In The News

Gambling: Las Vegas Seen as Model

March 26, 2003
The global spread of American culture is often seen as a form of cultural imperialism. But there are many cases where a nation will actively import American culture or use it as a model. Thailand is considering legalizing casino operations and eventually building a Las Vegas-like entertainment complex. And like most instances of cultural borrowing, the end product will likely be a unique Thai...

Some of Hussein’s Arab Foes Admire His Fight

Neil MacFarquhar March 26, 2003
Saddam Hussein is not well liked in the Arab world. But the US-led war on Iraq is leading to more anti-American sentiment across the Middle East and galvanizing support for Iraqi resistance to US forces. Even the Arab intelligentsia, which has long hoped for the spread of democratic institutions in Middle Eastern countries, is applauding Saddam’s will to fight. "If Saddam's regime is...

A Stronger Europe for a Better World

Laurent Fabius March 26, 2003
The war in Iraq will undoubtedly be won, but what about the peace? Former French Prime Minister Laurent Fabius suggests three lessons Europeans should learn to better their own, and the world's position. First, Europe must cooperate to reinvigorate internationalism and multilateralism. Members should work toward this goal through strong encouragement and compliance with international law...

Malaysian PM Condemns Iraq War

March 24, 2003
Prime Minister Mahathir criticized the Bush administration for ignoring international law and undermining world order. In parliament, he said "military action in Iraq would lead to a system of dictatorship through puppet governments" and to "the spread of international terrorism." Meanwhile, anti-war protests continue through out much of South-East Asia. –YaleGlobal

Protection of Native Resources Demanded

Pennapa Hongthong March 13, 2003
Intellectual property rights experts and farmer's rights activists in Thailand are up in arms over their government's proposed native-resources protection bill. The bill, designed to protect the country's native animal and plant species, has been drafted to help Thailand comply with the World Trade Organization's agreement on trade in intellectual property. The main fault in...

EU to Rule the High Seas?

David Hughes March 12, 2003
Why should a Singapore-based business daily express concern over a proposal drafted by the European Commission (EC) on pollution violations in EU waters? David Hughes argues that the new proposal is noteworthy precisely because it does not take geography or nationality into account. Therefore, he posits, "a Singapore flagged ship putting into Rotterdam could be prosecuted for an alleged...

World Court for Crimes of War Opens in The Hague

Marlise Simons March 12, 2003
"The most ambitious initiative in the history of modern international law" begins today in the Hague. Charged with prosecuting crimes against humanity, genocide, and other grave atrocities when national governments refuse or are unable to seek justice, the new International Criminal Court has been ratified by only 89 signatory countries. Notable exceptions include the United States,...