In The News

Southeast Asian Democratization in the Era of Globalization

Roy Voragen January 16, 2008
Anticipating the consequences of globalization is one way of adapting to the rapid change. Increasingly, individuals acquire wealth not so much through hard work or innovation than by predicting globalization’s intricate twisting paths. Cities and citizens in the developed nations, while they complain about globalization, are better prepared for adapting to the effects than citizens in developing...

Malawi's “Free Trade” Revolt

Benjamin R. Barber January 14, 2008
“Free trade” conditions accompany foreign aid, forcing the poor farmers in developing countries to compete with subsidized crops produced by powerful wealthy nations. In following the strict conditions to secure aid, Malawi had to battle starvation. Frustrated, Malawi defied World Bank policy in recent years by subsidizing fertilizer and seed programs for its farmers, allowing crops to expand...

The Globalization Backlash: Is America Slouching Towards Protectionism?

Gabor Steingart January 11, 2008
During their lifetimes, American adults have watched manufacturing jobs move from northern states to the south and then overseas, as auto, textile and now computer manufacturers chase after workers willing to work for low wages. Toshiba shifted a plant from Tennessee to Mexico, where workers assemble computers with parts from China for $8 per day. “Americans wouldn't have such a hard time...

An Empowered Middle East – Part I

Pranay Gupte January 10, 2008
President George Bush’s trip to the Middle East comes at a time when Iraq is stabilizing and the oil-producing countries’ fortune is rising. Bush will visit Israel and Saudi Arabia, also making stops in Palestine, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirate and Egypt, perhaps even Iraq and Lebanon. Along the way he’ll witness results of US foreign policy – diplomacy, intervention and some neglect. A...

Oil Hits $100, Jolting Markets

Neil King Jr. January 4, 2008
The global economy depends on oil – and most of the world’s major economies are in short supply. Western oil companies now control about 10 percent of proven reserves, and with increasing demand from emerging economies, governments and industries belatedly scramble to improve efficiency and find energy alternatives. High demand for oil and the increasing price is shifting priorities and shaping...

A World of People on the Move

Antonio Guterres December 3, 2007
No community or country can control the human urge to improve one’s situation. The 21st century will become the century of migration, suggests Antonio Guterres, UN High Commissioner of Refugees. People have long had many reasons for migrating from a birthplace to another part of the world – and the century will undoubtedly deliver more: work opportunities, war, climate change, natural disasters....

Bali Climate Change Conference: “We Have Very Little Time to Act”

Patrick McGroarty December 3, 2007
As evidence of climate change is increasingly accepted, the need to counter the phenomenon becomes more pressing. The Kyoto Protocol has been in effect since early 2005, and yet less than 800 million out of the world’s 6.6 billion people live in countries that have agreed to reduce emissions. Since then, carbon emissions continue to climb and deforestation has intensified. Without the support of...