In The News

Havana’s Hottest Spot Is a Crowded Ramp to WiFi Bliss

Nick Miroff August 17, 2015
Less than 5 percent of Cubans have access to the internet. Among the many goals for the United States in restoring relations with Cuba is “Initiating new efforts to increase Cubans’ access to communications and their ability to communicate freely.” The Cuban government has since opened free wireless access in 35 locations around the country, including five in Havana: “Walk along La Rampa on a...

China’s Soft-Power Push

David Shambaugh August 13, 2015
Investing billions in a range of soft-power endeavors, China leads on Asian trade and infrastructure initiatives and is active in a variety of global forums. “While China’s economic prowess impresses much of the world, its repressive political system and mercantilist business practices tarnish its reputation,” writes David Shambaugh, author and professor. He refers to Joseph Nye, the Harvard...

Indian Rapper “Overwhelmed” by Success of Protest Song Against Unilever

August 11, 2015
Indian rapper Sofia Ashraf performed a protest song alleging corporate mercury pollution, posted on YouTube, and quickly attracted near 2 million views. Hindustan Unilever operated a thermometer factory in the town of Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu until 2001. “More than 1,000 former workers are alleged to have been affected by mercury poisoning, which can cause skin problems, sensory impairment and a...

A Renegade Trawler, Hunted for 10,000 Miles by Vigilantes

Ian Urbina July 31, 2015
A global chase of a trawler for illegal fishing is a thrilling high-seas adventure tale: “For 110 days and more than 10,000 nautical miles across two seas and three oceans, the Bob Barker and a companion ship, both operated by the environmental organization Sea Shepherd, had trailed the trawler, with the three captains close enough to watch one another’s cigarette breaks and on-deck workout...

When Christian Power Was Arrayed Against a Judeo-Muslim Ideology

Jonathan Gil Harris July 30, 2015
A narrative common in the West often pits Christianity and Judaism against Islam. It was not so in an earlier era. Christianity was a militant force during the 16th century. By 1550, Portugal ruled India’s best western ports, and India became a refuge for Iberian Jewish families, also known as New Christians, who fled the persecutions of the Inquisition. Jonathan Gil Harris, author and professor...

It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s a Professional Foreigner!

Samuel Massie July 24, 2015
Graduating in the midst of a recession, US graduate Samuel Massie went to Guangzhou, China, to become a business analyst. In an essay for the New York Times, he describes the cultural adjustment and the attention received for being the lone foreigner. The company used him for translation and recruiting videos. Colleagues sought advice, not complaining about “censorship, pollution or human rights...

Cuba: Transforming a Revolution

Patricia Alejandro July 23, 2015
The United States and Cuba are reopening their respective embassies and preparing for more exchanges in diplomacy and trade. “Cubans and Americans are equally curious about exploring the other side since December when President Barack Obama and Raúl Castro made the surprise announcement on restoration of full diplomatic relations between the two countries,” writes Patricia Alejandro, a Harvard...