In The News

Africa and the Winds of Globalization

Okechukwu Emeh March 1, 2007
Africa is often described as a victim of globalization. However, analyst Okechukwu Emeh argues that the continent’s developing states can join together to make the process work in their favor. On the theory that a rising tide lifts all boats, incorporating African industries into global markets can improve everyone’s level of wealth. Imports of gadgets, modes of organization and “neo-liberal...

The Perilous Fantasy of Pursuing Energy Independence

A.F. Al Hajj February 27, 2007
Advance public announcements on research plans can lead to market manipulation. Leaders of developed nations – weary of instability in nations that supply oil and high prices – openly seek energy alternatives. But oil markets respond to the chatter about alternative energy in two ways: Some producers might reduce investment in infrastructure or additional capacity, and others might increase...

South Asians Taking Risky Route to Europe: Via Africa

Caroline Brothers February 26, 2007
The tide of illegal immigrants from West Africa to Spain’s Canary Islands has resumed, yet the ethnicity of recent passengers surprise authorities. South Asians attempting to enter Europe have long taken land passages, but are increasingly becoming customers of the poorly made fishing boats that ferry thousands from Africa to Spain each year. Decreased barriers to travel between South Asia and...

The New Shipbuilding Boom: Giants of the Waves

Thomas Schulz February 26, 2007
Commercial shipbuilding is on the rise, with more than 5000 giant ships set to be launched over the next three years. The boom is a response to China’s growing export market, reports Thomas Schulz in “Der Spiegel.” Germany owns most container ships, followed by China, Japan and Taiwan. But Asian firms construct the large ships, most of which are so massive they cannot fit into European ports....

A Budget for Globalization

February 22, 2007
Singapore’s historic status as a thriving international port has long rested on its openness to international business and trade. The government’s efforts in enticing foreign businesses and tourists to Singapore have made it among the most business-friendly economies in the world. One key to that success has been a willingness to adapt to a rapidly changing global economy, and the government...

Inequality and Globalization

Ben Bernanke February 21, 2007
The US strives to provide equal opportunity for all individuals, but does not guarantee equal economic outcomes, explained US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke in a recent speech. Still, new competition or inventions like the computer can make some workers’ skills obsolete, warns Benanke, and if the nation does not provide a support system for such workers, thus limiting some of the risks,...

Globalization Forces a Health-Check of US Auto Industry

Susan Froetschel February 19, 2007
Of the top six automobile-manufacturing countries in the world, the US and China are the only ones that lack universal government-backed health care. US workers expect employers like Ford, General Motors and Chrysler to provide cradle-to-grave health coverage, a significant cost burden not shared by competitors. The problem is exacerbated by health plans for retired employees – every plant...