In The News

Tangled Threads of Protectionism – Part I

Pietra Rivoli May 3, 2005
One of the textile industry's oldest problems is again under focus: how to adjust in the face of changing technology, tastes, and economic fundamentals. Politicians are calling, not surprisingly, for a populist solution – protect jobs by raising walls against imports. In a three-part series, trade experts examine the issues surrounding the post-quota state of the textile industry. With the...

India's IT Prodigals Return Home

Harsh Kabra May 2, 2005
"Brain gain" is booming in India as highly-skilled expatriates are returning home. A recent mini-migration of some 25,000 engineers, software designers, managers, and other professionals has taken place between the United States and India in the past four years. The numbers are still growing. The decision to uproot after decade or more of life in the US is motivated by a new land of...

Germany Profits from International Division of Labor

Patrick Welter April 29, 2005
Recent WTO announcements suggest that Germany is effectively handling with the forces of globalization to maintain a flourishing and beneficial trade position, writes F.A.Z. Weekly. Germany's exports have increased steadily, especially compared with other euro countries whose exports have declined due to the falling dollar. Though countries like China have seen dramatic leaps in their trade...

Rising Dragon and the American Eagle – Part II

Robert Sutter April 22, 2005
Recent developments – including the high-profile visit by China's premier Wen Jiabao to South Asia – showing the rising profile of China have intensified a long-running debate in Washington. How does the growing power and influence of China affect the dominance that the United States has so far enjoyed in Asia? In the second of our two-part series, Georgetown University's China...

American Nationals Given Jail Terms for Selling Pirated DVDs

April 20, 2005
China has been under increasing pressure from the United States for its lack of intellectual property rights (IPR) protection, as the country has become a global hub for pirated DVDs and CDs. In a recent court ruling in China, two Americans and their two Chinese accomplices were found guilty of selling pirated DVDs to more than 20 countries; the four each incurred prison terms and substantial...

Susilo Wants Asia, Africa to Lead Energy Revolution

Leony Aurora April 19, 2005
Speaking before the upcoming Asian-African Summit, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on leaders from the two continents to initiate increased use of renewable energy. High investment costs and limited incentives make renewable energy a tough sell across the region. Yet as conventional energy resources decline, nations are increasingly engaged in conflict over resource-rich...

Companies Question Benefits of Outsourcing

David Wighton April 19, 2005
A new survey by Deloitte Consulting shows that outsourcing information technology and other services may be more trouble than it's worth in many cases. Three-quarters of the companies surveyed reported that the savings were far less than expected, and the complexity of outsourcing often required more management than was expected. Large companies like Dell Computer and Capital One are now...