In The News

Pakistan's Political Monsoon

Graham Usher July 11, 2007
Cyclones and floods battering southern Pakistan contribute to increased political unrest in the nation. The 2007 monsoon season represents the worst disaster for Pakistan since the October 2005 earthquake. In 2005, Pakistanis united to bring relief to victims and President Pervez Musharraf rallied the world for international support. In contrast, the 2007 disaster reveals the divisions throughout...

Tajikistan: Abundant Water, Scarce Money

Konstantin Parshin July 6, 2007
Lake Sarez in Tajikistan began with an earthquake and a landslide that created a natural dam. Geologists express concern about stability of the dam and explore ways to relieve the water pressure, especially considering that water is in short supply in other parts of Central Asia. One idea is to build a massive pipeline to distribute water to regions in need, and another is constructing a...

China Aims for Bigger Share of South Asia's Water Lifeline

Brahma Chellaney July 2, 2007
Asia has less fresh water per capita than any other continent except Antarctica. As the population booms and a growing middle class seeks modern conveniences like washing machines and dishwashers, water becomes a prized commodity and the source of conflict. The latest concern about Asia’s water supplies stems from Chinese plans to build additional dams, redirecting water from the Tibetan plateau...

Africa and the “War on Terror”: Policing the Undergoverned Spaces

June 26, 2007
Large swaths of land throughout Africa go ungoverned by conventional powers and could offer havens for terrorist groups. A new US command force, known as AFRICOM, plans to unify military deployments in Africa, partner with NGOs and other development agencies, and train local forces, with the goal of creating stability throughout the Saharan belt. Some US analysts worry about terrorists...

Both Sides Say Project Is Pivotal Issue for Brazil

Larry Rohter June 23, 2007
A proposal to build two dams on Brazil’s Madeira River has sparked debate about the value of economic growth versus environmental protection. An environmental agency denied the construction license, but the government ordered more studies. Environmentalists cite many concerns about building the dams. The river that winds through rainforest is said to have more distinct types of fish than any...

South Africa's Exodus

June 20, 2007
The South African government’s strategy for economic stability, pushing annual growth to 6 percent and controlling inflation, is threatened by spending outpacing productivity. A substantial shortage of skilled workers could lead to a rise in prices. The public sector bears most of the burden, with infrastructure crumbling, power outages becoming a common occurrence, and the need to import basics...

Capitalism with Special Chinese Characteristics

Gustav Ranis June 19, 2007
On the surface, China’s fast-growing economy looks superb. However, growing income inequality and the massive inflow of foreign funds can pose problems that often go unrecognized. International economics professor Gustav Ranis categorizes China’s economic problems as a type of “Dutch Disease,” a phenomenon when rapid growth in one export can lead to pockets of excessive wealth, weakening of other...