In The News

Don't Tell Anybody It's Africa Calling

Nayan Chanda October 4, 2005
Six hundred years ago, France exported slaves from what is today Senegal. Now, the West African country imports jobs from its former colonial master – causing panic in France, but bringing hope to workers at home, writes YaleGlobal editor Nayan Chanda. More and more French call center companies now outsource to Senegal, where they can conduct business at a fraction of European operating costs....

Indo-US Nuclear Deal is Problematic

George Perkovich September 9, 2005
The controversial civil nuclear cooperation deal signed by Indian and US leaders in July has sounded alarm bells around the world. George Perkovich, vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, wades through the fallout of the pact, critically assessing the ramifications of revised Indo-US nuclear relations. Perkovich argues that the strategic premises underlying...

Cellphones Catapult Rural Africa to 21st Century

Sharon LaFraniere August 25, 2005
In areas where electricity and indoor plumbing are rarities, a surprising trend is taking shape. Despite infrastructure shortcomings and widespread poverty, Africa is now the world's fastest-growing market for cellphones. Mobile technology is drastically changing business and daily life – speeding up communication and allowing for previously impossible interactions – in rural areas where...

FBI Sees Big Threat from Chinese Spies; Businesses Wonder

Jay Solomon August 12, 2005
David Szady, assistant director of the FBI's counterintelligence division claims, "China is the biggest (espionage) threat to the US today." Yet, the bureau's recent campaigns to combat Chinese corporate espionage are receiving mixed reactions, at best. The prosecution of several accused workers has led to anger within the Chinese and Chinese-American communities, as well...

The Web as Weapon

Susan B. Glasser August 9, 2005
Islamic militants are often perceived as having an "anti-modernity" platform. Yet certain terrorist leaders are placing an increasing importance on the control and dissemination of information related to their activities. As a result, the internet has emerged as a vital tool of terrorism, creating a union between technology and fundamentalism. More than anyone, Abu Musab Zarqawi, the...

Beijing Clamps Down on Foreign Television

Chris Buckley August 4, 2005
The Chinese government recently announced that it would deny approval for more foreign satellite broadcasters entering the Chinese market, as well as increase restrictions on already existing foreign media. Certain US entertainment companies will still have the right to broadcast to certain Chinese audiences, and to foreigners in hotels and similar multi-cultural spaces. The initiative, however...

Iraq, Internet Fuel Growth of Global Jihad

Dan Murphy July 13, 2005
Investigators are still sifting through the evidence of last Thursday's bombings in London and searching for those responsible. But many experts believe that the bombers were likely European Muslims who were radicalized and driven to act in the name of al-Qaida as a result of Britain's involvement in the war in Iraq. Iraqi insurgents have publicized their struggle on the internet,...