In The News

2 Nuclear Weapons Challenges, 2 Different Strategies

David E. Sanger June 21, 2003
The U.S. has warned both Iran and North Korea that nuclear weapons programs will “not be tolerated”. But Washington is pursuing differing strategies with each country. With North Korea, which admits it already has weapons and is developing more, the Bush Administration is attempting to cut off development by slowing imports and exports. With Iran, which maintains that its program is peaceful and...

Preempting North Korean Threat in the Sea

Michael O'Hanlon June 20, 2003
In recent months, the United States has struggled to halt North Korea's nuclear weapons program. Now, the Bush Administration has proposed a “Proliferation Security Initiative” designed to cut off the communist country's trade in illicit weaponry and material. This is a worthy multilateral effort, argue Brookings Institution scholars Michael O'Hanlon and Michael A. Levi, but its...

China Remains Wary of the US-Led World Order

Robert Sutter June 18, 2003
As it rises in economic strength, China is currently cooperating with the US-dominated global power structure. But this cooperation may not last, argues China scholar Robert Sutter. US attempts to contain China through international organizations and a regional military presence have frustrated China's leaders, who dream of a grander Chinese presence in Asia and the world. Beijing has also...

Cracking Down on the Terror-Arms Trade

David E. Sanger June 15, 2003
As part of the war on terrorism, the US is watching closely international shipments of weapons. Although just a few months ago Washington permitted a missile shipment from North Korea to proceed to its Yemeni destination, the US is now adapting a strategy of "pre-emptive pre-emption." America is asking its allies to help stop shipments of weapons, drugs, and hard currency connected to...

Roosevelt Was Right about Multilateralism

Ernesto Zedillo June 13, 2003
What would provide the world with real hope of living in prosperity and peace? Global cooperation is a good starting point, says Ernesto Zedillo, former President of Mexico and current Director of the Yale Center for the Study of Globalization. The United States once took the lead in establishing international institutions to prevent conflict and promote global well-being. As such, the United...

North Korea Says It Seeks to Develop Nuclear Arms

David E. Sanger June 10, 2003
North Korea is a step closer to its goal of becoming a nuclear state, as it announced for the first time that it would develop nuclear weapons. This is at a time when the U.S. has organized some of its Pacific allies to track and inspect North Korean ships for weapons, drugs, and other illegal shipment. The question right now is what other countries should do once Pyongyang officially announces...

Thaksin in America: PM Denies Visit is to Patch Up Ties with US

Yuwadee Tunyasiri June 10, 2003
Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra denies that his visit to the US is to smooth over tensions with US President Bush. This comes amidst reports alleging that Bush is displeased with Thailand’s refusal to acknowledge publicly its role in the war in Iraq, and in the fight against global terrorism. In response, Thai officials maintain that Thailand fully supports the international community...