Freedom and conditionality: analysing mental and yogic models of freedom

This thesis asks: Is freedom possible on a cognitive level, or do particular emotions negate freedom? It examines various theories of emotion, from both a cognitive and a physiological perspective, ultimately demonstrating a resonance between particular Eastern and Western theories of emotional life.

Development aid: regulatory impact assessment and conditionality

The purpose of this paper is to examine how Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) can contribute to decision-making processes of Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans and grants. The point of departure for the discussion is the phenomenon that RIA, within a context of ODA, is applied by International Finance Institutions mainly in the context of Development Policy Loans, to introduce or strengthen country systems for Regulatory Impact Assessment. However, ODA grants, and loans, particularly when specific policy or regulatory conditions are attached to them, significantly impact economic and social conditions within the beneficiary country. This article examines what role RIA can play in facilitating a coherent decision-making process affecting the ODA allocation within a context of conditionalities requiring the introduction of new, or changes to existing, policies and regulations. The discussion considers the nexus between development aid effectiveness, conditionality and ownership, and RIA. The article argues a justification for applying RIA to ODA loans and grants which carry regulatory and policy conditionalities.

Supporting national transition in Myanmar with development assistance

Myanmar is undergoing significant political reforms and socio-political changes, which have been more rapid and broad than anticipated by most commentators. While ongoing reforms face significant obstacles and vested interests, and is far from assured, reform to date has already significantly altered the international relations of the state. From a development perspective, the growing international acceptability of the regime has begun to change donor attitudes, with development assistance rather than merely humanitarian aid now being discussed, and the conditionality attached to international assistance changing. This paper explores these changes in donor policies toward Myanmar, examining the prospects for development partnership with relevant government programs and agencies, and analysing the ways and sectors development assistance may be able to be used to strengthen the ongoing reform and national transition.

Taming the wild elephant : yoga, cognition and emotion

Yoga tradition suggests that the nature of being is awarenes - being aware of the effects of thoughts and feelings, beliefs and emotions. Yoga Philosophy appreciates the life-effects of perception. Yoga promotes a way of being that ultimately transcends basic thoughts and wants, moving beyond, to a state of observer awareness - something the Indian sage Patanjali describes as the process of apperception, where the perceiver is aware of the act of perceiving. This paper looks at the complex relationship between an individual's wellbeing, cognitive processes and emotional life. It explores the principles of mindfulness as a vehicle for emotional balance and investigates the link between Yoga, cognition and emotion. It looks at the physiological influence of cognition and emotion and critiques Yogic philosophy alongside Western cognitive-emotive theories such as Erich Fromm's 'art of being' and the insights presented in Robert C. Solomon's various works on emotional life. This paper also explores the work of other theorists, such as; Patanjali, Aristotle, Georg Feuerstein, Jiddu Krishnamurti, Purushottama Bilimoria and others.