In The News

Globalization Was Good Then, Not Now

Mark Thirlwell September 17, 2007
Even as economists fret about sustaining global economic integration and politicians in the wealthiest nations make opposition to globalization a winning campaign theme, the phenomenon continues to connect the world. Such a dichotomy may not continue for long, warns economist Mark Thirlwell. Growing alarm in the developed nations stems from the emergence of powerful competitors in the developing...

Sarkozy Urges French to Play “the Game of Globalization”

Katrin Bennhold September 13, 2007
French President Nicolas Sarkozy urges his nation to adopt business-friendly policies, while continuing to defend its values worldwide. To become more globally competitive, France may have to adjust labor polices that restrict employers from firing unproductive workers and require generous benefits, including long vacations and a 35-hour work week. Still, he couched his comments by noting that a...

Globalization and Cultural Diversity

Michael Lynton September 12, 2007
Those who oppose globalization are especially sensitive about loss of culture. But the American film industry does not contribute to the homogenization or Americanization of culture, argues Michael Lynton, chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment. “Instead of creating a single, boring global village, the forces of globalization are actually encouraging the proliferation of cultural...

One World, One Dream, One Big Human Rights Problem

Daryl Lindsey August 10, 2007
China is intent on using the 2008 Olympics to display Chinese culture along with the achievement of economic growth within a political system of communism. But activists are just as intent on exposing human-rights violations. China’s organizing effort includes not only constructing elaborate structures and planning eye-catching events, but also arresting journalists and cracking down on civil...

Global Hot Spots

Adrienne Selko August 2, 2007
Success in strategic sourcing requires finding the global hot spots first. Getting established in a budding community builds connections and provides early access to eager workers. Goals for foreign investment vary immensely around the globe. Kenya is particular, wanting firms that will contribute to innovation; Vietnam extends its welcome to all sectors, especially those that contribute to...

Summer of Setbacks

Ernesto Zedillo August 1, 2007
Summer of 2007 may well be remembered for a string of bad financial news: increasing numbers of homeowners in the US struggling to pay home mortgages, the decline of the US dollar, and climbing oil prices as conflict and tension linger in the Middle East. Yet the world economy flourishes despite shocks in foreign exchange and the debt markets. Ernesto Zedillo, director of Yale Center for the...

Globalization Study Moves Past Rhetoric

David Wessel July 27, 2007
Corporations have long insisted that globalization delivers prosperity. But a report commissioned by the Financial Services Forum, an association of CEOs of 20 major financial firms, admits that most benefits have gone to a select few. International operations increasingly account for most sales and business conducted by multinational firms, writes David Wessel for the Wall Street Journal. But...