In The News

US Election and the World – Part I

Patrice de Beer November 8, 2004
What happens in the United States inevitably affects all areas of the globe; nowhere is this clearer than in the selection of the leader of the world's only superpower. In the aftermath of the greatly anticipated US elections, observers worldwide are assessing the consequences of George W. Bush's re-election. In a multi-part series, YaleGlobal checks in with different regions, gauging...

Is Putin an Anti-Globalization Hero?

Liliana N. Proskuryakova November 3, 2004
Russian President Vladimir Putin has made few friends within the anti-globalization movement, despite government actions that – on the surface, at least – reflect goals espoused by demonstrators – from Seattle to Genoa. Liliana N. Proskuryakova argues that anti-globalization activists have held their applause, as they believe Putin's inconsistent policies betray a different agenda: His...

Globalization: Europe's Wary Embrace

Philip H. Gordon November 1, 2004
From anti-McDonald's crusader Jose Bové's campaign, to violent clashes between Genoan police and demonstrators, to the anti-globalization theme's growing popularity with left-wing socialist and right-wing nationalist candidates, the idea might seem to be dominating the European political landscape. Not so, says Brookings Institution scholar Philip H. Gordon. In fact, polls show...

The French Dilemma

Dogu Egril October 26, 2004
Amidst the controversy surrounding Turkey’s bid for EU inclusion, France is responsible for the most passionate opposition. Not only does the current government make its position abundantly clear, but most French citizens, regardless of political leanings, are also against Turkey’s inclusion. This opinion piece suggests that the strength of these anti-Turkish sentiments can be attributed to a...

Officials Fear Iraq's Lure for Muslims in Europe

Craig S. Smith October 23, 2004
In recent weeks, the US military has singled out the Iraqi city of Falluja as the next stage in its campaign against rebel militants. According to US forces, the city harbors many non-Iraqi militants, who are primarily responsible for the nearly daily bombings that wrack Iraq. Recent intelligence investigations have shown that an increasing number of Muslims from European countries are joining...

Trading in Pieties

October 22, 2004
A new European Commission proposal will give poor countries special access to EU markets if they agree to sign the Kyoto global warming protocol and other international environment and labor treaties. But manipulation of trade privileges is often thinly veiled protectionism, argues the Financial Times in this editorial. If trade negotiations do not focus on opening markets, the adoption of these...

France Looks to Strengthen Economic Ties with China

Frank Ching October 13, 2004
China continues to flex its economic muscles, reaping the benefits of international and intra-EU competition for influence. French President Jacques Chirac's recent official visit to China resulted in US$4 billion worth of industrial orders, as well as hints of further political cooperation in the future. Economic and political relationships between France and China are particularly...