions to the magazine are provided on a pro bono basis.

PUBLISHER:

International Business and Diplomatic Exchange - 1 Northumberland Avenue, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5BW T:+44(0)2071931485 F:+44(0)2033189199 E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it W: www.ibde.org

Registered in England as a non-profit company limited by guarantee registration number 7181393

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) Exchange: ISSN 2045-3175

Editor: Rudi Guraziu, Associate Editors: Penelope Bridgers, Jacques Couvas

Advertising and sponsorship enquiries: + 44 (0) 20 7193 1485 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it