In The News

Back to the Great Game in Kazakhstan

Charles Tannock February 29, 2008
Kazakhstan borders two great powers, Russia and China, and lies within Europe’s sphere of influence. Its geography, together with its massive oil reserves and majority Muslim population, make Kazakhstan a point of interest for all three parties. However, the European Parliament has thus far ruled out courting the central Asian state because of human-rights violations. Charles Tannock, member of...

Natural Resources, Often a Curse, Can Also Serve the Public

Susan Ariel Aaronson February 8, 2008
The Indian company Tata recently announced production of the Nano, the world’s cheapest car at $2,500. This development extends affordable transportation – and thus access to education, health care and new jobs – to a larger population. But more people driving cars also spikes demand for oil, exacerbating pollution and global warming. On the other side of the ledger, increased demand for oil...

The Dollar and the Market Mess

Bill Wilby January 29, 2008
Recent steps by the US Federal Reserve to lower interest rates, in an effort to stabilize global financial markets, directly contribute to a decline in the value of the dollar. That in turn leads to increases in inflation and oil prices. As a result, the dollar is in danger of losing its reserve currency status, writes equities analyst Bill Wilby for the Wall Street Journal. “The real economic...

China Eyes Latin American Commodities

Georg Caspary January 18, 2008
Latin America is rich in natural resources, including oil, minerals and agricultural crops, all desired in the global markets. At the same time, China has become the world's largest importer of cotton, copper and soybeans as well as the second-largest oil importer. Latin America can secure lasting advantages from its commodities sales – including poverty reduction and sustainable development...

The IMF’s Next Mission?

Harold James January 10, 2008
With imbalances threatening ongoing disruption to the global economy, Harold James, history and international relations professor at Princeton University, proposes a new task for the International Monetary Fund. In the past, the IMF has served as a crisis manager for global economic problems, and James proposes that the IMF assist nations with massive sovereign funds. China has $1 trillion in...

An Empowered Middle East – Part I

Pranay Gupte January 10, 2008
President George Bush’s trip to the Middle East comes at a time when Iraq is stabilizing and the oil-producing countries’ fortune is rising. Bush will visit Israel and Saudi Arabia, also making stops in Palestine, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirate and Egypt, perhaps even Iraq and Lebanon. Along the way he’ll witness results of US foreign policy – diplomacy, intervention and some neglect. A...

Oil Hits $100, Jolting Markets

Neil King Jr. January 4, 2008
The global economy depends on oil – and most of the world’s major economies are in short supply. Western oil companies now control about 10 percent of proven reserves, and with increasing demand from emerging economies, governments and industries belatedly scramble to improve efficiency and find energy alternatives. High demand for oil and the increasing price is shifting priorities and shaping...