In The News

The Globalization of Censorship

Christopher Walker March 13, 2009
Powerful individuals who engage in questionable activities manage to restrict criticism by relying on British libel laws and filing lawsuits in British courts, reports the International Herald Tribune. “English common law puts the burden of proof on the defendant, who can be hit with enormous damages and legal costs,” writes Christopher Walker for the International Herald Tribune. Walker is with...

To Shelter Its Cuisine, Italian City Bans Foreign Flavors

Nick Squires February 23, 2009
The nation that produced Marco Polo should know full well that explorers seek new ingredients and immigrants enjoy melding flavors from their old and new homes. Yet the Italian tourist town of Lucca has declared a ban on any ethnic eateries that do not meet Tuscan standards. City officials insist that they want to preserve authentic Italian flavors, and yet critics point out that some Italian...

Bangladesh’s Challenge

Philip Bowring February 20, 2009
Bangladesh has an array of economic, diplomatic and cultural challenges awaiting its newly elected democratic government, explains Philip Bowring for the Asia Sentinel. Bowring cautions that the world’s seventh most populated country cannot afford to depend on foreign aid: “Make the right moves now and Bangladesh will not only survive the global economic downturn relatively unscathed but could...

Slumdog Paradox

Sadanand Dhume February 4, 2009
“Slumdog Millionaire” is a rag-to-riches love story that has captured the world’s imagination. An orphan growing up in the squalor of Mumbai’s poorest neighborhoods overcomes overwhelming odds that life throws at him, learning in the process much that prepares him to compete in a popular game show and reunite with childhood sweetheart. Even as international audiences cheer the orphan’s goal – not...

Obama Is the Key Example of Globalization

Nury Vittachi January 29, 2009
Some customs, from security procedures at airports to requirements for suits and ties at restaurants, divide people in unnecessary ways. But the election of US President Barack Obama – "a Chicago man, born in Hawaii, with an African father, an Indonesian stepfather and a mother from English-Irish stock with Native American elements" – stands as a reminder that a mixture of people and...

Global Downturn Dooms Prestige Construction Projects

Uwe Klußmann January 20, 2009
Architecture reflects a society’s values and aspirations for how governments, businesses and families might make use of space. With the 21st century emerged a desire around the globe to display wealth and power quickly, explains an article prepared by staff of Spiegel Online, and “Yearnings for pomp and prestige were transformed into architecture.” But the global credit crisis and recession, as...

Hu Jintao Takes Personal Charge of Fight Against Charter 08

Mark O'Neill January 16, 2009
A small group of Chinese intellectuals and activists published what’s called Charter 08, calling for an independent legal system, freedom of association and the end of one-party rule, timing their call with the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, reports Mark O’Neill for the Asia Sentinel. As the global economic downturn reduces demand for manufactured goods, closes...