In The News

No Ancient Wisdom for China

James McGregor October 8, 2012
Economic growth and steady job creation stabilize societies. Yet China has unleashed a form of capitalist growth that few other nations dare follow, what author James McGregor calls “authoritarian capitalism.” The system achieves rapid economic growth based on tremendous government support for state-owned firms, led by powerful Communist Party leaders. But analysts and reformers in China argue...

US Economy – Muscular or Obese?

David Dapice August 16, 2012
The US, with great potential for economic growth, still could rescue the dragging global economy – the country’s energy development, agricultural output, steady labor force, and education programs all offer promise. But the US has immediate challenges, argues economist David Dapice, including rising inequality and high youth unemployment rates. Young workers often bring innovations to workplaces...

The Court Rules in Pakistan

Paula Newberg June 21, 2012
Pakistan has a history of its civilian government being removed from power by the military, and last week the country’s Supreme Court mounted what could be the first judicial coup. As Pakistan faces terrorist challenges, political turmoil and economic crises, the activist Supreme Court has compounded the challenges – ruling that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani’s contempt-of-court conviction...

Time to End Fuel Subsidies?

Will Hickey June 7, 2012
Subsidies distort markets and discourage development of substitutes. Subsidies for fuel are especially problematic, because energy is a backbone of any economy. In terms of energy production and consumption, the world is an uneven playing field in terms of reserves, taxes, regulations, public versus private ownership and income availability. An abrupt end to fuel subsidies would crush the poorest...

Economic Nationalism Rises in Indonesia

John Berthelsen June 5, 2012
In Indonesia, as foreign investors express interest in a project – purchasing a bank or building a port – the government steps in with new regulations that thwart the deal and reinforce state-controlled enterprises. Taxes discourage exports of raw materials, minerals or palm oil, and encourage refining inside Indonesia. While globalization and foreign direct investment have fueled Asia’s...

Designing Fair Shares Prosperity in Asia

Chandran Nair May 31, 2012
Societies aiming for social progress have a few mechanisms: Governments can tax wealth and fund programs or NGOs; mandate a level of investment in beneficial programs, while giving companies and investors the benefit of choice; or impose few restrictions, hoping that companies and investors choose to strengthen communities on their own. Social investments can be piecemeal or far-reaching. With...

India’s Broken Schools, Cloudy Future

Julissa Milligan, Sadanand Dhume May 9, 2012
India’s preponderance of youth has long been considered a “demographic dividend.” But a broken education system fails to equip graduates for jobs in a fast growing economy. Thanks to lopsided emphasis on elite schools and neglect of early education, India has fallen behind in competency in basic skills, along with flexibility, creativity and passion for lifelong learning. The country prepares...