In The News

Worries about the WSF

Saleem H. Ali April 28, 2006
The World Social Forum (WSF), intended to promote a “democratic debate of ideas,” emerged as an alternative to the more exclusive World Economic Forum, and in March Karachi hosted 30,000 lively WSF delegates. The young activists from around the world who attend WSF expect that global leaders will resist relying on short-term economic parameters alone in making decisions that can have consequences...

Africa Emerges as a Strategic Battleground

Frederick Kempe April 28, 2006
Africa suffers from a series of humanitarian crises, but the continent also offers tremendous opportunity. Oddly enough, it’s the US general in charge of the Europe Command and NATO who insists that the US must pay more attention on Africa. The Bush administration, distracted with war in Iraq, faces three urgent issues in Africa – Islamic terrorism, energy security and growing Chinese influence...

Stormy Geopolitical Forecast

Arnaud de Borchgrave April 27, 2006
The world has plenty of troublespots, all unsettled and unpredictable. The so-called “US democratic crusade,” according to author Arnaud de Borchgrave, has produced unrest along with some odd and disturbing leaders, ranging from the corrupt to the inept, throughout Central Asia and the Middle East. No clear formula for economic or social progress has emerged, with leaders sharply divided about...

China Seeks "Strategic Partnership" With Africa

Tom Ashby April 27, 2006
After making economic inroads throughout Africa, China seeks to strengthen political ties. Speaking in Nigeria – Africa’s top oil-producing nation – China President Hu Jintao promised respect for African sovereignty, which contrasts with the ongoing US demands for democracy and a war on terror. The Chinese president’s tour has included stops in the US, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Kenya. "...

We Are Globalized, But Have No Real Intimacy With the Rest of the World

Martin Jaques April 24, 2006
With globalization, most anticipate an inter-connected world with greater understanding of multiple cultures more than ever before. Author Martin Jacques argues that this assumption is at odds with the tone of globalization, based on a “one-size-fits-all” model of western cultural imperialism. Whereas European colonialism included exporting self-defined values of civilization, it did not strive...

Kazakhstan Entertains Grand Economic Development Plan

Melvut Katik April 17, 2006
Oil-rich Kazakhstan has a goal to become a major global economic force. Its strategy to drive growth depends on regional cooperation, particularly with Russia and to a certain degree China. Another major goal for Kazakhstan is accession to the WTO. Kazakhstan already possesses immense oil and gas resources, and global financial experts are bullish on the nation, with one analyst noting that the...

Indonesia’s Progressive Form of Islam Is Not Something That Thailand Needs to Fear

Don Pathan April 17, 2006
Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim country and plays a leading role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. As a result, Indonesians question how Muslims of the Middle East determine international perceptions of Islam and recognize the potential for serving as a guiding force. Indonesia could offer a stabilizing influence in Malay-speaking southern Thailand where 1200 people have...