In The News

Less Toxic Relations Between Japan and China

David Pilling February 8, 2008
Any incident can trigger old animosities between China and Japan, wartime opponents early in the previous century. The latest incident is 10 Japanese people falling ill after eating pesticide-tainted gyoza, or dumplings, made in China. Despite such controversies, both Japanese and Chinese leaders have made “huge strides” in improving relations during recent months, writes David Pilling for the...
January 28, 2008
Corporate boards reflect the values of a company and their national culture. Although multiple forces pressure firms around the globe to follow the US-model of corporate governance, divergent styles do emerge and challenge the status quo. Major institutional investors have long invested in US markets and appreciated strong regulations on how companies audit and organize their boards. Those huge...

A New Day for a Divided Peninsula

Shim Jae Hoon January 16, 2008
Since taking control of North Korea, Kim Jong Il has isolated his nation, devastated its economy and pursued a nuclear-weapons program that has alarmed the world. In attempting to dissuade the Kim regime from its self-destructive ways, South Korea opted for what became known as a “sunshine policy,” promoting engagement, patience and ample aid. But South Koreans grew weary of shoveling billions at...

An Empowered Middle East – Part II

Humphrey Hawksley January 14, 2008
The Middle East has great economic potential, with rich resources, a young population and a location central to three continents. But the regional quest for enhanced prosperity requires stability, trust and security. Subsiding violence in Iraq contributes to regional security, largely because of extra troops inserted by the US in recent months and a coordinated pragmatic approach from US...

Redder Than the Real Thing

Ian Williams January 7, 2008
To secure Chinese favor, the United States has devalued Taiwan’s quest for democracy. America’s official stance is pro-China, despite the inequality and injustice propagated by the Chinese government, says the author. Ironically, the superior form of governance is the form practiced by Taiwan, and that is the European-style social democracy, which America should appreciate more, logically...

The Rise of China and the Future of the West: Can the Liberal System Survive?

G. John Ikenberry January 2, 2008
China’s rise does not present inevitable battle between east and west. Global powers can accommodate a changing order and thrive. “Today's Western order, in short, is hard to overturn and easy to join,” writes G. John Ikenberry, professor of politics and international affairs. After World War II, the US led in establishing institutions that welcomed victors and defeated, established powers...

After Bhutto, Pakistan on Edge

Ahmed Rashid January 1, 2008
Pakistan grieves the sudden, yet foreseen death of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, a courageous woman who threatened the status quo. Urged by the US, Bhutto agreed to a power-sharing deal with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, if both won election. She vowed to end appeasement of extremists and cooperate with the US in pursuing all sources of terrorism, in and out of Pakistan. She...