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...

Peacekeeping Forces Power Agenda

Ian Black December 2, 2004
As NATO relinquishes its peacekeeping duties in Bosnia this week, the EU will step into the role, launching the most ambitious peacekeeping mission yet undertaken by the body. In Bosnia, the EU will attempt to crack down on organized crime while dangling the prospect of future Union membership as an incentive for internal reform. With a major effort underway to amp up its defense capabilities,...

The Ukrainian Divide

Keith A. Darden November 29, 2004
In the turmoil over the rigged elections in Ukraine, there is a growing danger of a new divide emerging between Russia and the West. Yet, contrary to many newspaper comments, this divide was not inherent in the elections which were more a referendum on the corrupt regime of Leonid Kuchma. However, according to Keith A.Darden, a Yale University specialist on Ukraine, the ill-judged attempt by...

Australia's Howard Wants to Have the Cake and Eat It Too

Ross Peake November 29, 2004
Fresh off a convincing victory in recent elections, conservative Australian Prime Minister John Howard has stuck to an uncompromising approach to regional security issues. As the first Australian leader to attend a meeting of the Association of South East Nations (ASEAN), Howard managed to upset neighboring countries by refusing to sign a non-aggression treaty. This leaves Australia politically...

A New Battlefield in Thailand

Bertil Lintner November 24, 2004
The beheading of a Buddhist village leader in Thailand's Muslim-dominated south has provoked worry across Southeast Asia. The murder committed by the Islamic separatists was believed to be in response to the deaths of 84 Muslims at the hands of Thai authorities. Although the level of violence is new, the conflict has a long history. In 1832, Thailand annexed the independent Muslim...

Central Asia: China's Mounting Influence

Jeremy Bransten November 24, 2004
From street markets to oil pipelines, China is extending its influence in Central Asian countries. As the Chinese economy booms, a major priority is securing natural resources to keep pace with demand. China and Kazakhstan have agreed to construct a regional pipeline, and in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, China has invested in hydroelectric projects. In addition to bolstering trade ties, Beijing...

Fox in the Americas

Fred Rosen November 22, 2004
Mexican President Vicente Fox looks to be carving a unique diplomatic role for himself in US-Americas relations. Meeting with Central and South American leaders, Fox is pushing to strengthen Mexican and Latin American ties to bolster bargaining power with the United States. Mexico's position as primary broker, however, may be challenged by the prospect of a South American Community of...