In The News

China’s Global Search for Energy

Clifford Krauss and Keith Bradsher May 23, 2014
A 30-year natural gas deal with Russia and towing a massive oil rig in disputed waters in the South China Sea are just two examples of China’s intense pursuit of energy. “Whether by diplomacy, investment or in extreme cases, force, China is going to great lengths to satisfy its growing hunger for energy to fuel its expanding car fleet and electrify its swelling cities,” report Clifford Krauss and...

US Tech Firms Could Feel Backlash in China After Hacking Indictments

Paul Mozur and Carlos Tejada May 21, 2014
The United States indicted five Chinese military officers for cyber-espionage of major US companies. “The U.S. move on Monday adds to growing tensions between Washington and Beijing over cybersecurity issues that are creating obstacles for U.S. companies in the nearly $324 billion Chinese information technology market,” report Paul Mozur and Carlos Tejada for the Wall Street Journal. Chinese...

Up to 21 Dead, Doctor Says, As Anti-China Riots Spread in Vietnam

May 15, 2014
China tugged a massive drilling rig to the disputed waters in the South China Sea, which led to confrontations between Chinese and Vietnamese coast guard vessels. Peaceful protests deteriorated into riots and violence in Vietnam with thousands setting fire to foreign factories believing them to be Chinese-owned.More than 450 companies reported damage, despite Vietnam’s strict controls. Taiwanese...

Globalization Responsible for Factory Tragedy

Grahame Lucas April 28, 2014
A year has passed since the collapse of the Rana Plaza factory complex that killed more than 1100 workers – the worst accident in Bangladesh history. Activists in Bangladesh report some improvements in wages, inspections and worker training. Yet wealthy consumers around the globe fail to see the connection between their quest for affordable fashion and the workers who toil for low wages and...

Obama Travels to Asia, But Future of Trade Pact Is Uncertain

David Dapice April 21, 2014
President Barack Obama begins travels this week to Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines as the United States strives to convince Asian allies that a pivot to Asia is real. An indicator of US policy success is the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade pact being negotiated by 12 Pacific Rim nations, explains economist David Dapice. Such regional trade agreements are emerging beyond the...

Sovereign Debts in a Fossil-Fueled World

Will Hickey April 8, 2014
Transition away from fossil fuels toward new alternatives is not going smoothly. Proponents of alternatives confront a powerful industry with longstanding incentives and favorable tax policies, suggests analyst Will Hickey. Around the globe, economic struggles and immediate profits take priority over development of alternative energies. Emerging economies are in a race to catch up with the living...

On the Wrong Side of Globalization

Joseph E. Stiglitz April 7, 2014
Trade adds to market efficiency and the diversity of goods. But unlike trade agreements of old, which focus on eliminating ineffective tariffs, the modern agreements focus on non-tariff barriers and minimizing regulations that protect consumers, workers and the environment. Economist and Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz – weighing in on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a proposed agreement of 12...