In The News

China Play in US Election

Edward Gresser October 15, 2012
US politicians often gripe about China, but campaign promises to “get tough” aren’t easy to keep. China is the third largest export market for US products. The Obama administration has already heightened enforcement of trade laws and filed more trade complaints than the previous administration. Even so, Mitt Romney’s website suggests that the Obama administration extends “acquiescence to the one-...

Will Printing Money Do It?

Nayan Chanda October 9, 2012
Central banks can add to the money supply by lowering interest rates for major financial institutions and purchasing bonds, thus increasing credit and liquidity – and this is what major central banks in the West have set out to do until economic growth and jobs return. The practice amounts to “printing money.” For example, the US vows to insert $40 billion each month into the economy to purchase...

What’s the Bigger Challenge – Baby Boom or Bust?

Philip Bowring October 5, 2012
The Philippines stands out in East Asia for its high rates of fertility and poverty. A Reproductive Health Bill would allow public distribution of contraception advice and methods, but Catholic bishops are adamantly opposed. The clerics warn that contraception contributes to population decline and potential economic struggles of a small workforce supporting social protections for the aged....

A Turning Point for China

Jean-Pierre Lehmann October 1, 2012
China’s progress since the first half of the 20th century is stunning and indeed inspiring. The nation that once rejected globalization, set out to rapidly transform its global reputation, from being pitied for horrific poverty to envied for stable economic growth. The world economy has come to depend on China, notes Jean-Pierre Lehmann, international political economist, in a quick review of the...

Singh Doubles Down on Reform

Ashok Malik September 21, 2012
In a surprising move, India’s coalition government is allowing states to decide if they want foreign direct investment in the retail sector, opening a door for giant stores like Walmart and Tesco. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tried a similar move last year, but pulled back in the face of huge protests. Economic slowdown in India pushed the government to pounce again despite a nationwide protest...

As China Sneezes, Will the World Catch Cold?

Vikram Mansharamani September 17, 2012
The world became accustomed to double-digit growth in China. But such growth wasn’t sustainable, as Europe and the US struggle with debt. Analysts concede that China’s growth, fueled by easy credit, is slowing. Yale lecturer and author Vikram Mansharamani outlines the implications: In recent years, China has snapped up a lion’s share of commodities – steel, cement, aluminum, iron ore – and now...

US Voters Mull the Economy

Bruce Stokes September 6, 2012
The global economy has a stake in the US presidential campaign. Top issues so far are economic: jobs, debt reduction and protecting the safety net for the nation’s elderly, otherwise known as Social Security and Medicare, amid rising costs. US voters want the economy fixed, but resist the sacrifices required for long-term solutions. In polls, 80 percent of Americans have expressed dissatisfaction...