In The News

Unilateral Delusions

Joseph P. Quinlan October 20, 2008
US voters have an independent streak, preferring to overlook just how much American prosperity depends on foreign labor, capital and natural resources. Presidential candidates find it easy to attract voters, especially those worried about jobs and the economy, with anti-trade messages, and this year’s campaign is no different: Democrat Barack Obama criticizes firms that ship jobs overseas, while...

Pakistan Democracy: An Interview with Husain Haqqani

October 15, 2008
With a democratic government now in place in Islamabad, Pakistan has set out to redefine goals for its people and communicate for greater predictability and security. In this interview with YaleGlobal editor Nayan Chanda, Husain Haqqani – ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, as well as leading journalist and former advisor to Pakistani prime ministers including the late Benazir Bhutto –...

Islamic Challenge to Indonesia’s Democracy

Sadanand Dhume October 15, 2008
Gains by radical parties around the globe highlight democracy’s ongoing vulnerability to anti-democratic movements. Indonesia – with its free press, stable economy, free elections, tolerant and inclusive policy – is no exception. But in local Indonesian politics, the radical Islamic Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) has made dramatic gains, with extremists pressing for dress codes, Koran reading...

Global Crisis: How Far to Go? Part III

Scott B. MacDonald October 13, 2008
As profits surge, financial players eschew government intervention, but crave rescue as problems emerge. Public confidence in banks around the globe could make a cautious comeback, after the UK-led massive semi-nationalization of banks with "equity injection." This YaleGlobal series explores the global financial crisis, detailing how US troubles over mortgage-backed securities and the...

Development Doesn't Require Big Government

William Easterly October 9, 2008
Pain from the US financial crisis is spreading globally, with leadership in developing countries often blaming free-market failures. The free market is under attack worldwide: Honduras’s president deems its laws "demonic" and the Brazilian head of state suggests its speculation causes the "anguish of entire peoples." Economist and author William Easterly traces this strong...

The Russian Challenge – Part II

Joergen Oerstroem Moeller October 6, 2008
For enduring success in this era of interdependence, negotiation rather than military power might prove more effective. Neighboring and competing states automatically flinch from those who employ bullying tactics, and long to follow countries that lead by example. This YaleGlobal series examines Russia’s relationship with Europe and the US, and in the second part of the series, former diplomat...

When Judges Make Foreign Policy

Noah Feldman October 2, 2008
US Supreme Court decisions comment on major trends, including globalization. Two perspectives have emerged from the court, notes law professor Noah Feldman, writing for the New York Times. One suggests that law “derives its legitimacy from being enacted by elected representatives of the people” and the other suggests that law aims for a “global ideal.” The US Supreme Court is divided between...