In The News

Globalization vs. Economic Sovereignty

Pang Zhongying December 2, 2005
China is often presented as a poster boy for successful globalization. But at least some intellectuals in China are not happy with the course globalization has taken. Chinese academic Pang Zhongying, writing in China Daily, points out that many countries, especially in the developing world, suffer an “erosion of permanent and exclusive privileges over [their] economic activities, wealth and...

Excessive Profits Erode Security

November 15, 2005
President Bush’s current tour of East Asia, specifically mainland China, challenges the scruples of his Administration’s prevailing foreign policy. Intensely critical of undemocratic regimes from Iran to North Korea, the US, in the case of China, has let political concerns wither on the wayside in the wake of its more pressing economic needs. An editorial in the Taipei Times warns of “the...

As Polar Ice Turns to Water, Dreams of Treasure Abound

Clifford Krauss October 11, 2005
What will be left when the Arctic's polar ice cap is gone? The answer, in the eyes of the nations who border the Arctic Ocean, is untapped economic opportunity. New oil deposits, new fisheries, and new trade routes – including the fabled Northwest Passage – all promise tantalizing riches to what are now barren, frozen outposts. But who will get to tap those riches? Russia, Canada, Norway...

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...

Chinese Buildup Seen as Threat to Region

Ann Scott Tyson July 20, 2005
Yesterday, the Pentagon released a report on Chinese military capabilities that may be ominous for other Asian powers as well as for the United States. While the findings revealed that Beijing does not yet have the military strength to exercise true dominance in Asia, its development of long range missiles – which could reach both India and the US – points to a longer-term strategy. Experts...

Finally, Washington Is Ready to Play Ball

Jonathan D. Pollack July 19, 2005
On July 9, North Korea announced its willingness to return to six-party discussions, after exiting negotiations more than a year ago. Anticipating the next round of talks, analyst Jonathan D. Pollack reviews the Bush administration's interaction with Pyongyang during "this oddest and most slow moving of crises." In the past, Washington has sought an unequivocal end to North Korea...

A Moment to Seize with North Korea

Donald Gregg June 22, 2005
Last Friday, North Korean leader Kim Jong-il issued a statement indicating his willingness to return to six-nation talks and reverse his nuclear program. In this commentary for The Washington Post, Donald Gregg and Don Oberdorfer analyze the import of Kim's message. According to the authors, Kim's statements present "a golden opportunity to take the US offers to the one and only...