In The News

Central Asia: Conference Asks What Lessons Can Region Learn from EU

Breffni O’Rourke March 5, 2003
Can the kind of economic integration that the European Union (EU) now enjoys be applied to Central Asia? The development of a single European market has raised standards of living across Europe, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is looking for ways to develop a similar system for Central Asian states. But with a markedly different history, and given the current...

Antismoking Measures Gain in Tobacco Country

David M. Halbfinger March 4, 2003
For some it is simple economics - cheap labor and fewer restrictions on pesticide use can easily lure US cigarette manufacturers to Brazil, Argentina, or Zimbabwe. But US tobacco farmers see it as a betrayal at the hands of the same people they stood by during the tobacco wars. Now their surprise switch to the anti-smoking lobby camp could mean major victories for health issues in the very heart...

US Prepares Blueprint for Businesses to Export to Asia

March 4, 2003
Only one percent of small and medium businesses in America export abroad, and most of those export to Mexico and Canada. The US Commercial Service in cooperation with 14 countries in the Asia-Pacific is working on a plan to help such businesses get access to Asian markets. – YaleGlobal

Deal on Setting Up Single European Patent

Francesco Guerrera March 3, 2003
After thirty years of disagreement, governments of the European Union have reached a deal to set up a single European patent. The new patent will be valid in up to 25 nations by the time the agreement takes effect. The deal has been hailed as a testament to the EU’s ability to put aside the differences of member countries in order to shape a European economy that is more competitive globally. –...

Does the “Hyper-Power” Have Feet of Clay?

David Dapice March 3, 2003
If you look past its formidable military machine, America is not as powerful as it seems. Tufts University economist David Dapice points out that the current view of the United States as a “hyper-power” fails to take into account the country's many economic vulnerabilities. A country that relies on over $1.3 billion in capital inflow each day to finance its import appetite may not be able...

Excluding Taiwan from the World’s View

Daniel Lynch March 3, 2003
Taiwan, though still unrecognized as a state internationally, has achieved economic success and democracy as other Asian countries have floundered. Yet China continues to talk of recovering Taiwan, and the UN will not use the country’s name. Daniel Lynch attributes this to China’s international wealth and power and the world’s acquiescence to the Chinese government’s bullying. He calls on the...

Bubbling Up

February 28, 2003
World oil prices are higher than they have been in years, and economists have begun to speculate about the effect an oil shortage may have on the global economy. Not only has the impending war in Iraq made oil markets jumpy, but the strike in Venezuela and the possibility of conflict in Nigeria have contributed to the situation. On top of that, recent demand for oil has been high during the...