In The News

The Green Beast Is Out of Control

Miranda Devine December 2, 2004
The clout of environmental groups in influencing the decisions of multinational corporations may be greater than is appropriate. US-based animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), through widespread "greenmail" campaigning, has managed to change the policies of Abercrombie and Fitch, among other clothing companies, to the detriment of the Australian wool...

Is America Losing Its Edge?

Adam Segal November 17, 2004
The long-standing pre-eminence of US technology and innovation worldwide may now face a challenge, as the changing face of the global marketplace takes its toll. As US trade and development has expanded overseas, partner nations have taken advantage of this access. Particularly in Asia, nations are making large strides in research and development (R&D) and other scientific technology. Budget...

India's Pharma Ache

Yogi Aggarwal November 4, 2004
By mastering the process of reverse engineering, the Indian pharmaceutical industry has successfully produced generic drugs at low prices – crucial for providing affordable treatment to those in need. The government's impending adoption of Trips (Trade Related Intellectual Property in Services), a WTO measure, may significantly hamper the industry's success. If the Indian parliament...

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 and the Political Future of Nigeria

Sam Ejike Okoye October 15, 2004
Although some may doubt the impact of globalization on the African continent, the recent surge of world oil prices to their highest recorded levels, triggered by the threat of strike in Nigeria may dispel the myth. If levels remain above US$50 per barrel through the coming winter, a worldwide recession is not out of the question, the article says. Today's economic, scientific, environmental...

Tom Yam Swamp

Arindam Mukherjee October 12, 2004
When the India-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) came into effect in September, Indian businesses suddenly found a much cheaper manufacturing option. From electronics to textiles, products can be produced in Thailand and re-imported to the Indian consumer market at more competitive prices. India's domestic industries, threatened by this outsourcing loophole, question whether such...

Buy Now, Profit Later

Elise Kissling October 8, 2004
Over the past eight years, German companies have invested more than US$9 billion in China, the world's largest recipient of foreign direct investment. Unfortunately, only six of the 23 German companies that responded to a Deutsche Bank survey claimed to be earning money in China. Last year, for instance, Volkswagen manufactured more cars in China than in Germany, but failed to turn a profit...