In The News

With Belgian Terrorist Attacks, Strains on a Battered Europe Grow

Griff Witte March 25, 2016
After World War II ended, the nations of Europe were determined to cooperate on making their continent a model of peace and civilization. Terrorist attacks waged by its own citizens as well as millions of refugees from the Middle East, an economy struggling with debt threaten, worries about trade and jobs threaten that model. “A union that has for decades been seen around the world as a beacon...

Washington’s New Friends in Latin America

Patricio Navia March 24, 2016
Barack Obama is taking steps to improve relations with neighbors as the first sitting US president to travel to Cuba since Calvin Coolidge in 1928. “Obama’s visit to Cuba and Argentina this week underlines the United States government’s effort to make new friends and rebuild old relationships in Latin America,” writes Patricio Navia for the Buenos Aires Herald, adding that “as the US did not...

International Students Find Roles in US Presidential Campaign

Paul Elish and Susan Froetschel March 22, 2016
The percentage of international students enrolled at US colleges and universities has climbed over the past five years, due to rising applications from overseas and declining enrollment by US students. College administrators encourage civic engagement for all students, and international students are following the US presidential race. “The election will determine the roles for foreign nationals...

Choices by US Voters Will Influence the World

Bruce Stokes March 17, 2016
The US primary season has slowly winnowed down the field of presidential candidates. “To date, the campaign debate has been dominated by multiple themes that could ultimately impact people outside the United States – trade, immigration and terrorism, to name just a few,” explains Bruce Stokes, director of global economic attitudes at the Pew Research Center. Hillary Clinton, former US secretary...

The Death of Berta Cáceres

Jonathan Blitzer March 17, 2016
Activist Berta Cáceres, 44, spoke out against the government awarding contracts for hydroelectric dams throughout Honduras, including areas inhabited by indigenous people. Her murder is drawing attention to her efforts as well as violence and corruption in Honduras. “Cáceres was on the front lines from the start, having founded the group that has organized much of the opposition, the Council of...

Corruption Threatens Ukraine's Hard-Earned Freedom

Chris Miller March 14, 2016
The abrupt resignation of Ukraine’s respected minister of economy and trade, his refusal to “serve as a cover-up for covert corruption,” has triggered political crisis and an onslaught of recriminations about inept governance. More resignations may follow, and the crisis comes during a treacherous period as the West and Russia battle for influence over the country of 45 million. “Notably, the...

Closure of Balkan Route Divides Europe

March 11, 2016
Decisions by Macedonia, Slovenia, Serbia and Croatia to close borders to refugees fleeing war in Syria and elsewhere in the Middle East are dividing the European Union, suggests an article from Deutsche Welle. Closing borders does not resolve the problem, contends German Chancellor Angela Merkel who favors organized and united management of the refugee crisis and suggests a divided response...