In The News

Islam is Gaining a Foothold in Chiapas

Jens Glusing June 8, 2005
With indigenous Mayans converting to Islam, the Mexican government is anxious about a possible culture clash in traditionally Catholic southern Mexico. Wary neighbors have suspected the Muslim Mayans of everything from basic subversive activity to having ties to al-Qaida. In fact, the converts belong to the moderate Sunni, Murabitun sect, a branch of Islam known not for extremism, but for a...

The Globalization of Absurdity

Richard S. Ehrlich June 6, 2005
Cheaply produced knick-knacks are a feature of tourist traps around the globe. Recently, those in the market for something unusual have been purchasing Osama bin Laden action figures, al-Qaida video games and other products which either glorify or condemn the elusive terrorist, most of which are manufactured by nebulous Chinese firms and shipped worldwide. Many of the products' buyers are...

Nationalism Ignites EU Rebellion

Daniel Williams June 5, 2005
Last week's French and Dutch referendums on the EU constitution are believed to be popular expressions of unease over the pace and nature of European integration. While most Europeans have benefited from 50 years of developments that have brought about a common currency, convenient travel and easier trade, many citizens are anxious about future unification measures that threaten to impinge...

Marching in Europe Will Not End African Poverty

DR Tajudeen June 3, 2005
Sir Bob Geldof, organizer of the 1985 Live Aid concert to benefit famine in Africa will be reviving the event under the moniker "Live 8," in reference to the G-8 summit. Live 8 differs from its predecessor in that it seeks to facilitate action – encouraging demonstrations against poverty in Africa and in favor of free trade, debt write-off and more aid – not simply raise awareness....

A Retreat from Great Europe? – Part II

John Brenkman June 2, 2005
The highly anticipated French referendum on the EU constitution arrived this weekend: The vote was a resounding "Non." And with the Netherlands casting an even more strident "Nee" vote, observers, both European and worldwide, now wonder what lies ahead for the European Union. YaleGlobal examines the fallout of the referendum in a two-part series. In part two, John Brenkman...

Just Say No to Progressive Values

Ian Williams June 1, 2005
For reasons that many observers feel are inscrutable, France voted "no" this weekend to the new EU constitution. The constitution, which guarantees health care, social services, and workers' rights to European citizens found united opposition from both France's ultra-conservative element and, more surprisingly, its left. At a glance, it seems that workers in France voted...

Getting Greyer – and Poorer Too?

May 31, 2005
The world population is aging, due to the plummeting birthrates and increasing lifespans in both rich and poor countries – and retirement systems have been slow to adjust. In the US and Europe, pay-as-you-go pension plans are at risk, as the ratio of workers to retirees worsens: In Italy, for example, retirees will outnumber workers before 2030. And as the economy sours, private savings look...