In The News

U.S. faces challenges on three fronts

Kwon Ji-young October 14, 2005
In a speech at the World Knowledge forum in Seoul, Korea, renowned historian Paul Kennedy warned that America's status as an unchallenged global hegemon may be on the decline. The US faces three challenges that are currently threatening its sole-superpower status: terrorism, economic rivalries and a diminishing cultural reputation. At their current rates of growth, the economies of China...

"The Private Sector Is India's True Face – Open, Pragmatic"

Saumya Roy October 11, 2005
In an interview with Outlook India, Newsweek International editor Fareed Zakaria shares his thoughts about globalization and international politics, particularly with regard to India, China, and the United States. Zakaria opines that action is needed in order to bridge the gap between Washington policy wonks and the general public so that more Americans can learn about the rest of the world and...

Opportunity in Tragedy?

October 10, 2005
Following Saturday's devastating earthquake, Pakistan appealed to the international community for emergency supplies and money. But because of the long-standing dispute over the Kashmir region, Pakistani officials have been reluctant to accept help from India. In order to save lives in Kashmir and elsewhere, the two nuclear powers must set aside their political disputes and focus on joint...

China's Rise in Southeast Asia: Implications for Japan and the United States

Elizabeth Economy October 10, 2005
As China rises to the position of a major economic power in Asia, it is taking an increasingly active role in international politics. This is particularly apparent in Southeast Asia, where Chinese officials are starting to compete with their Japanese and American counterparts, the traditional regional powers, for dominance. US policy towards Southeast Asia – "a policy of relative neglect...

"The Cardinal Rule ... You Don't Target Civilians"

Brian Whitaker October 4, 2005
As bombings and attacks kill dozens of Iraqis daily, the rhetoric surrounding Iraq's invasion has remained polarized and extreme. In the international community, groups like Human Rights Watch (HRW) often focus on the human cost of the war – regardless of politics. The group's Middle East director insists, "US forces have used excessive and indiscriminate force, tortured detainees...

Making Education the Focus of Gulf-Europe Ties

Dr. Christian Koch September 28, 2005
The annual ministerial meetings of the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council have, in recent years, been mostly oriented towards addressing pressing security and trade concerns. Over recent years, the dialogue between the two regions has mostly dealt with Iran’s nuclear program, human rights issues in the Gulf, the training of Iraqi security officials and expanding economic ties. But, according to...

Now You See It, Now You Don't

Shim Jae Hoon September 22, 2005
On September 20 – one day after committing to halt its nuclear weapons program and rejoin the Nonproliferation Treaty – the North Korean foreign ministry issued a statement essentially rescinding its position. By refusing to abandon its weapons program until it receives a civilian light-water reactor for generating electricity, writes journalist Shim Jae Hoon, the North is essentially trying to...