In The News

Globalization Is Good

Peter Mandelson June 11, 2008
The US has been a major driver behind globalization of trade, and either Barack Obama or John McCain will preside over the next phase. Peter Mandelson, EU trade commissioner lays out the challenges for the next US president and offers advice: The global economy is no longer based on a powerful center, inequality within a society matters as much as inequality between countries, and trade...

With Olympics Approaching, US Reconsiders Sonic Blasters for China

Daniel Pepper June 10, 2008
The LRAD, or long-range acoustical device, was developed by the American Technology Corp. after the 2000 attack on the USS Cole, and is most often characterized as a “warning device.” The device is capable of emitting high-energy waves that are painfully loud when aimed at specific targets. LRAD, currently classified as a communications system, is not subject to US export-control regulations. But...

Distance Does Matter

Nayan Chanda June 10, 2008
As fuel and transportation costs rise, regional networks are likely to become more essential. High transport costs will slow international trade for certain products, especially those with low value-to-freight ratios, such as apparel or industrial machinery. Producers will pass increased costs on to the consumer, but the most significant changes may emerge in the supply-chain production system...

In Nigeria, Oil Wealth Delivers Grief

Salil Tripathi June 10, 2008
Overdependence on oil is dangerous for both customers and producers: The soaring price of oil derivatives and transportation brings home the danger to the customer; but some producers are not immune either, as corruption, neglect and resulting conflict take their toll. Nigeria, fifth largest producer with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, is a case in point, explains analyst...

Europe’s Old Boys Need to Make Way for Women

Margot Wallström June 9, 2008
Europe has been a progressive leader on many political issues, but women are still underrepresented in continental politics, argues Margot Wallström, vice president of the European Commission in an essay for the Financial Times. In selecting candidates for ministerial positions, top leaders often strive for diversity but overlook glaring gender imbalances, she notes. People naturally tend to...

Grubs Up! Scientists Keen to Get Us Eating Bugs

Geoffrey Lean June 6, 2008
As food shortages emerge in some nations and prices climb, scientists offer a solution – eating insects, plentiful and diverse. Insects, with ample protein and nutrients, are on the menu for more than 100 countries of the world, reports Geoffrey Lean for the Independent. With their vegetarian diets, insects are a healthy choice for humans; bountiful in nature, insects are also healthy for the...

Act Now to Prick the Oil Price Bubble

Meghnad Desai June 6, 2008
Analysts give plenty of reasons for the price of oil to climb – including increased demand from China and India, unrest in Nigeria, conflict in the Middle East, increased costs associated with exploration, limited refinement capacities. But these events are not new or sudden and probably don’t fully account for the steep increases, explains Meghand Desai, professor with the London School of...