Dr Kevon Rhiney, Commonwealth Fellow and lecturer (Department of Geography and Geology, University of the West Indies) considers contemporary social and economic development in Jamaica, in the light of environmental vulnerability and climate change. This series of podcasts explores the contemporary Caribbean today, addressing the region's role as a crucible of modernity from pre-Columbian times, through the eras of mercantilism, slavery and colonialism to today's position of at once both globalised and insular societies, facing new economic and environmental challenges. The set of 15-minute discussions draw on the specialist knowledge of social scientists, diplomats and historians to place the Caribbean, and similar postcolonial societies, in the context of current local and global transition.

The Coalition Government is committed to greater corporate diversity in the financial services sector, and are promoting 'John Lewis' style mutuals to deliver public services. Can this new agenda be delivered? Professor Jonathan Michie, Director of the Department for Continuing Education and President of Kellogg College will consider the evidence globally and nationally, and discuss how a more sustainable economy might be created.

Alan Hunt gives an overview of how foreign policy is made - part of a recent training course for junior diplomats.

Introduction to the BRICs and China's political economy - lecture given by Dr Yueh.