In The News

Should Extremist Parties Be Banned?

Jan-Werner Mueller November 8, 2013
Some political organizations, formal or informal, often seem bent on fomenting anger, attracting attentionby excluding citizens based on race, religion, gender or other characteristics rather than practicing good governance and solving problems. “Is there a place within liberal democracies for apparently anti-democratic parties?” asks Jan-Werner Mueller for Project Syndicate. He examines the...

Cambodians Refuse to Accept Rigged Elections

Elizabeth Becker October 15, 2013
Cambodians are connected to the world through trade, investment, tourism, cultural events, social media and dual citizenship. The connections influence how the citizens deal with their long-running authoritarian regime. With a per capita income less than $1000, many Cambodians refuse to support the government of Hun Sen, who has been in office for 28 years. The prime minister no longer convinces...

US Debt Standoff Provokes Ire in China

Simon Rabinovitch October 14, 2013
The threat of US debt default is bolstering China’s desire to lessen the world’s reliance on the dollar, reports Simon Rabinovitch for the Financial Times. Chinese officials and analysts are angry and incredulous about US budget shenanigans, but so far are avoiding public comment or drastic moves. “With $1.3tn invested in US Treasuries, any sudden move to sell those holdings would by itself shake...

Our Democracy Is at Stake

Thomas L. Friedman October 4, 2013
A Republican plan to approve parts of the US budget piecemeal, starting with the popular national parks, would allow a small minority to control spending and end health care, education or other programs favored by Democrats. Thomas Friedman, of the New York Times, argues that “the future of how we govern ourselves is at stake.” He points to structural changes in US politics, including political...

Default or Not, Asia Hostage to US Debt

Choonsik Yoo, Kevin Yao September 30, 2013
Asia is shaking its collective head over dysfunctional US politics. A minority group of US legislators is toying with procedures, presenting the possibility of a government shutdown and a default on the country’s debt while expecting the majority of legislators to meet their demands to delay a healthcare law and cut spending. Creditors in China, Japan and elsewhere in Asia hold about $5 trillion...

People Will Pay if Army Fails Challenge of Political Islam

Amin Saikal September 9, 2013
Political Islam in Egypt – with the democratic election of Mohamed Morsi and one chaotic year in office – took an ideological approach to government, failing to compromise with other forces in society that led the revolution against Mubarak’s dictatorship. After deposing Morsi, the Egyptian military has cracked down on his party, the Muslim Brotherhood, and other supporters. Conservative...

Why Is Prosperous China So Anxious?

Orville Schell September 5, 2013
China, like other countries, seeks economic success and global respect. The country has accomplished so much in a few short decades – massively expanding the economy, reducing poverty and developing impressive infrastructure. Yet Chinese leaders exude anxiety, suggests author and long-time China observer Orville Schell. Fearing public discontent and unrest, the Chinese Communist Party resists...