In The News

Thailand as an FDI Oasis

Arumugam Rajenthran November 18, 2004
Despite living in China's shadow during a regional recession, the Thai economy continues to grow. According to the Business Times, Thailand is emerging as a strong magnet for foreign direct investment (FDI) due to the Thai government's recent efforts to cultivate a business-friendly environment. Although Thailand has historically rated poorly in terms of intellectual property rights and...

Is Putin an Anti-Globalization Hero?

Liliana N. Proskuryakova November 3, 2004
Russian President Vladimir Putin has made few friends within the anti-globalization movement, despite government actions that – on the surface, at least – reflect goals espoused by demonstrators – from Seattle to Genoa. Liliana N. Proskuryakova argues that anti-globalization activists have held their applause, as they believe Putin's inconsistent policies betray a different agenda: His...

Globalization: Europe's Wary Embrace

Philip H. Gordon November 1, 2004
From anti-McDonald's crusader Jose Bové's campaign, to violent clashes between Genoan police and demonstrators, to the anti-globalization theme's growing popularity with left-wing socialist and right-wing nationalist candidates, the idea might seem to be dominating the European political landscape. Not so, says Brookings Institution scholar Philip H. Gordon. In fact, polls show...

First Ever Ruling for Inter-Arab Court

Magda El-Ghitany October 27, 2004
The 22-member Arab League this week handed down a verdict via its business court. Although the judicial body was established in the 1980s, it had remained out of commission until 2003, when the League renewed the court's operations. The inaugural dispute centered on the Tunisian government and a Saudi Arabian company, in which the company sued for damages surrounding the execution of...

Fueling a Crisis in Nigeria

Olly Owen October 25, 2004
Under a package of International Monetary Fund-endorsed reforms, the Nigerian government hopes to eliminate domestic fuel subsidies. Yet low gas prices are currently the only economic benefit for cash-strapped Nigerians, who see price increases as another kickback to local elites and foreign oil companies. The proposed reforms have caused domestic turbulence; unions launched a series of...

Spread of 'Preemptive-ism' and Indonesia Sovereignty

Mohamad Mova Al Afghani October 7, 2004
Standing upon the precedent of US president George W. Bush, Australian Prime Minister John Howard has also claimed the right of his country to prevent terrorist attacks with preemptive strikes. In this op-ed from neighboring country Indonesia and likely home of many of the “terrorist bases” Howard wishes to target, the writer argues that the “doctrine” of preemption is not widely accepted in the...

Making Innocents Pay for Other's Sins

October 6, 2004
The continually fragile security situation in Iraq has bred a climate of fear for most foreigners present there. Soldiers, journalists, and independent civilian workers have all been the victims of kidnappings by insurgent groups in Iraq. Some of the kidnapped make it back to their countries or families, but many abductions have ended in execution, complete with grisly recordings. In light of the...