In The News

Koizumi May Reopen Territory Row with Russia

David Pilling August 25, 2004
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi may aggravate an ongoing territorial dispute with Russia. Mr. Koizumi indicated his intention to "inspect" four islands, the sovereignty of which has been contested since World War II. With Japanese business interests in Russian fuel pipelines and possible infrastructural investments in Siberia, this is a crucial juncture for Russo-Japanese...

Skepticism Lingers over History Issue

Seo Hyun-jin August 24, 2004
Sometimes history does not fit neatly into a conceptualization of the nation-state. The ancient Goguryeo kingdom has been a source of contention for China and Korea. While both countries claim the region as part of their heritage, the Chinese Foreign Ministry renewed heated debates when it deleted Goguryeo references from its Korean history website. Recent diplomatic negotiations, however,...

A Little Red Dot and Tension Across the Taiwan Strait

Lee Hsien Loong August 23, 2004
During his first National Day Rally speech, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced and expounded upon the continuance of Singapore’s “One China” policy in the wake of his non-official visit to Taiwan. Tracing the root of the policy back to Singapore’s independence in 1965, Lee emphasized his nation’s desire for good relations with both Taiwan and the mainland. At the same time, he...

Reaching South

Dina Ezzat August 20, 2004
Embarking on a 10-day tour of Africa, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit has some serious diplomatic work to accomplish. The country’s failure in July to secure a bid to host the African Parliament was the most recent reminder of the tenuous state of Egypt’s continental ties. Throughout several upcoming diplomatic tours, Abul-Gheit plans to emphasize one key message: Africa is a top...

Coping with World Population Boom and Bust – Part I

Joseph Chamie August 19, 2004
The world’s population - currently at 6.4 billion - has quadrupled over the past century. In the first of a two-part series, UN demographer Joseph Chamie says that the global population boom has been accompanied by revolutionary changes in life expectancy, fertility, population aging, and large-scale migration – issues that will fundamentally shape the politics of the next century. Even with...

Taiwan's President Rejects China's 'Domestic Flights' Demand

Huang Tai-lin August 18, 2004
China and Taiwan are negotiating the opening of cross-strait air routes, but Taiwanese President Chen Shui-Bian has rejected China's assertion that the flights should be categorized as "domestic." This disagreement represents the last stumbling block in establishing what Taiwan refers to as the "three links" of opening trade, postal, and transport relations with the...

Bitterness Felt as Chávez Recall Fails

Gail Epstein Nieves August 17, 2004
Venezuelans living in southern Florida voted an overwhelming 12,710 to 246 for the recall of Hugo Chávez. However, much to their frustration, the fiery leftwing politician won 58 percent of the vote domestically. Now analysts say that Chavez, who already controls the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, may use his democratic mandate to deepen his so-called “Bolivarian...