In The News

Good for Obama’s Jobs Council, Good for America?

Jia Lynn Yang June 17, 2011
There was a time when what was good for US companies was good for America. But, the US government and US-based multinational firms may no longer share the same formula for the good life. President Obama appointed a 26-member jobs council, including corporate leaders from General Electric, Intel and Citibank, to advise on creating US jobs and growing the economy. Jobs often follow revenue and...

The Eurozone Heads for Breakup

Nouriel Roubini June 16, 2011
Greece, a nation of 11.2 million, owes more than €300 billion. Restructuring the debt is inevitable, notes Nouriel Roubini in a blog posting for the Financial Times. The only unknowns are how and when. Europe united behind the euro as a single currency before enacting structural reforms and streamlining monetary, fiscal and exchange-rate policies, Roubini explains, adding that “early interest...

People on the Move – Part I

Joseph Chamie June 14, 2011
Waves of desperate migrants cross the Mediterranean, fleeing the repression, poverty and war gripping North Africa. Immense inequalities in living standards between the two zones draw migrants to Europe: Global media display stark contrasts between wealthy and poor, and internet sites lay out itineraries for affordable transport, shelter and job contacts. In the first article of a two-part series...

No Big Mac In Lao Idyll

Nayan Chanda June 6, 2011
With careful planning, cities connect with the world and maintain cultural diversity. In his column for Businessworld, Nayan Chanda explores Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos: “The town also shows how pre-industrial economies can be integrated into a world of jet planes and high-speed Internet, while maintaining its old world charm.” Designated a Unesco World Heritage site in 1995,...

Nation of the Forest

Cathy Shufro May 30, 2011
Urbanization’s many pressures make it easier for people to alter long-held customs. For example, in Bhutan, city dwellers didn’t protest a rule aimed at protecting forests by reducing the number of prayer flags to mourn a loved one’s death, explains Cathy Shufro in an article for Yale Alumni Magazine. “Bhutanese have formulated guidelines, infused with Buddhist values, for how to reconcile old...

US Sours on Globalization

Nayan Chanda May 25, 2011
One concern trumps all others for Americans: a lack of jobs. Resentment is high about the high unemployment rate, ongoing layoffs, declining wages and rising costs even as multinational corporations earn record profits and hire low-cost labor in emerging markets. More US job openings are in retail and the service sector than manufacturing. Americans target their ire at globalization and market...

Emerging Economies Catching Up Faster Than You Might Think

Don Cayo May 24, 2011
Six emerging economies could account for half of all global economic growth by 2025. As a result, global wealth and power are shifting fast, concludes a World Bank report, and new financial structures and regulations could follow. The report, described by Don Cayo of the Vancouver Sun, points to trend for emerging economies: Trade has expanded among them and their share in trade has climbed to...