In The News

Southeast Asia Could Have Power to Spare

March 16, 2007
Often linked with disasters, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions could offer some hidden energy benefits. Geothermal energy is clean, with no emissions, and yet such sources have hardly been tapped. Researchers warn that drilling could cause dangerous seismic activity, particularly in the earthquake-prone region of Southeast Asia. Other potential problems in developing nations include organizing...

The Trouble With India

March 14, 2007
When investors tout growth, two images can come to mind: One includes bustling industries and fabulous wealth; the other is unorganized communities, as irritated crowds of people compete for limited resources. This article in “BusinessWeek” explores how India’s infrastructure – highways, airports, clean water and other utilities – fails to keep pace with the explosive growth of the high-tech...

Africa and the Winds of Globalization

Okechukwu Emeh March 1, 2007
Africa is often described as a victim of globalization. However, analyst Okechukwu Emeh argues that the continent’s developing states can join together to make the process work in their favor. On the theory that a rising tide lifts all boats, incorporating African industries into global markets can improve everyone’s level of wealth. Imports of gadgets, modes of organization and “neo-liberal...

The Perilous Fantasy of Pursuing Energy Independence

A.F. Al Hajj February 27, 2007
Advance public announcements on research plans can lead to market manipulation. Leaders of developed nations – weary of instability in nations that supply oil and high prices – openly seek energy alternatives. But oil markets respond to the chatter about alternative energy in two ways: Some producers might reduce investment in infrastructure or additional capacity, and others might increase...

The New Math of Alternative Energy

Rebecca Smith February 23, 2007
Criticized for years as costly and unsustainable, alternative energy attracting renewed interest amidst a wave of technological developments and rising oil prices. While the US depends heavily on fossil fuels, renewable energy sources such as biomass, wind, geothermal and solar are likely to account for a larger share of the electricity supply in future years. With growing concerns over global...

India Eyes Riches at Poor's Expense

Amelia Gentleman February 19, 2007
India presents a triumphant stance as it boasts growing financial success in the global sphere. While skyscrapers loom and information-technology professionals prosper in Dehli and Mumbai, hundreds of millions of others live in poverty, perform backbreaking labor and struggling to provide adequate nutrition for their children. This contradiction troubles Indian Health Minister Ambumani Ramadoss...

Help Not Wanted

Moisés Naím February 15, 2007
China is stepping up in delivering foreign aid to impoverished African nations, but that is not good news for all Africans. “It is development assistance that is nondemocratic in origin and nontransparent in practice, and its effect is typically to stifle real progress while hurting ordinary citizens,” charges Moisés Naím, editor of “Foreign Policy” magazine. Some donors distribute billions, with...