In The News

Europe Is Giving Global Economy a Surprise Boost Amid US Lull

Marcus Walker December 21, 2006
Typically, when the US economy slows, Europe follows. But because of rising exports, Europeans demonstrate a renewed economic confidence, as demonstrated by more jobs, investment and spending. Modest economic growth is spreading throughout the continent known for heavy regulation of labor, trade and investment as well as generous social benefits. With exports leading the growth, European...

The Challenge of Global Health

Laurie Garrett December 20, 2006
Wealthy nations and their citizens donate billions in cash to end AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and some other high-profile problems in the developing world. But with uncoordinated programs, lacking in sustainability and long-term planning, the fast flow of cash could make problems worse, not better, argues health analyst and author Laurie Garrett. Studies have shown that focusing on high-profile...

Yet Another Problem in the Middle East

December 20, 2006
Arab society as a whole suffers because of the marginalized status of its women. A series of Arab Human Development Reports, from the United Nations Development Programme, explore the many challenges facing Arab societies. Half the women in Arab society are illiterate along with one third of the men. Concern emerges in Arab societies that Western values draw women away from family roles, and yet...

Thailand's Cynical Ploy on Burmese Migrant Workers

Kavi Chongkittavorn December 13, 2006
About 600,000 illegal workers, most from Burma and the rest from Laos and Cambodia, work in Thai factories for about one third of regular wage rates. The Thai government offered to legalize migrant workers from Burma, with the condition that they return first to their homeland and verify citizenship. Such a condition amounts to a death sentence in Burma, a nation under rule of a military junta,...

China Eases Limits on Foreign Media for 2008 Olympics

Mei Fong December 11, 2006
China will temporarily lift restrictions on foreign journalists, allowing them to scrutinize the Olympic Games as well as the Chinese economy, politics and society – but only through October 2008. Foreign journalists will no longer have to request or wait for formal invitations from Chinese groups before conducting interviews or writing articles. However, domestic journalists will still confront...

Capitalism: One Size Does Not Suit All

Pranab Bardhan December 7, 2006
Uncertainty abounds over the Anglo-American economic model that has held sway ever since Adam Smith. Excessive debt, growing inequality, increasing costs for health care and retirement as well as large prison populations in the US and UK have raised doubts about its viability. Many nations have sought to adapt capitalism for their specific cultures and needs. Scandinavian and Japanese models...

Outsourcing Hits a New Class of Workers: Journalists

Doreen Carvajal December 5, 2006
Declining circulations and advertising revenue have forced newspapers in the US and UK to reduce costs – and some editors now look for low-wage, talented help in India, Singapore and other countries. Such moves may reduce costs, but could also lead to community backlashes and further erosion in circulation. Any employee whose work can be transferred online is vulnerable to such outsourcing,...