In The News

China Racing Ahead of U.S. in the Drive to Go Solar

Keith Bradsher August 25, 2009
China is striving to become the world’s leader in production of solar panels not unlike Japan’s drive for dominance in automobiles in the last century. And just like Japan, China plans to build factories in the US in the hopes of circumventing protectionist legislation. Beijing can afford to foster such an industry not only because it is a quasi-command economy, but also because of the size of...

Japan’s Coming Election Could Mean Its Withdrawal from the World

Ko Mishima August 25, 2009
The result of Japan’s upcoming election could be more than a test of confidence for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). It might determine the nature of the country’s engagement with the world. According to Professor Ko Mishima, the Japanese doubt the LDP has a handle on the nation’s economy, and thus a win by the opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) looks close to certain. Though...

The Dragon in the Backyard

August 20, 2009
New economic cooperation between Latin America and less traditional trading partners is having a significant impact on the region both economically and politically. Top on the list is China’s increasing visibility as a strategic economic partner of the continent, much to the US’ discontent. While China’s cheap manufacturing has hurt countries such as Mexico, its demand for commodities has driven...

An Unlikely Marriage

Nayan Chanda August 20, 2009
The notion that China and America have fused into one economy, termed “Chimerica”, is now likely a chimera, according to the co-creator of the phrase, economic historian Niall Ferguson. This does not mean the two countries are not ineluctably linked; perhaps even to the degree that loosening the ties might precipitate unforeseen, but negative consequences. But it does call into question the idea...

American Graduates Finding Jobs in China

Hannah Seligson August 19, 2009
Faced with near double-digit unemployment at home, US college graduates are flocking to China due to its growing economy, entrepreneurial atmosphere and lower cost of living, not to mention its low urban unemployment. What is perhaps surprising is that a number of these graduates knew little about China or its language before arriving. But the opportunity for quick advancement proved more...

Overseas and Under Siege

August 18, 2009
Since 2006, Chinese immigrants have suffered a backlash of violence at the hands of locals in the Solomon Islands, Lesotho, and Algeria, among others. The reasons behind the widespread anti-Chinese sentiment range from cultural clashes to accusations of meddling in local politics. But a more fundamental reason could be rooted in economics, xenophobia notwithstanding. China’s sponsorship of...

Mass Effect of Global Downturn

Cithara Paul August 17, 2009
In 2004, news of a tiny Kerala church in India holding a Mass to pray for the renowned British soccer player David Beckham fascinated the global media. Although Beckham’s celebrity certainly contributed to the focus, “Mass intentions” – applying a Mass for a specific purpose – had been around long before the media took notice. What is perhaps new is outsourcing Mass intentions to India where...