Resources Alternative Banking and Financial Crisis Olivier Butzbach The Geopolitical Implications of the New Developments on Global Energy Markets: The Major Energy Actors Case Alfonso Giordano Energy Perspectives and Sustainable Development Giuseppe Sacco Persian Gulf-Pacific Asia Linkages in the Twenty-First Century: A Marriage of Convenience? Christopher M. Davidson Dubai’s Diversification: From Boom to Bust Christopher M. Davidson First meeting of the Global Food Market Information Group Samir Bejaoui