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Debating

General resources

How can I get information to support arguments for a debate?

The following resources provide the most relevant resources for students focusing on current issues, both Australian and international.

Echo Index
Type in your username and password (you may get these from the library staff), then follow the links to:
Media Issue Outlines
These are arranged in chronological order by year, and set out arguments for and against current issues providing ind-depth background material and links to further information on the topics.

Debatabase
This is a free searchable database designed specifically for student debaters. Search the directory of topics, each with arguments for and against, background information, visitor opinions and tips for further research.

Ebsco Host
Database of global information, with many Australian publications, in full text.

eLibrary
Database containing the full text of many Australian and international newspapers and magazines.

Opposing Viewpoints
Full text database provides information on set issues and hot topics and allows searching of material.

The Age Education
Links to past issues in the news, specially tailored to students research needs.

Topics

Developed nations should accept more refugees

Amnesty International : Refugees and migrants

UNRIC (United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe)

The UN Refugee Agency

United Nations Resources for Speakers : Refugees

Debatabase : This House believes that the right to asylum should not be absolute

CNN: Which countries take in the most refugees? Not the West…

Refugee Council of Australia's July 2103 document on Australia's refugee intake.

The patents on AIDS drugs for African countries should be removed

UNAIDS

Debatabase : Are longer drug patents needed for innovation?

Debatabase: This house would allow the production of generic drugs

Patents making new AIDS drugs expensive: MSF

The South Africa AIDS Controversy : A Case Study in Patent Law and Policy: Harvard Law School

Reuters : Johnson & Johnson says it won't enforce AIDS drug patent in Africa

AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science)

Council for Responsible Genetics : Life patents and AIDS drug access

Harvard School of Public Health : Popular South African street drug may contain HIV medication

The Atlantic : In South Africa, a Deadly New Drug Is Made With HIV Medications

Permanent members of the United Nations Security Council should not have veto power

United Nations Security Council

United Nations Security Council : The right to veto

Debatabase : This house would abolish the security council veto (1)

Debatabase : This house would abolish the security council veto (2)

The Guardian: Don't sideline the UN Security Council. Reinvent it for today.

University of Sydney: The United Nations Security Council: Its Veto Power and Its Reform
ISBN: 9780980828672 (e-book)

The Euro should be abolished

Debatabase : This House would abolish the single European currency

The Economist debates : The euro and Europe

Debating Europe : Should Europe abolish the euro?

RT : End is near: 'Catastrophic' euro should be abolished, says its architect

Bloomberg : Euro Can Grow to 25 States in Next Years in Finnish Scenario

US military and diplomatic involvement in the Middle East has done more harm than good

Search Opposing Viewpoints for these titles:

  • US Military Presence in the Middle East Is Unnecessary and Counterproductive
  • U.S. Military Withdrawal Would Harm America and the Middle East
  • U.S. Military Actions in the Middle East Do Not Promote Security
  • The United States Cannot Negotiate with Its Middle East Enemies
  • Peace for Palestine (and us): why the U.S. can't disengage from Mideast diplomacy

The Economist debates: Arab revolutions

The Economist debates : Should the world be intervening militarily in Syria?

The New York Times : Survey Reveals Scant Backing for Syria Strike

American Enterprise Institute : Timeline: US involvement with Iraq and the broader Middle East

The Cato Institute : "Ancient History": U.S. Conduct in the Middle East Since World War II, and the Folly of Intervention (1991)