In The News

Bolivia Provides a Tragic Lesson for Latin America

Norman Lamont October 21, 2005
Bolivia often escapes the notice of Europeans and Americans, writes Norman Lamont, and the country's current troubles merit much greater international attention. Bolivia has seen several governments overthrown over its recent history, and its likeliest contender for the leadership, Evo Morales, now seems determined to force through measures that will further destabilize the country. Morales...

US Labor Is in Retreat as Global Forces Squeeze Pay and Benefits

David Streitfeld October 19, 2005
This week, union workers at Delphi Corp. and General Motors will take drastic cuts in their pay and benefits. While the United States may be enjoying an economic recovery, workers in the auto industry and across the nation are contemplating lower wages just to keep their jobs. At the same time, they face a cost of living that has been rising faster than wage increases. But American workers may...

Globalization Explained to the French

Philip H. Gordon October 18, 2005
Following France's decisive May 29 referendum against the proposed EU Constitution, many observers condemned this once great imperial power's rejection of the international system. Decrying the predations of "Anglo-Saxon capitalism," the "Non!" camp had clung to an alternate vision of polity, rooted in commitments to social development and market regulation. But an...

Cracks in the Social Net

Alexander Osang October 13, 2005
“We left that city like the colonial powers left Africa,” lamented the ex-head of personnel at what was one of the largest textile mills in North Carolina. In 2003, the Pillowtex plant, based in the city of Kannapolis, closed and laid off its five thousand workers overnight. In a region where unionization was militantly discouraged, the mill provided an entire framework of life for the community...

"The Private Sector Is India's True Face – Open, Pragmatic"

Saumya Roy October 11, 2005
In an interview with Outlook India, Newsweek International editor Fareed Zakaria shares his thoughts about globalization and international politics, particularly with regard to India, China, and the United States. Zakaria opines that action is needed in order to bridge the gap between Washington policy wonks and the general public so that more Americans can learn about the rest of the world and...

The Barbarians Learn How to Lobby at the Gates of Industry

Scott Kennedy October 5, 2005
While critics accuse the West of thumping the bible of market liberalism with one hand and maintaining protectionist tariffs with the other, China seems to be embracing a more consistent approach to globalization. This approach, reports Scott Kennedy, might be attributed to the concurrent interests of local companies and foreign investors. Whereas American industries often seek protection from...

Don't Tell Anybody It's Africa Calling

Nayan Chanda October 4, 2005
Six hundred years ago, France exported slaves from what is today Senegal. Now, the West African country imports jobs from its former colonial master – causing panic in France, but bringing hope to workers at home, writes YaleGlobal editor Nayan Chanda. More and more French call center companies now outsource to Senegal, where they can conduct business at a fraction of European operating costs....