In The News

Why China Can't and Won't Save the World

Emily Kaiser October 11, 2011
Struggling economies often eye China and its $3.2 trillion in reserves for their rescue, and that’s unrealistic, argues Emily Kaiser, Asian economics correspondent in analysis for Reuters. China would have to triple its current rate of growth to offset a 3 percent drop in US and European growth, explains one economist. Increased stimulus spending could exacerbate inflation, inefficient spending,...

America’s Labor Pains

Nayan Chanda October 10, 2011
Americans are frustrated by their inability to find jobs and the widening inequality that brings. Proposals from government and corporations so far rely on unworkable notions that failed in the past, including protectionist measures or subsidies that reinforce aging industries that are no longer competitive. The world economy has undergone structural transformation, explains Nayan Chanda in his...

Japan in a Post 3/11 World – Part II

John Berthelsen October 7, 2011
Disasters present new beginning and perspectives with the need to build anew. Whether vowing to rebuild and replicate or relocate, those reviving Japan will strive for security and improvements. This YaleGlobal series explores the transformative effects of spring’s earthquake-tsunami on Japanese politics, energy policy and business. The disaster has prompted Japanese manufacturers to scout Asia...

Will Asia Save Global Capitalism?

Pepe Escobar October 6, 2011
Companies of the West collaborated and profited from the rise of Asian economies: The ascent of neoliberalism lifted, then disappointed the West’s middle classes; the rapid rise of the middle class in China, India and elsewhere may give capitalism but a temporary reprieve, argues Pepe Escobar in an essay for Al Jazeera. Global inequities clash with shared aspirations that are unsustainable...

Revolution Is Happening in the USA

Ismail Salami October 4, 2011
The Occupy Wall Street movement is hardly a revolution, and rather, the protest movement aims at influencing democratic leaders. Started by small groups of college students, protesters express concern about the dangers of high student debt, excessive corporate profits, family struggles with home foreclosures, widening inequality, environmental degradation all combined with a disturbing lack of...

The Four Horsemen of Economics

Stewart Wallis September 28, 2011
Humans are not necessarily stuck with the unsustainable, unstable economic constructs they have created. Political systems can shape local and global economies, either deliberately or by default. Stewart Wallis, executive director of the New Economics Foundation, urges nations to work in concert to address crises that promise to arise with greater frequency and severity – whether extreme weather...

Going... Going... Greece on the Brink

Maria Margaronis September 22, 2011
The social turmoil, bitterness and political infighting that accompany Greece’s debt crisis could offer a preview for other nations that fail to practice fiscal discipline. In exchange for loans, Greece’s creditors demand that the government cut spending, lay off public employees, reduce entitlements and raise taxes. A series of quick fixes and delays have given savviest creditors time to prepare...