In The News

Ahmed Ibrahim Abushouk July 3, 2006
Providing five definitions, author Ahmed Ibrahim Abushouk describes how most Muslims understand “globalization” as an ongoing and ancient concept that is in its most rapid stage of development. Using the theories of scholars such as Francis Fukuyama and Samuel P. Huntington, Abushouk chronicles historical clashes between what have been termed as “Western” and Muslim civilizations, as well as the...
Gregory Kulacki June 30, 2006
Pundits and politicians often raise China as a possible military threat for the US and other neighbors– but the characterization could be inaccurate. The US intelligence community must revise its techniques for gathering reliable information about the Chinese military apparatus, argues security analyst Gregory Kulacki. US strategy vis-à-vis China could be culled from scattered and unofficial...
Joseph Kahn June 29, 2006
The Chinese government has long held power over media, but the controls were typically informal and not written into a law. A proposal from the Standing Committee of the legislature, however, would fine media outlets for reporting “sudden events” without prior authorization from the government. The government has not yet defined “sudden event,” but analysts expect that local officials will apply...
John Tabliabue June 23, 2006
Despite the theft of a plastic figure of Ronald McDonald and the bulldozer attack of one restaurant – all to protest the Americanization of France – the French continue to dine at McDonald’s. Learning from the attacks, a McDonald’s executive started an ad campaign to educate consumers about the corporation, its all-French ingredients and employees. Europe now has more than 6,000 McDonald’s, with...
J. Michael Adams June 20, 2006
Though many American public school students are surrounded by diverse cultures and languages, two recent publications show that most “are likely to be unprepared to compete and lead in a global work environment,” according to the Committee for Economic Development’s report on the value of international studies. J. Michael Adams and Angelo Carfagna argue that maintaining a US hold in the global...
Daniel Altman June 16, 2006
Critics of globalization claim that the domination of global brands such as Coca-Cola and Nike has squashed local business and culture. Multinational corporations, however, find it more effective to play on local cultures in advertising their products. Technology allows advertisers to create more than 200 separate ads – changing colors of a flag or language of a greeting with a touch of a button...
Cho Chung-un June 15, 2006
South Korea seeks to make the most of democracy by granting foreigners and young Koreans the right to vote in larger numbers than ever before in the country’s local elections. Integration of foreigners is a major concern throughout the world, but South Korea is the first Asian country to grant voting rights to foreigners who have lived in the country for three or more years. The move could prove...