In The News

Promises, Promises: Will the G-20 Haunt or Help Obama Later On?

Steven R. Weisman September 30, 2009
The results of the recent G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh could be a critical turning point in global integration given that the grouping has now replaced the G-8. It could also be a thorn in US President Obama’s side. According to Editorial Director of the Peterson Institute for International Economics Steven Weisman, the pledges made during the summit could place Obama at odds either with his allies...

Obama’s Missile Defense Change Shows Different Targets

Tomas Valasek September 21, 2009
Obama’s decision not to build a missile defense base in the Czech Republic and Poland presents new challenges and risks to the European theater. First, according to Director at the Center for European Reform Tomas Valasek, it risks rewarding Russia for its truculence in the hopes of getting the country to support the US in tempering Iran. Second, while the plan to use a sea-based shield may...

Obama's Trade Policy Taking Shape – Part II

Bernard K. Gordon September 16, 2009
With the upcoming G-20 meeting in Pittsburgh and recent proposed tariffs on Chinese tires as a backdrop, the spotlight has shifted to Obama’s trade policy and support of the Doha Round, at least momentarily. But circumstances for the White House are different today than in the past. According to Professor Emeritus Bernard K. Gordon, India, which was blamed for stalling the Doha Round before, now...

China and US: Tire-d of Fighting

Gady Epstein September 14, 2009
China and the US seem like Siamese twins that hate each other – joined at the hip by trade but pushed apart by issues as diverse as human rights, climate change, and security. The current financial crisis makes some believe focus on trade may take center stage. Gady Epstein from Forbes argues that the decision by President Obama over the influx of cheap Chinese tires reflects the deepening...

Will Japan Finally Get a Cabinet That Makes Policy?

Karel van Wolferen September 10, 2009
For all of Japan’s economic prowess and impact on the rest of the world, in one area the country has remained relatively diffident: foreign policy. While reasons for such a stance lie in Japanese public opinion, an important factor is Japan’s status as a virtual protectorate of the US. In the past, Japan rarely rocked the boat when it came to US geopolitical and strategic goals, creating a...

The Noodle Bowl

September 8, 2009
Large economies like China, Japan and India have signed free trade agreements (FTA) with the regional grouping ASEAN. But in the absence of a comprehensive, multi-lateral free trade agreement, Asian countries are settling for bi-lateral FTAs. But this trend is not necessarily in response to the stalled Doha round of trade talks. Bi-laterial FTAs have increased from six in 1991 to 166 by mid-year...

The Dragon in the Backyard

August 20, 2009
New economic cooperation between Latin America and less traditional trading partners is having a significant impact on the region both economically and politically. Top on the list is China’s increasing visibility as a strategic economic partner of the continent, much to the US’ discontent. While China’s cheap manufacturing has hurt countries such as Mexico, its demand for commodities has driven...