I am Co-Director with Dr. Latif Ismail, Chair of Transparency Solutions (TS), of the Somali First (SF) initiative to promote Somali-led development through impartial facilitation, research, training and education. The University of Bristol supports Somali First as a Strategic Priority and has awarded TS the status of Strategic Partner. We have a balanced relationship across government, business, civil society and academia in Somalia/Somaliland and with the Somali diaspora. Our main areas of current work are green computing, digitally supported health care and education for sustainable development.

Key contributions from my past work include the following books:

• Herring, E. and G. Rangwala. Iraq in Fragments: The Occupation and its Legacy (Cornell University Press & C. Hurst 2006). 'This is a first-rate study of the consequences for Iraq of the US-led invasion and occupation of the country and of the kind of politics that has developed there. The authors use state-building theory and the insights of international political economy to throw light on the processes which have been set in motion and which are going to shape Iraqi politics for years to come. At the same time, their narrative is a lively one, packed with detail and informed by a real understanding of the fears and ambitions of many of the Iraqi political actors. This complex story of idealism, greed and violence, woven through social formations and the pale institutions of the emerging Iraqi state, produces a compelling account - the clearest yet available of the "new Iraq".' ( Prof. Charles Tripp, SOAS, University of London). 'Iraq in Fragments stands out as an admirably sober and powerful analysis of one of the most complicated and emotionally charged issues in today's world politics. With its lucid account, impressive research, and extensive documentation, the book is challenging and compelling. It should be a must-read for all Iraq specialists, foreign policy experts, and policy- and opinion- makers. Students of international relations, as well as general readers, will also benefit greatly from this up-to-date work.' (Prof. Tareq Y. Ismael, University of Calgary). 'serious … persuasive … splendidly researched … required reading' (Prof. Jeffrey Record, Middle East Policy Council). 'excellent … compelling … better than any other' (Prof. Robert Springborg, SOAS, University of London). 'the best of the lot' (Prof. Richard Haas, US Council on Foreign Relations). 'doubtless an important contribution ... essential' (Prof. Adria Lawrencem Yale University).

• Buzan, B. and E. Herring, The Arms Dynamic in World Politics (Lynne Rienner 1998). Published in Chinese 2002. 'a winner - a signal contribution … cuts through hundreds of books and articles' (Prof. KJ Holsti, University of British Columbia). 'ambitious, noteworthy … an unambiguous success' (Professor Denis Ross, University of New Mexico). 'highly sophisticated … first class' (Prof. Andrew Pierre, Georgetown University). 'creates an agenda for future dialogue between the fields of security studies and international relations' (Dr. Bryan Mabee, Queen Mary, University of London).

• Herring, E., Danger and Opportunity: Explaining International Crisis Outcomes (Manchester University Press, 1995). ' There is much to like about this book. Herring is knowledgeable about political science theory and wise in its ability and limitations to guide policy' (Prof. Steven David, Johns Hopkins University) . 'will no doubt have an impact on the discussion' (Prof. Colin Gray, University of Hull).

• Pridham, G., E. Herring and G. Sanford (eds), Building Democracy? The International Dimension of Democratisation in Eastern Europe (Leicester University Press 1994, rev. edn. 1997). 'first-rate' (Prof. Paul G. Lewis, Open University ).

• Booth, K. and E. Herring, Strategic Studies (Mansell 1994). 'wonderful', an 'Outstanding Academic Book' ( Choice ).