In The News

An Unlikely Marriage

Nayan Chanda August 20, 2009
The notion that China and America have fused into one economy, termed “Chimerica”, is now likely a chimera, according to the co-creator of the phrase, economic historian Niall Ferguson. This does not mean the two countries are not ineluctably linked; perhaps even to the degree that loosening the ties might precipitate unforeseen, but negative consequences. But it does call into question the idea...

Lessons of Failed States: Rebuilding Sierra Leone and Liberia

Humphrey Hawksley August 20, 2009
As elections are held in Afghanistan, the memory of 9/11 seems to have all but faded. But, as journalist Humphrey Hawksley writes, the lesson of 9/11, that failed states are a breeding ground for malignant forces with a global reach, must not be forgotten. World leaders need to balance placating an electorate uneasy about continuing involvement with finding a long term solution to securing a...

Fortress Europe: Solving Immigration by Outsourced Bouncers

Shada Islam August 18, 2009
The European Union’s tough new stance on immigration and asylum policies has ramifications for the region’s labor shortages, coming demographic crises, and adherence to the rule of law. Brussels-based journalist Shada Islam writes that perhaps the most controversial aspect of this new stance is Italy’s choice to intercept refugees in the Mediterranean and the subsequently push them back with...

US-China Duopoly Is a Pipedream

Christopher M. Clarke August 6, 2009
New terms like ‘Chimerica’ and G2 coined in recent years, describing ties between China and the US have acquired new currency as the world sought a way out of the global financial crisis. With China taking the spotlight during the G20 meeting in London and senior Chinese and American officials recently meeting for a Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Washington, there is hope that working...

Southeast Asian Nations Risk Dissension by Ignoring Human Rights

Meidyatama Suryodiningrat August 4, 2009
ASEAN’s status as a successful association that fosters regional economic development and trade remains largely unquestioned. But the association has a poor record as a forum of modern democratic states upholding broader objectives such as human rights. In fact, human rights issues involving some of its members could undermine the relevance of the association, writes Indonesian editor Meidyatama...

Gray Menace

Brad Glosserman, Tomoko Tsunoda July 31, 2009
At 21.5 percent, Japan has the highest proportion of its population over age 65 of any country in the world. It also has one of the world’s lowest birth rates, leading to an expectation that Japan’s population will shrink from its current 127 million to 89 million by 2055. This demographic shift is likely to have a variety of domestic consequences, including a decline in economic growth, lower...

US Immigration Policy Likely to Boost Population

Joseph Chamie July 30, 2009
Demographic trends, often ignored by policymakers, are clearly linked with the US’ immigration policy. If Congress and the Obama administration plan to implement an effective immigration policy, they need to understand how over time it will affect the country’s population figure. As demographer Joseph Chamie notes, policy makers should start by asking how large should the US’ population be....