In The News

Africa Told to View China as Competitor

William Wallis March 21, 2013
Nations are competitors, regardless of size, location or wealth. Lamido Sanusi, Nigeria’s central bank governor, offered that reminder to fellow Africans about China and its potential to flood the continent with low-cost goods and overwhelm a struggling manufacturing industry. “Trade between China and Africa was worth more than $200bn in 2012, 20 times what it was in 2000 when Beijing committed...

Powers Seek Influence in Burma’s Conflict

Bertil Lintner March 18, 2013
Burma’s President Thein Sein, while visiting Europe, announced that the government’s fighting against ethnic resistance forces has ended – even as the government moves more troops into the troubled areas. Meanwhile, the United States and China are scrambling for influence by brokering peace to end the ethnic conflicts. Dozens of think tanks and NGOs from the West are attracting donor funds and...

Heading South?

Niveen Wahish February 15, 2013
A thriving national economy requires a political system that’s supported, or at least tolerated, by citizens. Political instability is threatening the Egyptian economy, driving inflation and deterring foreign investment. Currency woes contribute to shortages of basic commodities that could add to more unrest. “People needing to change hard currency into Egyptian pounds are now going to the black...

The French Connection

Nayan Chanda December 12, 2012
Steadfast national sovereignty and global trade don’t mix so well, warns Nayan Chanda, editor of YaleGlobal Online, in his column for Businessworld. Traders and investors appreciate flexibility. So when steel demand in Europe declined and ArcelorMittal announced plans to close two blast furnaces, the French government responded by threatening temporary nationalization and sale of the firm’s...

Burma: Trouble Brewing for China

Bertil Lintner November 5, 2012
Burma’s government is trying to win over the Burmese people and the West, and one way has been to suspend unpopular deals with China. In September 2011, the government suspended construction of the controversial Myitsone hydroelectric dam. Now protests are underway against a Chinese firm, Wanbao Mining, which signed an agreement in June to mine copper in Monywa. Burma’s reactions could serve as...

Singh Doubles Down on Reform

Ashok Malik September 21, 2012
In a surprising move, India’s coalition government is allowing states to decide if they want foreign direct investment in the retail sector, opening a door for giant stores like Walmart and Tesco. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tried a similar move last year, but pulled back in the face of huge protests. Economic slowdown in India pushed the government to pounce again despite a nationwide protest...

The New Barons of Bordeaux

Pallavi Aiyar September 12, 2012
Globalization is both blessing and curse for enchanting regions like Bordeaux. Even as Europe struggles with debt and austerity plans, centuries-old vineyards and chateaux languish on the market, and their winemakers must compete with upstarts from South Africa, South and North America. An increasingly prosperous China has become a major export market for Bordeaux wines, and Chinese investors...