Several EU member states have launched an initiative to set up a European Development Report. Such a report could strengthen Europe’s position as a global player. The theme is promising: a globally inclusive society based on fair multilateralism. But the Netherlands government has pulled out: no added value.

Welcome to the website of The Broker, a bimonthly magazine and email newsletter, published by the Foundation for International Development Publications (IDP). The magazine is for all those concerned with development and globalization, especially in the fields of economics, human security, governance, and science and technology.

Coalitions of the willing have been accused of undermining multilateralism. But if they work from the bottom up, they can actually strengthen global governance. Witness the efforts to ban landmines and, most recently, cluster munitions.

There are increasing calls for greater cooperation between scientists from different disciplines. Under certain circumstances such interdisciplinary research can add value. A new publication, Building bridges, offers some advice for sceptics and enthusiasts.