In The News

East Asia’s Troubled Waters – Part I

Wenran Jiang April 25, 2006
In recent history, Asian neighbors such as China, Japan and South Korea have transformed from traditional foes to complementary trading partners. But this three-part series explores how competition for natural resources rekindles historical grievances, fueling nationalism and confrontation. Rising tension over the waters demonstrate how increased interdependence brought about by globalization may...

US, China Eager to Gloss Over Any Disagreements

Daniel Sneider April 25, 2006
The inevitability of China’s rise has led its Asian neighbors to perform “fine balancing” acts, with the question of how to respond to China’s growth remaining high on every agenda. Even countries that have been historically at odds with China – such as Japan and Vietnam – worry about the threat, but must cooperate with the second largest economy in the world in terms of purchasing power. Like...

We Are Globalized, But Have No Real Intimacy With the Rest of the World

Martin Jaques April 24, 2006
With globalization, most anticipate an inter-connected world with greater understanding of multiple cultures more than ever before. Author Martin Jacques argues that this assumption is at odds with the tone of globalization, based on a “one-size-fits-all” model of western cultural imperialism. Whereas European colonialism included exporting self-defined values of civilization, it did not strive...

Learning Globalization From Football

Branko Milanovic April 21, 2006
Football is not only popular, but probably the world's most globalized profession. The most talented Brazilian, Cameroonian and Japanese football players move from country to country more so than doctors, computer scientists, blue-collar workers or bank tellers. On the club circuit, rules have evolved so that international character defines top teams, and statistics show that success...

Globalization Old and New

Ullrich Fichtner April 20, 2006
Globalization comes in many forms, some more pleasing than others. As Vietnam eagerly pushes for incorporation into the WTO, it could discover that globalization becomes colonization, “Part Two.” Hanoi emerged from European influence with its dignity intact, according to author Ullrich Fichtner, but new and rapid development could transform the city’s charm, with small shops featuring gourmet...

Disappearing Delphi

Rick Popely April 18, 2006
Delphi Corp., the major supplier of auto parts in the US market, plans to close or sell more than two thirds of its 29 US plants. If the plan is approved by bankruptcy court, the company would focus on high-end electronic technology – with the eight remaining US plants making products that require immediate installation. The sell-off could allow the company to end its union contracts with 17,000...

Kazakhstan Entertains Grand Economic Development Plan

Melvut Katik April 17, 2006
Oil-rich Kazakhstan has a goal to become a major global economic force. Its strategy to drive growth depends on regional cooperation, particularly with Russia and to a certain degree China. Another major goal for Kazakhstan is accession to the WTO. Kazakhstan already possesses immense oil and gas resources, and global financial experts are bullish on the nation, with one analyst noting that the...