In The News

Mixed Blessings of the Megacities

Deane Neubauer September 24, 2004
"For the first time in human history, more people live in cities than do not," writes globalization scholar Deane Neubauer. Complex migratory patterns have led to a paradox within the world's most populous urban areas: While some residents live lavishly, reaping the benefits of global commerce, others are forced into impoverished conditions reminiscent of 19th-century...

Dutch Have a Kinder, Gentler Plan

Frida Ghitis September 14, 2004
Despite scattered threats from terrorist groups, the environment in Amsterdam continues to appear peaceful. The Dutch government's approach to national security, in direct contrast to US policies, underscores protection of civil liberties and adherence to laws. In an effort to prevent a culture based in fear, the Netherlands has resisted alarmist measures common to other Western societies...

Wedding Vows Can Lock Danes Out of Their Homeland

Richard Bernstein September 10, 2004
Even if it is love at first sight, beginning a life together in Denmark is a lengthy, maddening ordeal for mixed Danish-foreign couples. New immigration laws which, opponents argue, are the strictest in the European Union, have barred over 1,000 recently married couples from living in the country. Many of these couples have opted to live across the bridge in Malmo, Sweden. This was not the...

A Nation of Nations

September 8, 2004
Given the dual threats of aging workforces and decreasing populations, many countries face fierce competition in attracting international professionals. Singapore, according to this editorial in The Straits Times, must broaden its immigration policy to ensure a vibrant, globally competitive population. Even the US, traditionally an international talent magnet, has shown signs of complacency...

Commonwealth Ministers Move to End Teacher "Poaching"

Polly Curtis September 1, 2004
Friction between rich and poor Commonweath nations has increased amidst accusations of teacher "poaching." Representatives from thirty nations are meeting to discuss the international recruitment of educators. Many member nations have expressed frustration with the practice of developed countries recruiting teachers from those less developed. In several regions, the need is striking...

Bill Punishes Cuba Travelers

Lesley Clark August 25, 2004
Competition continues in the effort to attract the coveted Cuban-American vote in November's US presidential election. Republican Congressman David Rivera has proposed a ''Travel and Commerce with Terrorist Nations Act,” which would cut off government aid to Florida residents traveling to Cuba. Rivera explained that his proposal is a result of the concerns of his Florida...

Fighting Over the Best and the Brightest

Carsten Germis August 20, 2004
Losing one’s intelligentsia is not just the bane of developing countries. Germany, which boasts the largest economy of Europe, has sent so many of its sons and daughters to America in academic capacities that now Germans make up the third-largest group of foreign academics in the US. In raw numbers, that puts Germany’s US academic expatriate community at 20,000, with three out of four...