[Elizabeth Davies and Rebecca Hawketts]
Welcome to the Lent term edition of The Berry, the first of 2008 and our first as editors. Recently, there has been much discussion about the merits of change or experience when it comes to electing a leader – which is more vital for running a country? Which is most desirable when it comes to editing Cambridge’s premier student political newspaper?
We hope that we can bring both attributes to the job in equal measure. We are indebted to Claire and Rob for making the paper what it is today and for allowing us this chance to take our experience working on The Berry to the next level, but we also hope that you will find the paper improved by our changes. We welcome your feedback to editor@theberry.org.uk.
There’s the prospect of new leadership all round in the articles we’re running this term. Will Nick Clegg be just what the Liberal Democrats need? Joe Rinaldi Johnson considers whether Clegg’s particular blend of change and experience make him the right man for the job. Another youthful, charismatic figure making the headlines is American Presidential contender Barack Obama, discussed in this issue by Edward Cohen.
But some leaders are not viewed so positively. Rob Wilkinson and Denis Shatokhin debate the controversial figure of Vladimir Putin, and ask whether a Russia under his continued influence really is as dangerous as portrayed in the media. And Robert Stagg and Annie Thompson take a look at Benazir Bhutto’s legacy to Pakistan – what does her premature death mean for this struggling democracy?
Our writers reflect on more than just the capabilities of leaders and their prospects. They also contemplate the issues and challenges that new and existing leaders will have to face, and how exactly they should deal with them. Education policy is always a popular topic with writers for The Berry, and in this edition Niklas Smith argues that school choice is the way forward. Jamie Martin asks whether an economic recession really spells trouble for Gordon Brown, while Carly Hilts takes on government prison policy and offers suggestions for reform. In previous editions we’ve discussed women’s representation and attitudes towards sexual harassment; this time round Weiran Ni and Arianne Shahvisi contend that attitudes toward sexual liberation upset the level playing field.
How to deal with climate change is, as always, a contentious issue. James Eastwood considers recent action at global and governmental level, while Christine Berry looks closer to home and asks what we, as Cambridge students, can do to make our mark.
With all twenty-seven EU member states expected to ratify the new Lisbon Treaty this year, Sonia Urbancikova contemplates the potential for future integration within the Union. Tom Hammond examines the role of Britain’s diplomatic service in the current political climate and argues for future increases in its influence.
This edition we’re also discussing the different ways we can make our voices heard. Jess Touschek assesses the use of the internet in the American Presidential campaigns, especially the attempts by candidates to use it to increase the participation of young voters. Meanwhile, Thomas McGee and Edd Mustill concentrate on grassroots student activism, and whether our actions can really make any difference.
Cambridge offers the young politico a broad range of outlets for participation. Our pull-out political calendar returns again, with details of the opportunities this term for you to meet and challenge current political leaders, listen to the voices of experience and be swayed by the promises of change.
And when these numerous outlets still haven’t satisfied your political cravings, one solution remains: The Berry. Have something to say? Submit it for the Easter edition.
