In The News

After Disputed Ivory Coast Election, Africa Tries to Break a Bloody Cycle

Vivienne Walt December 27, 2010
It’s an old story of leaders clinging to power, if not popularity, and ignoring election results. But increasingly, global media and observers rage against the election disputes and subsequent violence. “President Laurent Gbagbo has simply refused to accept the verdict of the electorate in the Nov. 28 runoff election won by his opponent, Alassane Ouattara,” reports Vivienne Wald for Time Magazine...

India Battles for Transparency – Part II

Pranab Bardhan December 24, 2010
As the developed countries’ economy teetered on the verge of collapse in 2007-2008, India and China emerged unscathed, lionized in the media as new champions of globalization. While China’s new assertiveness causes anxiety, India suffers from a self-inflicted wound caused by a series of scandals. This two-part YaleGlobal series examines the rise in corruption and its impact on India’s global...

Calls Mount Everywhere for Deportation of Illegal Immigrants

Joseph Chamie, Barry Mirkin December 20, 2010
Rags-to-riches tales of traders and adventurers who provided skills and innovations during their wanderings are among the more charming parts of world history. But such globalization could go into reverse in the modern era, even in democratic nations, as political parties rile voter anger over rising unemployment and security concerns, and make immigrants a scapegoat for economic crises, The top...

The Post-WikiLeaks World – Part II

Rebecca Wexler December 17, 2010
After WikiLeaks released secret diplomatic cables, the US government strives to apologize for sensitive breaches in confidences and punish all involved. Internet privacy is elusive for both individuals and powerful institutions, and this two-part series examines responses to leaks from governments and internet chat forums. The second article describes a motley group of strangers who apply...

The £1 Billion Hostage Trade

Esme McAvoy, David Randall November 9, 2010
More than 12,000 people are taken hostage each year worldwide. Until 2004, the problem was pocketed among a few regions, but is now global. Kidnapping is on the rise in Nigeria, the Philippines, Afghanistan, Mexico, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia and elsewhere. Originally used by guerrillas for political purposes, the crime has become increasingly commercialized: Criminals compares strategies and set up...

All Eyes on France as Officials Enforce New Antipiracy Law

Max Colchester October 29, 2010
The French are cracking down on illegal online sharing of protected materials. Authorities monitor downloads, and send warning letters to internet users who download a copyrighted text, song or film. Third-time offenders can lose internet privileges for one year, reports Max Colchester for the New York Times. A private firm, paid for by trade associations representing creative interests, monitors...

Extremist Websites Booming, But Hard to Police

Michael Holden October 6, 2010
The internet is a double-edged sword for militant extremists – the websites propaganda and chats stir hate and recruitment, but also leave trails for law-enforcement agencies. Like the internet itself, extremist sites expand their content and reach. A seven-person counterterrorism unit in London relies on tips on sites that pose threats from the public and other police agencies for investigations...