In The News

The Death of Berta Cáceres

Jonathan Blitzer March 17, 2016
Activist Berta Cáceres, 44, spoke out against the government awarding contracts for hydroelectric dams throughout Honduras, including areas inhabited by indigenous people. Her murder is drawing attention to her efforts as well as violence and corruption in Honduras. “Cáceres was on the front lines from the start, having founded the group that has organized much of the opposition, the Council of...

Choices by US Voters Will Influence the World

Bruce Stokes March 17, 2016
The US primary season has slowly winnowed down the field of presidential candidates. “To date, the campaign debate has been dominated by multiple themes that could ultimately impact people outside the United States – trade, immigration and terrorism, to name just a few,” explains Bruce Stokes, director of global economic attitudes at the Pew Research Center. Hillary Clinton, former US secretary...

Stay Just a Little Bit Longer

Elizabeth Redden March 14, 2016
Studies in science and math contribute to innovations and jobs. As of May 10, the United States will extend the time that international students enrolled in select degree programs in science, technology, engineer and math can remain in the country after graduation. “The new rule addresses a program known as optional practical training, or OPT, which permits international students to work in the U...

Americans Rank Last in Problem-Solving With Technology

Douglas Belkin March 11, 2016
In four decades, the United States went from having the most educated workforce in the world to struggling with math. In the midst of a US presidential campaign, voters express anxiety about jobs, competition, trade and immigration. Many demand local control over schools while rejecting a common curriculum. US skills are flagging, suggests a report that ranks the country’s workers as last for “...

What the US Campaign Can Teach China about How It Is Viewed

March 7, 2016
A good test for US presidential candidate is how they respond about a rising China. While both countries can display nationalistic tendencies, the Chinese anticipate the next US president, regardless of campaign rhetoric as well as Republican or Democrat, to strive for middle ground and dialogue while embracing a more pro-active foreign policy. “As China rises in prominence in the global economy...

Donald Trump, Viktor Orban and the West’s Great Walls

Gideon Rachman March 4, 2016
Fear encourages isolation, and in the course of a few decades, Republican politicians in the United States have shifted from demanding that East Germany tear down the Berlin wall to demanding a massive wall along the US border with Mexico. Europe, too, is adding barriers to block refugees fleeing war in the Middle East. “The journey from Reagan to Trump – from tearing down walls to putting them...

Worldview: The Myth of the Strongman

Trudy Rubin March 1, 2016
Newspapers throughout the United States are imploring voters to think twice before casting a vote for real estate mogul and reality-TV star Donald Trump. Many voters are distraught over stagnation, the lack of fulfilling jobs and opportunities. Many hope a forceful personality can deliver change. “We've entered an era in which strongmen are in vogue and democracy is taking a hit worldwide,”...