In The News

Two's a Company

Moritz Schuller November 25, 2003
After disagreeing with the UK over supporting the US-led Iraq War, France and Germany seemed to become true bosom buddies this year. Germany even took part in the French-led mission to Congo, although Berlin had no compelling interests there, writes Moritz Schuller. Despite the apparent comraderie, however, France may now be moving closer to the British on security issues. At a recent meeting...

America's Vulnerable Imperialism

Jonathan Schell November 24, 2003
'American imperialism' has become a common refrain for people seeking to understand the glue holding together the current international order. A variety of scholars and commentators claim authority on the topic, says author Jonathan Schell. But, he cautions, in their rush to proclaim the rise or decline of an American empire, they consistently overlook a crucial aspect of true empire...

Japan Heads to Iraq, Haunted by Taboo Bred in Another War

Norimitsu Onishi November 19, 2003
For the first time since the Second World War, Japan faces the possibility of entering a conflict where Japanese soldiers may kill or be killed. The nation has come a long way since World War II when kamikaze attacks were considered normal and honorable. As a result of Japan's Article 9 of its Constitution, which prohibits the use of force to solve disputes, the country is thought to abhor...

Superpower Dream Behind China's Heavy Industry Push

Guo Shiping November 19, 2003
Beijing's recent decision to invest in the development of heavy industries in northeastern China is not only an economically strategic move, says Chinese economist Guo Shiping. While heavy industry is a necessary backbone to long-term growth, Guo says, the shift away from a single-minded focus on light industry and service sectors will also better prepare China for true superpower status....

‘Let NATO Take Charge of Iraq's Security' - Clinton

Nayan Chanda November 19, 2003
In an exclusive interview with YaleGlobal, former US President Bill Clinton offered his views on a variety of contentious issues, including the Iraq War, the Middle East Roadmap, and the rise of anti-globalization sentiment around the world. With regards to Iraq, Clinton advocated that Bush transfer control to a UN-sanctioned NATO force headed by a US commander. Having NATO lead the efforts, he...

U.K. Police, Protesters Await Bush

November 18, 2003
The British are planning to welcome U.S. President Bush’s visit with protests, intense security measures, and surprisingly extensive public support. While many British are taking Bush’s trip to the UK as an opportunity to express their discontent with the war in Iraq, recent polls suggest that more Britons welcome the visit than oppose it. Moreover, a majority – some 62 percent – says it...

The World Must Keep its Nerve over Kyoto

Michael Grubb November 13, 2003
The global response to climate change has reached a crossroads now that the US has rejected the Kyoto Protocol. Instead of capping emissions, President Bush has decided in favor of investing billions in research on technologies such as carbon sequestration, which involves storing carbon dioxide emissions. Creating environment-friendly technologies is admittedly integral to halting climate...