In The News

The Perils of Beijing’s Africa Strategy

Elizabeth Economy November 7, 2006
As China wines and dines African leaders in Beijing this week, it ought to be aware not only of its own success in courting Africa but in the limits of that success. China has established major economic links throughout Africa in no small part because of its laissez-faire approach to African countries’ internal politics, doing business with nations like Sudan and Zimbabwe despite of their poor...

Pyongyang: Let’s Talk, But Change the Subject

Nayan Chanda November 7, 2006
North Korea has developed a negotiating strategy that takes the country to the edge of major crisis before pulling back in exchange for some concessions. By actually testing a nuclear device in early October, North Korea has gone over the red line that was drawn by the US, China and other powers. But true to style, North Korea has returned to the negotiating table, says Nayan Chanda, and hopes...

Blood Feud in Bangladesh

November 2, 2006
Violence has rocked Bangladesh as supporters of the country’s two major political parties clash over the upcoming transition period before national elections in January. The ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has interfered in elections and been negligent about corruption and extremism. The main opposition Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina Wajed, is equally...

Un-free Kashmir

Graham Usher November 1, 2006
For decades, Kashmir has been the target of competing Indian and Pakistani claims. Many Kashmiris, however, prefer full independence from both occupying powers. Ironically, these Kashmiri nationalists have seen their fortunes buoyed since the earthquake that devastated their homeland last year. The Pakistani army, which has long repressed Kashmiri calls for independence, was forced to loosen...

Beijing Hosts Big Africa Summit as West Watches

Shai Oster October 25, 2006
China has made no secret of its interest in Africa. Now the nation will host a lavish summit for the leaders of 48 African nations. One assistant foreign minister fends off criticism about China’s motives, pointing out that the nation pursues mutual interests with Africa in a transparent and open manner. “China has nothing to hide,” said Zhai Jun. Western oil companies have expressed some...

Kremlin Puts Foreign NGO’s on Notice

C.J. Chivers October 24, 2006
The Russian government stopped operations of foreign non-profit organizations operating in Russia, such as Amnesty International, while reviewing bureaucratic registrations required under a new law. For now, the bureaucratic process, combined with closures and described as temporary, has quieted normally vocal non-government organization spokespeople. The closures, according to the “New York...

Indispensable Old Media

Susan D. Moeller October 12, 2006
Communications technology has made information exchange more widespread than ever before. Consumers are able to choose between endless sources, rendering the passive absorption of filtered knowledge obsolete. The rise of new media, however, has not diminished the importance of investigative reporters researching stories for more traditional media. Journalists still make criminals and corrupt...