In The News

Made in Italy at Chinese Prices

Fiona Ehlers September 8, 2006
During the Middle Ages, cities in Europe used high walls and moats to protect their residents from invaders. Modern globalization has changed all that: Textile jobs gradually moved from Europe to low-wage countries in Asia. But now textile jobs return to Europe, as Chinese workers relocate and set up business. The Italian city of Prato has a strong community of Chinese workers, both legal and...

Managing Globalization: Reducing Inequality – It's Not So Simple

Daniel Altman September 7, 2006
It’s only because of inequalities of wealth or skills that people, products and ideas shift around the globe. Such shifts influence individual communities with increases or decreases in jobs, crime or education – either reducing or exacerbating the inequality. Economists suggest that increased trade should reduce inequality at all income levels. But instead, author Daniel Altman argues, the major...

To Give Children an Edge, Au Pairs From China

Gina Bellafante September 7, 2006
Until 2004, the 20-year old agency called Au Pair in America had received zero requests for Chinese nannies. Since then, it has received 1,400 requests. The increased demand for Mandarin-speaking au pairs is partially attributed to the significant number of US parents who have adopted baby girls from China. The largest driving factor, however, is the assumption that the growing influence of...

Globalization Tames the Left in Brazil

Thomas I. Palley September 5, 2006
Brazil elected a progressive president, yet failed to tackle a long legacy of economic injustice. Instead, President Lula da Silva, a trade union activist born into poverty, was timid with economic policies: Playing it safe, Brazil embraced its traditional role of exporting resources abroad and allowing other countries to manufacture and innovate. For example, the nation’s trade patterns with...

US Seeks Bigger China Role in IMF

Steven R. Weisman September 4, 2006
The old saying claims, If you can’t beat them, then join them. In a bid for cooperation, the Bush administration pushes for China and other developing nations to have more power in the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The institution with 184 member countries promotes financial and monetary stability, international trade and poverty reduction. Europe, which could lose voting shares, resists the...

Indians Along With Half the World's Consumers Buy Into Globalization: Survey

August 31, 2006
More than half the world’s consumers believe that globalization has improved their lives and created new opportunities, according to an ACNielsen global consumer survey. Most of the support for globalization comes from Latin America, with 75 percent, and Asia Pacific, with 70 percent. Six of the top ten countries appreciating globalization were in Asia Pacific, including India and China. French...

As Foreign Investment Rises, India Addresses Security Concerns

Saritha Rai August 30, 2006
India appreciates foreign investment, but it also wants to build safeguard to its flourishing telecommunications, media, airline, pharmaceutical and other sensitive industries. A Foreign Investment Promotion Board will review investments, pointing out any that could represent possible threats. With overseas direct investment expected to reach $10 billion this year, the legislation could impact...