In The News

Steven Greenhouse April 5, 2005
Is Wal-Mart bad for workers? The global retailing giant says that consumers benefit from its consistently low prices. Critics, however, contend that those low prices are built on poverty-level wages and minimal benefits. In the United States, a newly formed alliance of labor unions, environmentalists, community organizations, and students will pressure Wal-Mart to change the way it does business...
Timothy Garten Ash April 4, 2005
The death Saturday of Pope John Paul II has released a global outpouring of grief and celebration of the life of one of the 20th century's most prominent figures. According to this Guardian commentary, the pope – born Karol Kojtyla – played the role of more than a religious figure, but an international political entity. His involvement with world leaders and his native Poland proved...
Paul Mooney April 4, 2005
An online petition protesting Japan's bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat has reportedly garnered over 22 million Chinese signatories. And as anti-Japanese discourse grows ever-more incendiary in cyberspace, the Chinese government may wonder how far "power to the people" should go. Journalist Paul Mooney writes that Beijing truly finds itself in a bind: While condoning...
Ibrahim Nafie April 1, 2005
The term "transatlantic relations" usually refers to Europe and the United States. But if current Latin American initiatives succeed, "transatlantic relations" may soon describe the growing ties between Latin America and the Middle East. Brazil will host the first ever summit of South American and Arab countries this May. Not only will the conference highlight the two regions...
Simon Long March 31, 2005
China, the world's most populous country, looks set to become one of the 21st century's main movers and shakers. Analysts speak in less glowing terms about China's neighbor and budding rival, India. The subcontinental giant has years of catch-up to play to match China's startlingly rapid rise. Yet Simon Long argues that despite its delayed entrance into the free-market game,...
March 30, 2005
France's claim to be one of the principal architects of the European Union (EU) may falter if, as recent poll numbers suggest, its citizens reject the EU constitution in a May 29th referendum. Though the recent decline in support for the draft constitution may be a statistical aberration, opposition to two proposed policies demonstrates French displeasure with the EU's current direction...