James5

Peter Gallagher points out the new World Bank World Trade Indicators as a good resource for comparing differing levels of openness to trade. For example, even though Australia is (rightly) known as a relatively low-tariff nation when it comes to agriculture, the WTIs show we have hidden barriers equal to up to 36% across the sector. I’m not sure I agree with Gallagher that this means quarantine and other procedures mean we are “paying way over the odds” for environmental protection though, I think people do place a high value on keeping Australia free from pests and disease. Certainly GM has shown that ‘pure food’ demands a premium.

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There is an interesting debate on the Bretton Woods Project about the World Bank’s involvement in the carbon markets. Janet Redman opposes how the Bank has been doing thing and Jon Sohn is more positive. It sounds like Redman is pretty convincing given the practical outcomes of Bank projects to date.

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I’ve realised that this could be much more useful as a wiki, so I’ve set one up! Head over to InternWiki to contribute any good internship opportunities you know of (or just to correct my grammar).

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With only 18 (extremely busy) months left in my undergrad degree, I’m starting to think about the world beyond university. While I think I will be applying for articles at some big corporate law firm (more on that later), I’ve got eight months between when university ends and I don my suit for my 12 months indenture.

In those eight months I’m hoping to travel, see the world and do some internships at some international legal institutions (humanitarian, trade or development). I’ve started my research into who takes undergrad (or recently graduated) law interns, where they are and what the cost is and have some of the results here. Let me know in the comments if you know of any recommendations.

It appears that there are quite a few opportunities for people interested in international law. A few provisos though:

First, virtually all of these programs are unpaid and you won’t be able to work elsewhere while doing the internship. That means doing a 6 month internship is quite a costly exercise. Especially as many of these institutions are in places like New York, London and Geneva – some of the world’s most expensive cities.

Second, they all emphasise that a second language is greatly appreciated. Most of these institutions work in both French and English, so I’m aiming to learn French a bit better by June (when I head to Geneva for 3 weeks), but many also appreciate languages such as Arabic and local dialects (eg. Special Court for Sierra Leone, ICTR).

Finally, while they all emphasise academic achievement and the need for either an undergrad degree or admittance to a post-grad degree, it doesn’t hurt to apply no matter how bad you think your grades are and don’t get hung up on the technicalities of which year level your at. Just make sure your cover letter is passionate and your resumé shows why you care and why you should get the position.

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Dani Rodrik points out that the World Bank have finally updated their GDP data. How I’d love to be a number-cruncher.

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The World Bank have recently released Geo.Worldbank. It’s a mashup between the Bank and Google Maps that plots projects, statistics, news and public information on to maps. Easy and fun way to get some info on the work the Bank is doing.

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