In The News

Germany Profits from International Division of Labor

Patrick Welter April 29, 2005
Recent WTO announcements suggest that Germany is effectively handling with the forces of globalization to maintain a flourishing and beneficial trade position, writes F.A.Z. Weekly. Germany's exports have increased steadily, especially compared with other euro countries whose exports have declined due to the falling dollar. Though countries like China have seen dramatic leaps in their trade...

Reality Check for European Union

Jonathan Fenby April 27, 2005
One year ago, the European Union seemed to be on a roll. Membership had grown to 25, and many in the Union saw a united Europe as the surest method of challenging American hegemony. Now that dream may be on the brink of failure, writes Jonathan Fenby. If public opinion polls are correct, French voters will reject the proposed European constitution in a May 29th referendum. A "no" vote...

All That Gas

Alam Srinivas April 25, 2005
Across the world – in countries like China, the United States, and the European Union – reliance on foreign oil imports is increasing. At the same time, most experts expect the world's oil supply to decrease sometime in the near future, with supply peaking anywhere from 2007 to 2037. Brazil is the largest and lowest cost producer of ethanol, a more environmentally friendly substitute to...

Stalking Genetically Modified Corn

Wolfgang Reuter April 22, 2005
Last Friday, the European Union banned the import of US corn feed, heightening the drama in an already strained relationship. Persistent lobbying by American officials could not overcome the pervasive skepticism in Europe over the safety of genetically modified (GM) foods, especially those that carry the Bt10 gene. The import ban is expected to cost US$350 million in lost sales, not to mention...

Rising Dragon and the American Eagle – Part II

Robert Sutter April 22, 2005
Recent developments – including the high-profile visit by China's premier Wen Jiabao to South Asia – showing the rising profile of China have intensified a long-running debate in Washington. How does the growing power and influence of China affect the dominance that the United States has so far enjoyed in Asia? In the second of our two-part series, Georgetown University's China...

Rising Dragon and the American Eagle – Part I

David Shambaugh April 20, 2005
Recent developments – including the high-profile visit by China's premier Wen Jiabao to South Asia – showing the rising profile of China have intensified a long-running debate in Washington. How does the growing power and influence of China affect the dominance that the United States has so far enjoyed in Asia? In the first of our two-part series, George Washington University's China...

American Nationals Given Jail Terms for Selling Pirated DVDs

April 20, 2005
China has been under increasing pressure from the United States for its lack of intellectual property rights (IPR) protection, as the country has become a global hub for pirated DVDs and CDs. In a recent court ruling in China, two Americans and their two Chinese accomplices were found guilty of selling pirated DVDs to more than 20 countries; the four each incurred prison terms and substantial...