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Category: Society and politics

The idea that US interest rates will stay higher for longer is probably wrong

The idea that US interest rates will stay higher for longer is probably wrong

Alan Shipman, Senior Lecturer in Economics at The Open University, writes for The Conversation about the idea that US interest rates will stay higher for longer is probably wrong. The 0.4% rise in US consumer prices in March didn’t look like headline news. It was the same as the February increase, and the year-on-year rise of […]

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Open secrets of a rigged Russian election: academic expert opinion

Open secrets of a rigged Russian election: academic expert opinion

This Friday Russia goes to the polls in a general election predicted to reinstate Vladimir Putin as leader, again. Behind the scenes will be a tried-and-tested toolkit to ensure his victory, according to Open University academic Dr Precious Chatterje-Doody – Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Studies, who specialises in Russian information manipulation. Technically, the […]

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money counting

Hundreds of councils could sink if the budget does not address their funding distress

With the budget looming on Wednesday Alan Shipman, senior lecturer in economics at The Open University, says if councils don’t get the help they need life will get a lot harder where YOU live. Jeremy Hunt’s Budget options have been narrowed by the growing financial crisis in Britain’s Town Halls as hundreds more councils are […]

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Ministry of Justice film ‘Served’ featuring interview with OU academic wins award

Ministry of Justice film ‘Served’ featuring interview with OU academic wins award

In just five months a film released only online about prisoners learning catering skills and featuring Open University history professor Rosalind Crone has gone on to gain over 106,000 views and collect a trade award. The film, commissioned by the Ministry of Justice, shows how prisoners at HM Prison Lincoln learn new skills through training […]

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Image of a white hashtag symbol on a blue background

#JeSuisCharlie was one of the most viral hashtags in history – here’s why it wouldn’t happen today

Emma Connolly, PhD Candidate, Politics and International Studies at The Open University writes for The Conversation about how #JeSuisCharlie was one of the most viral hashtags in history and why it wouldn’t happen today: It will be nine years on January 7 since a shooting at French weekly satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo killed 12 and […]

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Putin’s four-hour Q&A is a valuable insight into the Russian president’s version of reality

Putin’s four-hour Q&A is a valuable insight into the Russian president’s version of reality

Dr Precious Chatterje-Doody is a Senior Lecturer in politics and international relations academic at The Open University and specialises in communication, misinformation and security, particularly in Russia. Here she gives her view on Vladimir Putin’s appearance at his annual press conference. Russian television audiences didn’t have much choice but to watch Vladimir Putin’s annual press […]

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Six ways the upcoming autumn statement could affect your personal finances

Six ways the upcoming autumn statement could affect your personal finances

Personal finance expert at The Open University Jonquil Lowe gives six tips on how the Chancellor’s crucial words tomorrow (22 November) will affect individuals and business. The UK chancellor Jeremy Hunt will have limited room for manoeuvre when he makes his autumn statement about the government’s financial plans. The government is committed to supporting the […]

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Cameron’s appointment – a party trick or a clever move? Academic comment

Cameron’s appointment – a party trick or a clever move? Academic comment

It’s a week since Rishi Sunak made the surprise appointment of former PM David Cameron as foreign secretary, so we spoke to The Open University’s Dr Richard Heffernan, a Reader in Government, who specialises in British politics, to see what he makes of the situation. There were raised eyebrows from political commentators when former prime […]

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Image shows four Metropolitan Police Officers with the words 'The Met' written across the middle of the image

OU/BBC Series ‘The Met’ Returns for a fourth series

A captivating fourth series of The Met, co-produced by The Open University (OU) and the BBC, is set to air on BBC One tonight (Tuesday 24 October) at 9pm. The six-episode series provides insight into the Metropolitan Police in the face of complex cases. Filmed over ten months, the series offers an unfiltered look into […]

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New report: raw deal for caregivers in Gateshead needs reform

New report: raw deal for caregivers in Gateshead needs reform

A new report published by The Open University has highlighted how the weekly Carers Allowance of £76.75 is worth just 77p per hour to a carer looking after a loved one in Gateshead for up to 100 hours a week. It reveals a list of recommendations for decision makers to ensure unpaid carers are not […]

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