In The News

IMF Raises Spectre of Civil Wars as Global Inequalities Worsen

Ambrose Evans-Pritchard February 3, 2011
Reports of global economic recovery could be misleading. Indicators showing steady rises – in income, trade, stock markets or employment – focus on averages and mask growing divides between rich and poor both between and inside nations. Recovery built on “unstable foundations” could “sow the seeds of the next crisis,” warns Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Managing Director of the International Monetary...

The Arab World at a Tipping Point?

Michael C. Hudson February 2, 2011
Protesters may have permanently shaken the Arab world’s authoritarian order, argues Michael Hudson writing for Straits Times. The country of more than 80 million has a rich history of influencing and modernizing the region politically and culturally, he explains, and yet alliance with the US dulled its influence. Protesters urge international powers to support reforms that counter unemployment,...

Grain, Soybeans Rise as Food Riots Spur Demand for US Exports

Jeff Wilson, Whitney McFerron January 28, 2011
Prices for wheat, soybeans, corn and other food staples continue to climb as more counties increase purchases from the US. Rising prices combined with high unemployment rates and governments long run by family dynasties have spurred protests in Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Yemen, Jordan and elsewhere. The United Nations warns that stockpiling crops or restricting food exports could add to the unrest...

Unrest Spells End to Mideast Dynasties

Roula Khalaf January 26, 2011
Confronting ongoing economic hardship and high unemployment rates, Tunisians, Egyptians and others across the Middle East question the value of tawrith, or inherited rule – a nation’s leadership locked up by one family. As protests rise, “dynastic succession in the region’s republics is likely to emerge as the main casualty,” writes Roula Khalaf, Middle East editor for the Financial Times, adding...

Uganda: Surely, We Are Not As Simplistic as the Tunisians, Are We?

Fredrick M. Masiga January 25, 2011
After economic troubles, high unemployment rates and protests over one man’s cruel death led to quick revolt in Tunisia, other nations engage in self-reflection. College graduate Mohamed Bouazizi was frustrated after authorities beat him and confiscated his vending cart. Left without livelihood or legal recourse, the 26-year-old set himself on fire and ignited his nation’s fury. Public anger...

US-Chinese Relations Take a New Direction? – Part I

David Shambaugh January 24, 2011
It’s not in the global interest for rivalry between the world’s two largest economies to get out of hand. The US hosted China’s President Hu Jintao for a summit and lavish state visit, and this YaleGlobal series analyzes the potential for stable relations between the two nations and the impact on others. The Obama administration delivered a series of pre-summit statements with candid, tough...

Challenging Globalization

Nayan Chanda January 24, 2011
Americans are angry about economic decline. Though the country unleashed many of the forces that spur modern globalization, its politicians resist adapting to a globalized world. US companies find new opportunities, lower wages and an expanding middle-class customer base in overseas markets. Sharp political divide in the US adds to uncertainty and a floundering economy. Both major parties want to...