In The News

Hollywood Caters to a Ravenous Global Appetite

William Booth June 2, 2006
Hollywood is big business, but the largest portion of its revenues no longer comes from the US. Instead, Hollywood reaps more international than domestic profits, and as a result, the global marketplace influences everything from what films get made to how they are made. In fact, big Hollywood productions no longer make US audiences their primary target and aim to entertain thousands of...

The Arabs and Africa: A Topic for Discussion

Mustafa el-Fikky Al-Hayat June 1, 2006
The current rift in Arab-African relations can be traced to a historical residue of opposition and colonialism, which must be understood in order to be mended. Egyptian Author Mustafa el-Fikky Al-Hayat offers 10 points for understanding the Arab-Africa relationship. From myths concerning the Arab role as African slave traders during the colonial era to the split of the Organization of African...

EU Faces Complications in Plan to Halt Migrants

Dan Bilefsky June 1, 2006
The proximity of Spain’s Canary Islands to the coast of West Africa has historically been a vantage point for European westward endeavors and explorations. Today, however, the islands and other EU border areas experience an influx of migrants from the south. During one week in May, more than 1,500 individuals arrived at the Canary Islands from several West African countries, overwhelming border...

Battle Over Steel Exposes Europe’s Globalization Dilemma

Jonathan Fenby June 1, 2006
Europe is polarized over globalization, unsure about whether traditions of ample social benefits can survive today's capitalism and competition from countries with low wages and labor standards. Yet consolidation through acquisitions is a trend for many industries, including steel, to reduce costs and increase economies of scale. Europe has long scooped up firms from around the globe, but...

Arcelor, Trying to Fend Off Suitor, Is Buying Russian Steel Company

Heather Timmons June 1, 2006
Arcelor is going to great lengths to avoid hostile takeover by Mittal Steel Company, even wooing a Russian billionaire who controls Servestal. If successful, an Arcelor-Servestal merger would create the world’s largest steel company in the world – moving Mittal to second place. Mittal is based in London and Rotterdam, yet Arcelor executives have turned to Aleksei Mordashov, describing him as a “...

Globalization: How the New Shift of Power Is Affecting Inflation

Hamish McRae May 31, 2006
Because of globalization, manufacturers must pay increasing prices paid for raw goods like oil or minerals, and consumers discover dropping prices for products on store shelves. This analysis of the International Monetary Fund’s “World Economic Outlook” suggests that ten years ago, developed countries provided the impetus for trade, but the emerging economies of India, China and Eastern Europe...

Put Movie Scenes Into Perspective

Rousseau Chen May 26, 2006
Like any other residents whose city is featured in a major film, the people of Shanghai have eagerly awaited the Chinese release of “Mission: Impossible III.” Some of the scenes shot in the metropolis, however, must be cut before the film’s release in China, according to a ruling by humorless censors in the Chinese Film Bureau. Images of drying laundry and criminal activity offended the bureau...