In The News

End the Lie, Rejoice in Cheap Imports

Edward M. Graham July 21, 2006
The public is indifferent to trade negotiations, according to Edward Graham, because most people take trade for granted. Politicians have led the way in promoting a massive lie to the public – that the benefits of expanded trade come from expanded exports. Graham points out that import expansion actually provides greater benefits, including long-term improvements in productivity and an increase...

Habitual Blindness

Eric Rauchway July 20, 2006
The US is a creature of habit and that means repeating old mistakes, according to author Eric Rauchway. Reaping benefits of industrialization and expansion while devoting few resources to the process, thanks to immigration and foreign capital, the US too often mistakes “habit for virtue.” Rauchway contends that the US deludes itself into acting as though circumstances have changed little since...

Unlike General Motors and Delphi, Most of America's Manufacturers Are Thriving

July 14, 2006
Well-publicized woes of companies like General Motors could give the impression that all US manufacturing is struggling. Predictions that manufacturing would suffer setbacks after the IT boom played itself out several years ago failed to materialize. US manufacturers have been innovative in charting many areas for increasing productivity, not simply coasting on the momentum of the boom. Profits...

Megaplayers Vs. Micropowers

Moisés Naím July 12, 2006
The globe has entered an era of instability according to Moisés Naím, editor in chief of “Foreign Policy,” and that has opened opportunities for small, but highly competitive forces in the business, political and financial worlds. Some examples: Multinational corporations like Royal Dutch Shell no longer protests movements toward nationalization of oil supplies in small Latin American countries...

Why Globalization Isn’t a Win-Win Situation

Stephen Roach July 12, 2006
A bilateral US-China trade relationship poses some dangers, according to global economist Stephen Roach. US policies encourage over-consumption and under-production in the global economy, resulting in a low saving rate and stagnating wages for middle-class workers. China’s policies focus on rapid over-production, a massive surplus of goods, a high savings rate, as well as wage inflation of...

Communist Party at Crossroads

Chua Chin Hon July 11, 2006
The Chinese Communist Party has maintained its grip on power in China for 85 years, and by many estimates, is still going strong. Abroad, China’s influence continues to grow, while at home, membership in the party and its local organizations has also increased. Observers point out, however, a myriad of domestic problems facing the CCP that could erode its power: environmental problems, ongoing...

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...