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UCL Opinion is the home for opinion and expertise from around the UCL academic community on topical social and political issues. Views expressed are those of the authors, and not of UCL.
Opinion
'Correct and brilliant': Angus Deaton's work is a model of applied economics
"In physics, Nobel prizes are awarded for being correct while in economics they are often awarded for being brilliant." So said former World Bank president Robert Zoellick. Economist Angus Deaton noted the contrast and pondered how interesting it might be to classify economics laureates into Zoellick's two boxes, writes Professor Ian Preston (UCL Economics) in The Conversation.
Published: Oct 14, 2015 10:18:09 AM
Ten sure ways countries can turn away international students
The pursuit of global mobility in a world divided up into nations invokes a fundamental dilemma. Free passage without harassment is a right we routinely expect to exercise whenever we travel abroad. Yet the right of people within a country to determine who enters their nation is enshrined in law. This unresolvable tension between sovereignty and mobility catches international students in its grip, writes Professor Simon Marginson (UCL Institute of Education) in The Conversation.
Published: Oct 13, 2015 3:56:33 PM
Not all academies are the same - don't assume they will all boost result
Our new research shows that many of the schools that have become academies since the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government came to power are fundamentally different in nature from those that became academies under Labour, writes Professor Stephen Machin (UCL Economics) in The Conversation.
Published: Oct 13, 2015 3:54:06 PM
We need a Syria strategy, not half-baked reasons to drop bombs
As David Cameron prepares the ground for a return to the House of Commons to seek support for the bombing of Syria, many will search in vain for a longer-term strategy that guides him, writes Professor Philippe Sands (UCL Laws) in the Financial Times.
Published: Oct 12, 2015 11:56:16 AM
The Air France protesters were desperate, frightened people, not a violent mob
On Monday, about 100 employees stormed an Air France management and
union official meeting that was discussing dramatic job cuts. As the
negotiations had been making no progress, the staff became angry, and
tussled with some company officials, writes Professor Philippe Marliere (UCL SELCS) in The Guardian.
Published: Oct 8, 2015 2:44:45 PM
