In The News

Russia Should Use Own Electronics in Defense Industry: Deputy PM

Alexei Anishchuk July 31, 2013
A former contract worker for the US National Security Agency, now stuck in the Russian airport, has suggested that the US has greater surveillance capabilities than many even in the US had once assumed. Revelations that the US is storing data on telephone calls and could access internet connections have prompted some individuals and countries to pursue preventative measures in other areas. Russia...

India Takes Lesson From China to Lure Workers to Garment Industry

Amy Kazmin July 30, 2013
India ranks as the world’s third largest exporter of garments. Government regulations once limited investment and factory size; with those lifted, some firms may follow China’s industry model by constructing dormitories to attract workers from poorer areas, reports Amy Kazmin for the Financial Times. “Despite the country’s vast, young labour force, India’s garment industry has struggled to...

Glaxo Executives Accused of Breaking Chinese Law

Ben Hirschler, Kazunori Takada July 24, 2013
Chinese leaders have promised a crackdown on corruption in China, and executives of foreign multinationals are not exempt from the scrutiny. China has accused several executives of a British pharmaceutical firm with bribery in violation of Chinese law. “China has long been known for a culture in which drug companies make payments to doctors, since physicians rely on rewards for writing...

Chinese Tourists' Westward Wanderlust

Michelle FlorCruz July 23, 2013
Host countries may offer guides, but tourists ultimately decide which sites are worth a visit. Chinese tourism is growing, and Michelle FlorCruz, with International Business Times, describes new attention devoted to a New York sculpture installed in 1989 – the Wall Street Charging Bull, a symbol of prosperity and risk. She notes, “the tourism industry is beginning to understand the profound...

Vietnam Between Rock and a Hard Place

David Brown July 18, 2013
Vietnam, intent on modernization for its 92 million people, vacillates between China and the United States for economic and military ties. Both great powers expect the small communist country to acquiesce to specific demands: The US wants improved human rights and democratic freedoms while China seeks capitulation on its claims of sovereignty over the South China Sea. Either stance fuels...

Quinoa Should Be Taking Over the World

Lydia DePillis July 17, 2013
Quinoa, a grain originating in South America that’s touted for its health benefits, has exploded in global popularity. This newfound fame is driven by wealthy, health-conscious Americans. Quinoa’s story is tied together with the intricacies of international agribusiness, foreign investment and global trade – and the role these play in providing food. Price per pound for the crop tripled from 2006...

As Asia Rises, New Challenges Emerge

Barry Desker July 11, 2013
Asia’s economic rise came amidst a period of peace and stability, explains Barry Desker, dean of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. “If Asia heads towards a period of conflict and uncertainty, with rising tensions in the South China Sea and East China Sea or the threat of nuclear conflict in East Asia, resources will be diverted to strengthening defense capabilities and foreign...