In The News

Bush Links Europe's Ban on Bio-Crops With Hunger

David E. Sanger May 22, 2003
In his commencement address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. President George W. Bush urged the European Union to lift the ban on bio-crops so as to make Africa not "fear being shut out of European markets." Many U.S. officials, including the President himself, have alleged that the European fear of bio-crops was without scientific basis. Meanwhile, one E.U. official, in response...

Be Thai, Use Thai

Wijit Boonchoo May 16, 2003
Despite efforts by the Thai government to support local manufacturers, consumers continue to believe in the superiority of imported goods. Although a few Thai audio makers have succeeded in competing locally and exporting abroad, with foreign rivals becoming increasingly competitive in both price and perceived quality, most Thai products still have a tough battle in this globalized economy. –...

Early Globalization and the Slave Trade

Robert Harms May 9, 2003
While many are aware of the "triangular" slave trade among Europe, Africa and the Americas in the 18th century, few people realize that Asian-European trade was also instrumental in sustaining the exchange of human slaves. For example, French ships carrying European goods to Asia returned with cowry shells and Indian textiles valued by West Africans. On the African coast, traders...

Europe Plan on Chemicals Seen as Threat to U.S. Exports

Elizabeth Becker May 8, 2003
With the issue of labeling genetically modified food still roiling trade negotiations between the US and European Union a new friction has emerged over trade in chemicals. The latest European requirement that companies undertake testing the effect of chemicals on humans before they export may affect $20 billion worth of American export. The Bush administration says the proposal amounts to...

Thai-Malaysian Pipeline: Project Set for Completion in 2005

May 7, 2003
A controversial gas pipeline stretching from Malaysia to Thailand is set to be completed by 2005, if we can believe the contractors in charge. The project has been opposed by Thai villagers whose property it will traverse, and whose Muslim communities would face substantial economic and cultural change if it is completed. If all goes as planned, the pipeline's construction will bring in...

The Iraqi Wild Card in the OPEC Equation

G Panicker April 24, 2003
The prospect of increased Iraqi oil production outside of OPEC is beginning to complicate the cartel’s ability to control and inflate world oil prices. With Saudi Arabia’s swing capacity – enabling the Saudis to control production quantities and prices – threatened by Iraq’s large reserves, some analysts are predicting "the demise of the last commodity cartel.” However, with demand for oil...

France Urging U.N. to Suspend Iraq Penalties

Felicity Barringer April 23, 2003
The French ambassador to the UN called for the suspension of non-military trade with Iraq today, offering what some see as an olive branch to the US. Since taking control of Iraq, Washington has sought the complete lifting of sanctions on the country. France's latest move may be a way to ensure it isn't completely frozen out of a role in Iraq's post-war reconstruction, but the...