What is it about?
This covers the general articles in the issue. A commentary article on the JPA under new publisher ownership. Wiley.
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Why is it important?
This volume of the Journal is a general one and consequently reflects a range of material which we have reviewed and received over the past 18 months. The first paper is by Dr Paul Baines of the Middlesex University Business School, London, and Professor Bob Worcester, the founder and chairman of the market and publicopinion research agency, MORI, UK; it is entitled, ‘When the British‘‘Tommy’’ went to war, public opinion followed’. It argues that afterBritish troops were committed to the war in Iraq on 20 March 2003,there was a sudden shift in UK public opinion. What appeared to bepopular public opposition of two to one against the UK joining in aUS-led war in Iraq changed dramatically once Parliamentaryapproval was given, and troops went took on combat duties. Ithad been previously argued that the UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair,was heavily reliant upon focus groups for voter information andwould be hesitant to go against public opinion. This proved not tobe the case as Blair stood against public opinion and argued successfully for UK participation in the war.
Perspectives
Finally, there is a commentary piece by our regular contributors, Michael Sommer and Veronika Vis-Sommer, ‘Of moon, Mars andmissions’, which argues about the use and abuse of spaceprogrammes by politicians to influence voters and society.As I write this editorial, the world and much of public affairs isdominated by the impact of the Asian tsunami and its devastatingimpact on humanity. Mother Nature has again shown that we aremere transitory mortals on a relatively untamed earth. Our thoughts and prayers go to those who have lost loved ones in this terriblet ragedy and praise goes to those who are looking after thedispossessed, sick and vulnerable. Our thanks go to all thosecountries, organizations and individuals who are organizing andbringing aid to the victims of this huge catastrophe.It is very pleasing to note the levels of humanitarian support beingraised to aid those in real need and the courage and compassion of people in these days and months of need. Let us hope that it continues until the job is done
phil harris
University of Chester
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This page is a summary of: Editorial, Journal of Public Affairs, January 2005, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1002/pa.19.
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