Social science research should lead to a better understanding of current societal developments and enable policy makers to propose solutions to problems and design policies that can serve the public more effectively. Governments are increasingly aware of the need and opportunities to improve the...

Part I: The material basis of the economy and resource productivity. Natural resources: the material basis of the economy -- An evolving economic context and new environmental challenges -- Sustainable resource use and resource productivity -- The material basis of the global economy -- The...

Improving resource productivity and ensuring a sustainable resource and materials management building on the principle of the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) is a central element of green growth policies. It helps to improve the environment, by reducing the amount of resources that the economy...

This study first analyses an old and recurring form of instability in the region: conflict over resources. A series of case studies examines the causes of these conflicts with reference to the associated regional challenges and response tools. Secondly, the study addresses terrorism, a...