In The News

US Shouldn't Fear Rise of China, India

Robert Samuelson May 26, 2005
The growing wave of statistics on dwindling US competitiveness in the global economy has spooked American workers and brought blame on the heads of US manufacturers. China, India, and other developing economic superpowers are gunning for the position once occupied by mighty America – or so the wisdom goes. But the verdict on China and India's imminent rise to power may not be so clear-cut,...

Hidden Tiger

N. Chandra Mohan May 24, 2005
Aishwarya Rai is one of Bollywood's most celebrated stars, and her current quest: To land a mainstream crossover film. "Although the buzz is that she is India's best bet to cross over and become an international star like China's Zhang Ziyi," writes Outlook India commentator N. Chandra Mohan, "she is still not quite there." Though India's film industry...

And Now, the News in Latin America's View

Juan Forero May 16, 2005
Supporters of the proposed Latin America Telesur tout it as an "antihegemonic network" – a direct reference to perceived US-based media dominance. Largely supported by Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, the network is slated to cover regional news from a uniquely Latin American perspective. Many critics, however, believe Chávez's intentions to be less about independent journalism...

Arab Satellite Television and Democracy in the Arab World

S. Abdallah Schleifer May 13, 2005
The history of televised news in the Middle East is a checkered yet fascinating one, writes S. Abdallah Schleifer of the Foreign Policy Research Institute. Early news broadcasts relied upon a simple regurgitation of state activity – presidents giving prepared speeches, inaugurating some new public work, or returning from a trip abroad – providing little analysis or variety. Stock footage paired...

Spain Grants Amnesty to 700,000 Migrants

Giles Tremlett May 11, 2005
Going against the grain of regional ideology, Spain this week granted political amnesty to nearly 700,000 illegal immigrants living in the country. This is the latest in several blanket amnesties since 1990. During a three-month period in which illegal workers and their employers could file for the necessary papers, thousands of immigrants, from Latin America and around Europe came out from...

Public Diplomacy: America Is Job No. 1

Bruce Stokes May 9, 2005
As the Bush administration prepares for another round of international public diplomacy – at least its third campaign since September 11 – it is necessary to first examine the lessons from the past few years. In this National Journal article, Bruce Stokes writes that while the goal for US public diplomacy has been "to convince people overseas of the inherent merit of the US point of view on...

Al-Jazeera Puts Focus on Reform

Robin Wright May 9, 2005
The most-watched news network in the Middle East, Al-Jazeera has the potential to greatly affect the future of regional democratization. Some welcome Al-Jazeera as a foil to state-controlled media in the region, and many see it a new vehicle to give voice to otherwise underrepresented perspectives. As the channel gives more airtime to reformist movements, it finds increasing hostility from less...