In The News

The Great Reverse – Part III

Anna Greenspan September 8, 2004
While headlines in the West bemoan job outsourcing to China and India, they ignore a far more profound economic shift: the growth of business partnerships between these two rising economies. In the final installment of our three-part series, "The Great Reverse," globalization scholar Anna Greenspan writes that leaders and entrepreneurs in both Asian countries are bridging political...

Anchor the Black Sea Region to the West

Ronald D. Asmus September 8, 2004
Recent violence in the Black Sea region has highlighted the urgency of the area's political instability. Geographically situated at the intersection of Europe, Eurasia, and the Middle East, this region is invaluable to the West, both economically and politically. For this reason, argues policy expert Ronald D. Asmus, both NATO and the EU must reach out to Black Sea countries, bolstering...

Kabul Needs Good Neighbours

Stanley A. Weiss September 7, 2004
Afghanistan's upcoming presidential election has many observers discussing the country's future. The author of this Asian Age op-ed piece asserts that Afghan success and regional stability hinge on "neighborly" support. In addition to security concerns, nearby nations also share economic interests in Afghan development. As potential host to gas pipelines and emerging cross-...

The Great Reverse – Part II

Marvin Ott September 6, 2004
As the rise of China alters the geopolitical landscape, countries in both hemispheres must devise foreign policy accordingly. In the second of a three-part series on the changing power balance, National War College professor Marvin Ott writes that while Chinese military and economic capabilities are evident, its intentions remain ambiguous. Experts fear that China - despite claims to the...

Chechen Terrorism: Old World Motive, New World Method?

Ben Wetherall August 31, 2004
Less than a week after a recent Russian airline tragedy, a female suicide bomber attacked a Moscow subway station; evidence indicates that Chechen separatists were likely the perpetrators of both attacks. According to Russia analyst Ben Wetherall, the government's approach to the Islamic Chechen rebellion will determine the degree of success in preventing further violence. Outlining the...

U.S. and Russia Still Dominate Arms Market, but World Total Falls

Thom Shanker August 30, 2004
The US and Russia continued to dominate the global arms market last year, especially when measured in sales to developing nations. According to a new Congressional Study, the US lead in worldwide weapons sales in 2003, signing more than $14.5 billion worth of arms, or 56.7 percent of the global total. Russia ranked second with 16.8 percent of all arms deals. Despite these sizable sales the...

English Craze Hits Chinese Language Standards

Goh Sui Noi August 30, 2004
The Chinese school system is placing increasing emphasis on learning English, perhaps to the detriment of Chinese language curriculum. English is mandatory in China starting in the third year of primary school, and proficiency is integral for Chinese applying for jobs in foreign companies. However, many criticize the quality of English education and worry that it is detracting from studies in...