In The News

American Ports in a Storm

Thomas L. Friedman February 23, 2006
New York Times foreign affairs columnist Thomas L. Friedman criticizes politicians in Washington for their opposition to a proposal to turn management of six US ports over to a state-run Dubai company. In an interview with YaleGlobal editor Nayan Chanda, Friedman argues that a far greater danger than any perceived threat to US security is thinking that holds it untenable for the US to cooperate...

Globalization Spawns Port Situation

Douglas Birch February 23, 2006
Controversy surrounding a plan to transfer management of six US ports from a British company to Dubai Ports Worldwide reveals the complexities of US-Arab relations. Dubai belongs to the United Arab Emirates, not known for radical Islamic politics. In fact, the UAE is a key Arab ally of the US, with US Navy ships frequently moving in and out of its ports. The al Dafrah Air Base facilitates US...

An Interview with Thomas L. Friedman

February 23, 2006
New York Times foreign affairs columnist and author Thomas L. Friedman talks about the next edition and updates to his bestselling book, "The World Is Flat," with Nayan Chanda, editor of YaleGlobal Online. A full transcript of their conversation follows.

Managing Globalization

February 22, 2006
Experts agree that globalization is inevitable, offering both positive and negative effects, and that the major problem is the world’s lack of institutions to contain the negative effects. In 2003, the private-sector arm of the World Bank created the “Equator Principles” in an attempt to fill the missing role. The guidelines cover the social and environmental impact of major projects such as...

¿Vender crisis humanitarias?

Clifford Bob February 21, 2006

Mittal Steel Executive Finds Support for a Takeover Bid

Saritha Rai February 21, 2006
The owner of the largest steel company in the world is meeting some resistance after making a $22.7 billion bid for its French rival, Arcelor. The proposed takeover by Mittal Steel, owned by an Indian national, Lakshmi N. Mittal, has sparked an intense concern in Europe. Mittal denies suggestions that a clash of business cultures could result, emphasizing the company’s international character...

Marketing Humanitarian Crises

Clifford Bob February 21, 2006
In an era of human rights accords and global benefit concerts, international tribunals and rubber wristbands for any cause, attention to humanitarian crises seems both pronounced and profuse. Yet, as political scientist Clifford Bob writes, the world has far more crises than what catch the proverbial eye, and he questions why certain “hot zones” receive more attention than others. An entire...