In The News

US Wary of What's Next for Egypt

Ben Smith, Laura Rozen January 31, 2011
Observing the mounting opposition to Egypt’s government, under Hosni Mubarak since 1981, allies including the US and Israel ponder what democratic changes might mean for them. Fair elections could deliver a moderate democratic system or an Islamist one, speculates a team of writers from Politico. US President Barack Obama and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have gradually relayed the...

Grain, Soybeans Rise as Food Riots Spur Demand for US Exports

Jeff Wilson, Whitney McFerron January 28, 2011
Prices for wheat, soybeans, corn and other food staples continue to climb as more counties increase purchases from the US. Rising prices combined with high unemployment rates and governments long run by family dynasties have spurred protests in Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Yemen, Jordan and elsewhere. The United Nations warns that stockpiling crops or restricting food exports could add to the unrest...

US-Chinese Relations Take a New Direction? – Part II

Harsh V. Pant January 26, 2011
Elections and turnover in administrations can abruptly shift US foreign policy, as onlookers throughout the Asia Pacific have observed in recent years. The US-Chinese relationship is of global consequence, and this two-part series analyzes reaction to the two-nation summit for any signs of warmth or strain. Shortly after entering office, President Barack Obama went all out to secure good ties...

Challenging Globalization

Nayan Chanda January 24, 2011
Americans are angry about economic decline. Though the country unleashed many of the forces that spur modern globalization, its politicians resist adapting to a globalized world. US companies find new opportunities, lower wages and an expanding middle-class customer base in overseas markets. Sharp political divide in the US adds to uncertainty and a floundering economy. Both major parties want to...

US-Chinese Relations Take a New Direction? – Part I

David Shambaugh January 24, 2011
It’s not in the global interest for rivalry between the world’s two largest economies to get out of hand. The US hosted China’s President Hu Jintao for a summit and lavish state visit, and this YaleGlobal series analyzes the potential for stable relations between the two nations and the impact on others. The Obama administration delivered a series of pre-summit statements with candid, tough...

Chinese Follow Same Old Script (And They Get the Punch Line)

Steven Pearlstein January 20, 2011
The US repeatedly promises tough talk on a long list of concerns with China while announcing new joint ventures between US and Chinese firms – partnerships that often deliver more jobs to China than the US. A US visit by China’s President Hu Jintao focuses attention on the US trade deficit and accusations that China engages in currency manipulation, theft of intellectual property and industry...

How to Keep the Nuclear Genie in the Bottle

Richard Weitz January 19, 2011
Following a series of agreements with the US, Russia and former Soviet states, the global stockpile of nuclear warheads has dropped from 70,000 to 22,000 since 1987, reports the World Nuclear Association. The Association says, “Highly-enriched uranium in US and Russian weapons and other military stockpiles amounts to about 2000 tonnes, equivalent to about twelve times annual world mine production...