In The News

New Migrants Flock to Italy, Intensifying Immigration Debate

Elisa Cozzarini March 1, 2011
European nations like Italy entered security agreements with dictators in North Africa, including arms transfers, which slowed the waves of immigration over the past decade. As these dictators lose control and thousands of citizens flee north for Europe for a better life, managing immigration once again emerges as a priority for Italy. Some analysts argue that right-wing politicians raise fears...

Europe Confronts Mediterranean Mayhem – Part I

Jean-Pierre Lehmann February 28, 2011
European leaders were cozy with dictators throughout the Middle East and North Africa for decades. Beginning in Tunisia, citizens have swiftly challenged authoritarian regimes in the region, threatening decades-old enforced stability with non-violent protests. This YaleGlobal series gauges European reactions to a crisis that threatens the continent’s borders, economy and stability. Europe...

Libyan Arms Deals Come Back to Haunt Europe

David Böcking February 25, 2011
In Egypt, a military that refused to shoot fellow citizens made all the difference in overturning a regime that had held on to power for more than 30 years. But other rulers and military leaders – such as Libya’s – are less stricken by conscience. For more than a decade, Libya was subject to UN sanctions. Those were lifted in 2003, and Europe ended its arms embargo in 2004. Since then, the nation...

Revolutionary Tide Sees New Friends for China

Mei Xinyu February 22, 2011
As Middle East nations are shaken by uprisings, the governments – both those that survive and the emerging powers – will confront a set of new foreign-policy choices. The West’s decades-old alliances with dictators while cheering on democratic movements could make it an unreliable partner for either traditional Arab regimes or newcomers. Many Arab nations will diversify relationships, relying...

What Somali Pirates Reveal About the Global Economy

Matthew Lynn February 18, 2011
Pirates off the coast of Somalia continue to target huge ships passing by the impoverished coast. Matthew Lynn, writing for the Financial Times, regards piracy as a metaphor for the global business economy – the pirates know their customers, reinvent careers, conduct research, and maintain employee loyalty by sharing profits. Somalian fishermen were left without livelihoods after foreign factory...

There’s No Stopping It

Nayan Chanda February 7, 2011
Internet and cell phones are essential tools for global business. Any attempt to cut the flow of communications invites anger, protest, confusion and embarrassing scrutiny, as it was discovered by the Mubarak government on 28 January. Egypt, hoping to hobble protesters and block international observers, ordered its internet providers to change gateway addresses and stop traffic. “The ploy failed...

The Arab World at a Tipping Point?

Michael C. Hudson February 2, 2011
Protesters may have permanently shaken the Arab world’s authoritarian order, argues Michael Hudson writing for Straits Times. The country of more than 80 million has a rich history of influencing and modernizing the region politically and culturally, he explains, and yet alliance with the US dulled its influence. Protesters urge international powers to support reforms that counter unemployment,...