In The News

In Nigeria, Oil Wealth Delivers Grief

Salil Tripathi June 10, 2008
Overdependence on oil is dangerous for both customers and producers: The soaring price of oil derivatives and transportation brings home the danger to the customer; but some producers are not immune either, as corruption, neglect and resulting conflict take their toll. Nigeria, fifth largest producer with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, is a case in point, explains analyst...

To Cope With Oil Shock, Emulate Japan

Dilip Hiro June 3, 2008
The world has become too dependent on oil for security and comfort. Conflicts leading to disruptions in oil supply were behind past price shocks, but the most recent shock has been largely spurred by tightening supply and rising demand from emerging economies, explains historian and journalist Dilip Hiro. Plenty of buyers, armed with cash, eye diminishing natural resources. With no short-term...

Supply Chinks

Nayan Chanda June 3, 2008
Even though the global supply chain has grown tremendously, the quality of products produced in other parts of the world has diminished. In fact, labels have become more misleading. A label stating that the product is “Made in China” is not necessarily true. According to Nayan Chanda, it is actually "made in the world." And the origin of some products or ingredients is never truly...

Falling Behind: Globalization and Its Discontents

Henry A. Kissinger June 3, 2008
An emerging global economy and accompanying systems have prompted some countries to cling to power and display nationalistic tendencies. “The basic premise of globalization is that competition will sort out the most efficient, a process that, by definition, involves winners and losers,” writes Henry Kissinger in an opinion essay for the International Herald Tribune. Even occasional losers are...

How to Do Guilt-Free Business With Beijing

Michael Skapinker June 2, 2008
China’s push to develop its economy and improve the standard of living for its billion-plus population has not been without problems, including pollution, corruption, human-rights violations, and cover-ups through media censorship. Hosting the Olympics has invited attention on both economic success and the problems – not just for China but also for the many companies that do business there....

Keep America Open to Trade

Carlos M. Gutierrez May 28, 2008
Like other countries, the US confronts rising energy, housing and food prices – but limiting immigration or reducing trade will not alleviate such economic problems. The US secretary of commerce and the governor of California urge that the US continue open policies on trade and immigration. In an opinion essay for the Wall Street Journal, Carlos Gutierrez and Arnold Schwarzenegger, both...

Climate Change After Kyoto – A Blueprint for a Realistic Approach

Peter J. Wilcoxen May 28, 2008
Leaders of developed nations have long attempted to push the US into action on climate change – and public support has been building in the US itself for such action. As a result, the candidates competing for US president are in agreement that climate change is a problem and that the US government should take action. One obstacle, though, to strong, quick action is the reliance of US citizens on...