In The News

What Should the White House Do About Globalization

William Holstein July 17, 2008
Businesses juggle the challenges and rewards of globalization every day – but the process of interaction remains largely a mystery. During the Cold War, globalization had ideological connotations, as it was often viewed as just westernization. Now the term is source of anger and confusion as its consequences are more uncertain. The next US president must define globalization for US citizens and...

Indian IT Industry Roots for Barack Obama

Bhargavi Kerur July 1, 2008
Presidential candidate Barack Obama points to the need to fix the American economy and proposes expanding overseas opportunities by outsourcing jobs as a possible solution for a flailing economy. Business is a two-way street, this article from the Daily News & Analysis in India suggests, and nations that outsource work can benefit as much as the nations that receive outsourced work. Plenty of...

A Self-Inflicted Wound

Jacob F. Kirkegaard July 1, 2008
The US, long home to many of the world’s most highly skilled workers, could soon be scrambling for replacements. Baby boomers are starting to retire, and their high education levels will be missed. Since the baby boomers emerged in the work force, the US became complacent about its public-education system. As a result, young American workers increasingly struggle to compete with skilled foreign...

An Uncertain Victory for China’s Workers

Lyle Morris June 24, 2008
China’s expansion, fueled by cheap exports that poorly paid workers produce, may slow with a new labor law in force. The law aims to protect laborers and improve global perceptions of China’s human-rights record. Companies in China, both domestic and foreign, have been notorious about hiring workers with short-term contracts. The law provides higher wages and greater job security, including a...

Can the US Bring Jobs Back from China?

Pete Engardio June 23, 2008
Despite a decline in the dollar and a spike in oil prices, finding a US manufacturer eager to develop prototypes for new products or compete for contracts is not easy. Not only does the US fail to compete in industries that require ample cheap labor, it also struggles to compete in terms of innovation. “American factories and supplier networks in many industries have withered in the era of...

Once a Bright Point, Senegal Teeters Toward a Crisis

Lydia Polgreen June 20, 2008
Historically, Senegal has been one of Africa’s more prosperous and stable nations, winning respect and admiration. Ironically, though, the country's recent investments in five-star hotels and conference centers have backfired. Luxury development is a slap in the face for the poor who struggle daily to survive. Civil groups resist government plans and accuse political leaders of nepotism and...

Spain, Like US, Grapples With Immigration

Jason DeParle June 19, 2008
Millions of non-citizens, with 600,000 recently legalized, power Spain’s economy. The once illegal immigrants now command higher wages and enjoy job security. But a recent economic downturn has spurred unemployment, and Spanish citizens looking for work are understandably dissatisfied. Throughout open Europe, many critics question whether legalization programs approved in the southern countries...