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The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges faced by European leaders in the twenty‐first century economy.

The paper is an exploratory and expository review of the relationship and contributions made by politicians of individual countries.

The paper suggests that opposition parties are offering little in the way of alternative policies in most European Union (EU) countries. For most countries that endorse the globalisation process, this is unlikely to change and in the EU.

This paper allows researchers and practitioners to gain an understanding of European integration and theories of globalisation to build a contextual picture of the challenges faced by European leaders.

It has often been suggested that Britain’s favourable position of attracting over 30 per cent of Japanese foreign direct investment (FDI) has been dependent on the flexibility of the labour market. However it is important to understand exactly what is meant by a flexible labour market. This article sets out to examine the full meaning of a flexible labour market drawing on the evidence of particular success in attracting FDI in the UK. It then considers the importance of the flexible labour market in relation to other possible factors influencing the decision whether to invest. Also advises of the benefit and costs for other countries wishing to formulate policies that attract greater amounts of FDI.

Many debates have taken place on the question of globalisation. Critics have suggested that most of the changes in the market place are a regionalisation phenomena or indeed a Europeanisation issue rather than cases of globalisation. This article attempts to see whether this situation is truly apparent by tracing back the many definitions and approaches to globalisation and its impact on the business organisation. It also contrasts the cases for Europeanisation in terms of business activity as well as the concept of regionalisation. The paper further explores the key theoretical debates and suggests which of these is likely to be more appropriate in view of the increased globalisation likely to take place in the future.

Notes there is much prior work on the benefits of the various forms of entry into new markets, including alliance, merger or greenfield; but little empirical evidence regarding pinpointing the optimum investment for a specific new market. Utilizes the data from 130 top multinationals entering the new market of Poland. Draws also on the theoretical framework of entry modes and considers the issue from a specific industry perspective. There is further consideration of countries’ specific investments. Draws upon the theoretical approaches of Hofstede and of Trompenaars when considering how national culture influences the main strategic entry decision into new markets. Links theories of foreign direct investment and theories of national culture – prominent areas in today’s management literature. Concludes with some interesting findings for policy makers in terms of the importance of merger activities in the Polish case, with possible application (with variations) in other emerging markets.

Emphasizes the need to evaluate European Union membership within a broad framework rather than focusing solely on the benefits associated with trading with our partner countries. Suggests also how such frameworks could be used with respect to the future challenges presented for Britain from continued membership of the European Union. Examines in addition the extent to which the proposed losses associated with continued membership are justified. Indicates key attributes which should be borne in mind, especially during times of crisis within the European Union.

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the banking crisis in the USA and Western Europe that began in August 2007 spilled over to the currencies of the EU‐8 such that it could be viewed as financial contagion. The currencies of the EU‐8 which the paper aims to study are of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and Slovakia, daily, from 2005 to 2008.

Contagion is said to be revealed if there are greater links after August 2007 compared with before. The links or bonds are revealed by the number of cointegrating vectors and the extent of Granger causality that exists among the currencies. The role of the euro is also identified using the same techniques.

The bonds between these seven countries strengthen after the beginning of the banking crisis compared with before, whilst the ties with the euro remains stable.

A banking crisis not directly related to the EU‐8 spilled over to a change in the correlations among their currencies. If the EU requires convergence of emerging with developed markets before currency assimilation, research is needed to explore how a record of financial rectitude can be demonstrated whilst recognising that contagion is more likely to affect those emerging markets and information deficiencies.

First, the EU should reconsider the entry requirements for the EU‐8 still disqualified from joining the euro. The protected two‐year period of displaying financial rectitude via targeting the euro before accession is considered may now appear a burden that to great for small economies to bear. Second, it is not necessarily a crisis that changes the rewards from diversification, contagion may also do this.

The finding of increased bonding among emerging market currencies precipitated by a banking crisis in related geographical and financial markets, before a local crisis became evident is novel.

President Bill Clinton has had many opponents and enemies, most of whom come from the political right wing. Clinton supporters contend that these opponents, throughout the Clinton presidency, systematically have sought to undermine this president with the goal of bringing down his presidency and running him out of office; and that they have sought non‐electoral means to remove him from office, including Travelgate, the death of Deputy White House Counsel Vincent Foster, the Filegate controversy, and the Monica Lewinsky matter. This bibliography identifies these and other means by presenting citations about these individuals and organizations that have opposed Clinton. The bibliography is divided into five sections: General; “The conspiracy stream of conspiracy commerce”, a White House‐produced “report” presenting its view of a right‐wing conspiracy against the Clinton presidency; Funding; Conservative organizations; and Publishing/media. Many of the annotations note the links among these key players.

Foreign investment continues to play a greater role in business activity across the globe. It is therefore important to assess the main trends and reasons behind this increased activity so that business can make effective decisions on how they wish to engage in further global expansion. The paper further explores the importance of country specific legislation in determining the decision whether to invest. FDI can also have positive benefits on employment and enterprise which will also be considered. This article sets out to contrast the investment flows taking place in both East and Western countries and considers the main determinants of activity in these countries. Theories of internationalisation will be drawn upon as well as the use of investment data in order to explain investment behaviour. A Business History perspective will also be drawn upon. The article then considers future possible trends in light of these recent developments.

Film provides an alternative medium for assessing our interpretations of cultural icons. This selective list looks at the film and video sources for information on and interpretations of the life of Woody Guthrie.