In The News

Can Nouri al-Maliki Deliver Peace?

Bernhard Zand July 6, 2006
With a background beyond reproof and mastery of the rhetoric that has been most effective in post-Saddam Iraq, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki bears the weight of his country’s hopes, along with those of the US, on his shoulders. His plans for a peaceful and united Iraq, described by some analysts as courageous, have even enticed some insurgent groups into the political process. But his...

Japan’s Succession Battle

Daniel Sneider July 6, 2006
The succession struggle for Japan’s next prime minister has brought the two opposing schools of Japan’s foreign policy into sharper focus. Foreign affairs analyst Daniel Sneider writes that the result of the current debate between the ruling party’s Realist school and the Nationalist school could point to the future direction of Japan’s foreign policy toward its Asian neighbors. The “Assertive...

Defiant North Korea Fires Seventh Test Missile

Justin McCurry July 5, 2006
North Korea has test-fired several missiles, asserting sovereignty over its weapons program, and the UK, France, NATO, China, Russia Japan, the US and South Korea have united in speaking out against the tests. The UN Security Council discusses the issue today. One of the tests was a long-range missile that either failed or was aborted by North Korea. Some speculate that, despite North Korea’s...

Controlling Carrots and Sticks

Michael M. Phillips July 5, 2006
By creating the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in 2002, the Bush administration attempted to reshape how the US distributes foreign aid. The MCC allocates aid based on more than a dozen criteria, such as control of corruption and civil liberties. Thus far, the MCC has not had any qualms about denying or suspending aid to countries that do not meet its guidelines. This strict adherence...

Controlling Carrots and Sticks

Michael M. Phillips July 5, 2006
By creating the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in 2002, the Bush administration attempted to reshape how the US distributes foreign aid. The MCC allocates aid based on more than a dozen criteria, such as control of corruption and civil liberties. Thus far, the MCC has not had any qualms about denying or suspending aid to countries that do not meet its guidelines. This strict adherence...

Globalization’s Hidden Benefits

Richard W. Fisher July 4, 2006
Globalization has its roots in the logic of capitalism and will continue to advance, unless authorities make a concerted effort to reverse or halt it. While some critics malign globalization, increasing evidence suggests that its benefits go hand in hand with fair, conscientious policies. Globalization rewards decision-making that serves the interests of many types of people living in diverse...

Democracy in the Arab World: Not Yet, Thanks

July 4, 2006
When internal and external forces both pressured for political liberalization in the Middle East, many of the region’s autocratic rulers at least paid lip service to democracy. Recently, though, the trend has reversed as more citizens expect their governments to strive for stability and preserve the status quo. With soaring oil prices, entrenched leaders have plenty of cash to eliminate dissent...