In The News

Time For a Saudi "New Deal"

Fahad Nazer September 27, 2005
The ascent of King Abdullah to the Saudi throne represents a great opportunity for domestic political reform, writes Fahad Nazer. As an absolute monarchy with almost no accountability to its citizens, the Saudi government will prove increasingly vulnerable to the demands of internal reformers – as well as growing global criticism over the radical Islam preached by its Wahhabist clerics. Any...

Bush's Missed UN Opportunity

Sebastian Mallaby September 12, 2005
As Sebastian Mallaby notes, the current global climate requires competent international institutions to help usher in the change. In the past, world policy deals could be hashed out by a small, Western-oriented group of diplomats – but no longer. Today, the rise of newer economic powers such as China, India, and Brazil has United Nations leaders scrambling to decide exactly how to slice the...

India's Mini-Multinationals Make Waves in Western Markets

Anand Giridharadas September 2, 2005
As India gains economic strength, its entrepreneurs are acquiring increasing numbers of overseas companies. In the first eight months this year, Indian companies paid US$1.7 billion for 62 foreign businesses, including a German metal forge, a South Korean truck maker, and a British tea company. The Indian as global owner marks a clear reversal for a country with vivid memories of its own...

Democracy in Burma: Does Anybody Really Care?

Amitav Acharya September 1, 2005
Upon its 1967 founding, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) stated its collective goals, wherein members, "through joint efforts and sacrifices, secure for their peoples and for posterity the blessings of peace, freedom, and prosperity." Unfortunately, in Burma – one of the 10 member states – the ruling junta has provided none of the aforementioned "blessings"...

US Wants Changes in UN Agreement

Colum Lynch August 25, 2005
Just weeks before an upcoming UN summit, the United States has proposed more than 750 amendments to an agreement to be signed at the meeting. Organized as an effort to better address world poverty, terrorism, and human rights abuses, the summit is slated to host leaders of 175 nations. The Bush administration's last-minute changes, designed to better reflect US concerns, have received much...

The Creative Evolution of World Trade

Susan Esserman August 23, 2005
Often subject to accusations of inadequate transparency and insufficient accountability, the World Trade Organization took a big step toward more open practices. A dispute panel on hormone-fed beef in the EU has decided to open hearings to the public – allowing closed-circuit television cameras to record the proceedings. Many delegates oppose the move, contending that some level of secrecy is...

Dodging the Curse of Diamonds and Gold

Desha Girod August 11, 2005
As the G-8 unveiled an ambitious plan to lift Africa from the mire of debt and double foreign aid, a debate concerning the efficacy of aid has re-emerged. Many critics contend that additional aid money will merely benefit the corrupt leaders of a troubled continent, rather than support the reforms those nations sorely need. Desha Girod counters that, in certain circumstances, aid can be highly...