Matthew D'Arcy, Editor

Competition for resources is a major challenge for governments across the world at the best of times. With the repercussions of the global economic downturn, this pressure is amplified greatly. Public servants must balance commitments to the welfare of their people, and the security and economic prosperity of their own country, at the same time as fulfilling responsibilities in the wider international community.

International trade is a crucial factor in this balance. The ongoing economic crisis has, and will continue to have, a severe impact on trade for developing and developed countries alike.

Within this edition, we focus on the future of trade and measures to mitigate the negative economic and social impact of the slowdown and recession for developing states.

Our debate considers the pressing issue of protectionism. With views from Harriet Lamb, Duncan Green, Mareike Meyn and MPs John Battle and Ben Chapman, our panel's varying and, in some cases, unexpected perspectives are a must-read.

Features are as diverse as ever, addressing areas from education to human rights to science. Pascal Lamy, of the World Trade Organization, ponders the future of a world where, "trade is shrinking, growth is declining and unemployment is on the rise". Mohamed Hassan and Daniel Schaffer, of TWAS, discuss developing world science in the midst of economic strains; Manzoor Ahmad discusses agriculture and trade regulations; and Michelle Childs, of Médecins Sans Frontières, says that 'unprofitable' diseases can no longer be ignored.

Other articles consider specific challenges facing developing nations. For instance, DFID write on two areas, with David Woolnough discussing water, sanitation and hygiene in Southern Africa, and Mike Foster MP looking at policing in Yemen. Other world-leading experts give powerful comment, including UNESCO's Koïchiro Matsuura, who urges readers to think outside the box in relation to the food crisis, while the IMO's Lee Adamson takes a look at action on piracy in the developing world.

We also include an exclusive in-depth report from Afghanistan, where Education Minister Farooq Wardak outlines the nation's strategic education plan in the context of the challenges facing his country.

This is really just a flavour of a captivating edition. I for one already look forward to putting together the next.