In The News

Uganda: Surely, We Are Not As Simplistic as the Tunisians, Are We?

Fredrick M. Masiga January 25, 2011
After economic troubles, high unemployment rates and protests over one man’s cruel death led to quick revolt in Tunisia, other nations engage in self-reflection. College graduate Mohamed Bouazizi was frustrated after authorities beat him and confiscated his vending cart. Left without livelihood or legal recourse, the 26-year-old set himself on fire and ignited his nation’s fury. Public anger...

US-Chinese Relations Take a New Direction? – Part I

David Shambaugh January 24, 2011
It’s not in the global interest for rivalry between the world’s two largest economies to get out of hand. The US hosted China’s President Hu Jintao for a summit and lavish state visit, and this YaleGlobal series analyzes the potential for stable relations between the two nations and the impact on others. The Obama administration delivered a series of pre-summit statements with candid, tough...

Chinese Follow Same Old Script (And They Get the Punch Line)

Steven Pearlstein January 20, 2011
The US repeatedly promises tough talk on a long list of concerns with China while announcing new joint ventures between US and Chinese firms – partnerships that often deliver more jobs to China than the US. A US visit by China’s President Hu Jintao focuses attention on the US trade deficit and accusations that China engages in currency manipulation, theft of intellectual property and industry...

Friends or Else

January 20, 2011
China is the world’s second largest economy, rapidly gaining ground on the US. The two nations have a nervous mutual dependence and on issue after issue confront a dilemma about whether to view the other as competitor or partner. “This mix of partnership and rivalry is a recipe for confusion,” notes the Economist in its review of the US-China relationship. Security interests can clash with...

Overthrow of Tunisian President Jolts Arab Region

Liz Sly, Leila Fadel January 19, 2011
Depending on one’s position, the protests that drove the Tunisian president from power inspire either hope or fear about a domino effect. Citizens living under brutal authoritarian regimes throughout the Middle East, from Algeria to Yemen, resent corruption, limited political participation and dismal economic conditions have responded with a burst of anger unnerving leaders and their foreign...

Tunisia Protests Serve Warning to Autocratic Regimes

Kristen Chick January 14, 2011
Following days of protest in Tunisia that turned violent after security forces shot scores of people, the country’s long-time president Ben Ali has gone in to exile. Facing the fury of the protesters demanding his resignation, President Ben Ali, in power since 1987, promised not to seek re-election in 2014. Instead of pacifying the protesters, his response has further strengthened the...

WikiLeaks Fallout – Part II

Frank Ching January 14, 2011
Leaked US State Department cables, more than 2500 published in diverse news outlets so far, offer glimpses into methods and goals of individual US diplomats. This two-part series explores how WikiLeaks adds to diplomatic challenges around the globe. The second article, written by author and journalist Frank Ching, examines one of the more thoughtful cables. In January 2009, Clark T. Randt, then...