In The News

Grain, Soybeans Rise as Food Riots Spur Demand for US Exports

Jeff Wilson, Whitney McFerron January 28, 2011
Prices for wheat, soybeans, corn and other food staples continue to climb as more counties increase purchases from the US. Rising prices combined with high unemployment rates and governments long run by family dynasties have spurred protests in Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Yemen, Jordan and elsewhere. The United Nations warns that stockpiling crops or restricting food exports could add to the unrest...

Challenging Globalization

Nayan Chanda January 24, 2011
Americans are angry about economic decline. Though the country unleashed many of the forces that spur modern globalization, its politicians resist adapting to a globalized world. US companies find new opportunities, lower wages and an expanding middle-class customer base in overseas markets. Sharp political divide in the US adds to uncertainty and a floundering economy. Both major parties want to...

China and the EU: Building a Reciprocal Relationship

Doug Saunders January 21, 2011
A three-nation European tour by the Chinese vice-premier underscores China’s critical role for the continent’s economy. “China, in short, has become Europe's rescuer,” writes Doug Saunders for the Globe and Mail. China easily directs its reserves to buy up bonds from countries in shaky financial condition. In return, China wants the European Union to open its markets to Chinese exports. It...

Chinese Follow Same Old Script (And They Get the Punch Line)

Steven Pearlstein January 20, 2011
The US repeatedly promises tough talk on a long list of concerns with China while announcing new joint ventures between US and Chinese firms – partnerships that often deliver more jobs to China than the US. A US visit by China’s President Hu Jintao focuses attention on the US trade deficit and accusations that China engages in currency manipulation, theft of intellectual property and industry...

Pentagon Must “Buy American,” Barring Chinese Solar Panels

Keith Bradsher January 11, 2011
Technological advancements increasingly center on green-energy products, an arena of growing US-China rivalry. In particular, the US military supports development of renewable energy sources because fossil fuels are difficult to transport to war zones like Afghanistan. Nations compete to boost their own manufacturers: The US and Europe generally subsidize the solar-panel customers while China...

Sudan Vote May Shift Control of Oil Pumped by China’s CNPC

Matt Richmond, Maram Mazen January 10, 2011
Sudanese head to the polls, casting ballots in a referendum that will decide if the nation divides into two. “The vote is the centerpiece of a 2005 peace agreement ending a civil war that lasted almost 50 years, except for a ceasefire from 1972 to 1983, between the Muslim north and the south, where Christianity and traditional religions dominate,” notes this Bloomberg article. Sudan, under...

A Tale of Two Ports

Christophe Jaffrelot January 7, 2011
A common strategy in geopolitical rivalries is to accrue alliances, strengthen positions and counter competitors. Of course, Asia is rich with historic rivalries: India and China, Pakistan and India, Iran and Pakistan, Iran and the US, the US and China. Two ports in the Arabian Sea, one in Iran and another Pakistan, demonstrate an emerging contest for power in the Arabian Sea, explains...