In The News

Europe in North Africa – Recolonize or Rescue?

Jonathan Fenby January 23, 2013
Amid a severe currency crisis and other economic struggles, cooperation of the European Union, the very union itself, is being tested with the rise of Islamist radicalism in North Africa. France has forcefully intervened to assist Mali troops against extremists who have taken over the northern half of the country, demonstrating a willingness to attack civilians, destroy cultural icons and lash...

The Price of Globalization

Nayan Chanda January 23, 2013
The interconnected world is not so different from a small community in that the greed or lack of foresight of a few can bring quick ruin. The US has $16.5 trillion in debt and a reduced revenue stream due to the global recession. Some conservatives demand harsh cuts in exchange for lifting an artificial debt ceiling, devised to control government spending. Delays in approving the debt ceiling...

Research Rewrites Global Trade Data

Chris Giles, Claire Jones January 22, 2013
Cars made in one country include parts from all over the world. Labels could end up being larger than products if companies went into detail about the origin of every ingredient and component. Still the labels would be more accurate and could transform perceptions of trade deficits, according to a joint study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the World Trade...

Pursuing Ambitious Global Goals, But Strategy Is More

David E. Sanger January 22, 2013
The world still has high hopes for a transformative second and final term of US President Barack Obama. The president is ambitious and aware, ready to move an agenda to fulfill those expectations, reports David E. Sanger for the New York Times. The United States celebrated the president’s inauguration on Monday; the inaugural speech was progressive yet realistic, pointing to the need to battle...

To Get Movies Into China, Hollywood Gives Censors a Preview

Michael Cieply, Brooks Barnes January 21, 2013
The world’s most populous country and big market for entertainment imposes tough restrictions on films with sex, violence, politic, ghosts or Chinese villains. So China’s censors get a first peek at major Hollywood films, sometimes even sitting in on film shoots. Negotiations and edits can ensue. “The lure of access to China’s fast-growing film market – now the world’s second largest, behind that...

Biggest Growth Story? Outside the US

Russ Koesterich January 21, 2013
The gridlock in US Congress, its reliance on last-minute, short-term fixes for well-documented problems, is reducing confidence, threatening credit ratings and low interest rates for borrowers, worrying investors and decreasing tax revenues. So far, opposing parties in Congress refuse to compromise on substantial reform of the US tax code or costly entitlement programs, especially costly health...

The Al Qaeda Menace in Africa

Bruce Riedel January 21, 2013
Throughout 2011, protests that came to be known as the Arab Spring swept through Northern Africa and the Middle East. NATO stepped in on the Libyan protests, restricted to civilian protection. But the US gave a nod to Qatar sending machine guns, ammunition to rebels in the Libyan rebels; France provided guns and grenades, too. Because of looting and trade, weapons intended for rebels and civilian...