In The News

US Foundations Boost Chinese Government, Not NGOs

Anthony J. Spires March 28, 2012
The number of NGOs continues to multiply worldwide, and competition for funding is intense. US-based foundations that contribute to international endeavors tend to promote human rights and democracy. But recipient programs in China are tightly monitored and controlled by the government, explains Anthony J. Spires, sociology professor with the Chinese University of Hong Kong, adding that “major...

Global Power Shift – Part I

Alistair Burnett March 21, 2012
The US plan to boost its presence in Asia could be less about expanding security and more about setting new priorities. This two-part series analyzes the implications of the new focus on a rising China both for US strategy and its relations with European partners. The Asia pivot could mark the start of a shrinking global security footprint for the US, Alistair Burnett, editor of BBC’s The World...

Ides of March in Beijing Politics

François Godement March 19, 2012
The purge of the Chongqing party chief signals a power shift underway in China between reformists and neoconservatives, one that has implications for foreign policy and foreign investors. In terms of governance, authoritarian China can take swift policy steps, but the top tier of leaders are split between reformers and neoconservatives. Bo Xilai, son of one of Mao’s colleagues and described as a...

In Europe, North Battles South

Joergen Oerstroem Moeller March 16, 2012
European economies can be divided into two categories – one that’s more competitive and flexible; the other more rigid, struggling to repay debts. With a few exceptions, countries of northern Europe are generally more competitive than the countries along the Mediterranean, explains researcher Joergen Oerstroem Moeller. He urges that the European Union cooperate in enacting structural changes and...

World Momentum Builds for Universal Health Coverage

Yanzhong Huang March 9, 2012
The US may resist universal health care coverage, but less wealthy emerging economies are investing in providing health care to all. Despite the economic recession, nearly 100 countries are studying how to institute government-funded programs, aiming to offer affordable basic care for all citizens and control costs, reports Yanzhong Huang, senior fellow for global health at the Council on...

India’s Dilemma: Faster Growth or Poverty Alleviation?

T.N. Ninan February 22, 2012
Fast growth from globalization can produce uneven results, enriching some citizens and leaving others behind. Balancing poverty removal and fast growth becomes more difficult when politicians have to worry about their constituents, notes Indian journalist T.N. Ninan. He uses battles in India over food subsidies, designed to eliminate hunger, and an employment guarantee program as examples of the...

India’s Iran Challenge

Harsh V. Pant February 17, 2012
While the international community agrees that Iran’s development of nuclear weapons will destabilize the Middle East, responses to the West’s call for sanctions against Iran highlight diverse foreign-policy approaches, especially from India and China, ranked fourth and second, respectively, as the world’s largest oil consumers. China unequivocally prioritizes its domestic interests and energy...