In The News

The West’s Financial Arsenal

Harold James April 23, 2014
After Russia’s annexation of Crimea, pro-Russian militants continue efforts to occupy public buildings in Eastern Ukraine and destabilize an interim government. “Putin is attempting to boost Russia’s appeal by doubling Crimeans’ pensions, boosting the salaries of the region’s 200,000 civil servants, and constructing large, Sochi-style infrastructure,” explains history professor Harold James for...

Philippines Prepares for Historic Peace Deal

Ted Regencia March 28, 2014
Benigno Aquino III, president of the Philippines, signed a historic agreement with the country’s largest rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front, or MILF, mediated by Malaysia and a team of international observers. Aquino was initially criticized for meeting with the rebel leader. “Supporters hope the deal creating the autonomous Bangsamoro region will bring an end to 40 years of armed conflict...

Cooler Heads Need to Convey Japan’s Message

Sadaaki Numata March 20, 2014
Rational players in the North Pacific seek stability and reliable partners who share the same concern. “Today, there is a concern as to how far the ‘new model of great power relations’ between China and the U.S. may develop, possibly to Japan’s detriment,” writes former Japanese diplomat Sadaaki Numata for the English-Speaking Union of Japan. “Ironically this time it is the U.S. that seems...

Schism Between Sunni and Shia Has Poisoned Islam for 1,400 years – It’s Getting Worse

Paul Vallely February 27, 2014
So many nations are polarized with ongoing conflict, and one reason is religious intolerance. In Muslim nations, a sharp religious divide between Sunni and Shia Muslims – one that began over who would succeed the Prophet Mohammed after his death in the 7th century, still contributes to jihad and civil war. “In most countries these Shia are minorities in a Sunni homeland,” explains Paul Vallely...

Per Fars News Agency, US Run by Nazi Aliens

Max Fisher January 24, 2014
The gulf between Iran and the United States is wide. Iran’s Fars News Agency reports that US National Security Agency documents released by a former contract worker suggest that a shadow government of aliens ran Nazi Germany, intent on world domination, and now runs the United States, also intent on world domination. The report, labeled under the category of “space,” emerges as the United States...

The Great War’s Ominous Echoes

Margaret MacMillan December 30, 2013
More than 10 million soldiers and many civilians died in the First World War, 1914-1918. An assassination, incidental in the century’s overall history, triggered the massive war spurred by national rivalries and reckless arms race. “The approaching centenary should make us reflect anew on our vulnerability to human error, sudden catastrophes, and sheer accident,” writes author Margaret MacMillan...

Why Do We Value Gold?

Justin Rowlatt December 23, 2013
Historically, governments and investors have revered gold. Justin Rowlatt of the BBC News questions the reasons behind this value while also reporting on the British Museum’s exhibition on pre-Columbian gold artifacts. A chemistry professor quoted in the story points out that gold is distinctive. Gases, alkaline metals and other elements are simply too unstable or difficult to smelt. Gold is...