In The News

Corruption Threatens Ukraine's Hard-Earned Freedom

Chris Miller March 14, 2016
The abrupt resignation of Ukraine’s respected minister of economy and trade, his refusal to “serve as a cover-up for covert corruption,” has triggered political crisis and an onslaught of recriminations about inept governance. More resignations may follow, and the crisis comes during a treacherous period as the West and Russia battle for influence over the country of 45 million. “Notably, the...

Closure of Balkan Route Divides Europe

March 11, 2016
Decisions by Macedonia, Slovenia, Serbia and Croatia to close borders to refugees fleeing war in Syria and elsewhere in the Middle East are dividing the European Union, suggests an article from Deutsche Welle. Closing borders does not resolve the problem, contends German Chancellor Angela Merkel who favors organized and united management of the refugee crisis and suggests a divided response...

UN, Rights Groups Say EU-Turkey Migrant Deal May Be Illegal

Stephanie Nebehay and Gabriela Baczynska March 9, 2016
European nations are trying to stop the flow of refugees fleeing conflict in the Middle East with tight border controls, and some leaders hope to return migrants who arrive by boats. A Turkish proposal to accept the return of some migrants in exchange for funding and visa-free travel for Turks could be illegal, warns the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. International law would require...

Missing the Big Picture, US Policy on North Korea Could Bring Disaster

Paul Bracken March 8, 2016
So far in 2016, North Korea has tested an atomic weapon and long-range missile. The United Nations Security Council responded with sanctions amid hope that China might contain a belligerent ally. The world expects the United States to monitor international developments, and those not posing immediate danger or causing global media alarm are often put to the side with a cursory response. “Yet...

States of Disorder

Philip Bobbitt March 8, 2016
In the early part of the 21st century, organizations like the G8, the European Union and NATO welcomed new members, and then the global economic crisis of 2007-2008 stalled the quest for increasing regional and global order. Many countries have taken a nationalistic turn, with governments cracking down on critics, and that may encourage opposition. Philosopher John Gray has pointed out that...

Rising Tide

March 7, 2016
As Macedonia, Austria and other European nations tighten borders against refugees fleeing Syria and other conflict zones, Greece must manage a bottleneck. Tent camps and reception camps are over-crowded, and food is in short supply. “Now almost 30,000 migrants are bottled up in Greece” and “local aid agencies worry that 200,000 people may arrive in March alone,” reports the Economist. NGOs and...

What the US Campaign Can Teach China about How It Is Viewed

March 7, 2016
A good test for US presidential candidate is how they respond about a rising China. While both countries can display nationalistic tendencies, the Chinese anticipate the next US president, regardless of campaign rhetoric as well as Republican or Democrat, to strive for middle ground and dialogue while embracing a more pro-active foreign policy. “As China rises in prominence in the global economy...