In The News

Is the World Falling Out of Love with US Brands?

Dan Roberts January 5, 2005
A recent marketing survey revealed that 64 of the most significant global brands belong to US companies. But according to this Financial Times piece, American brands may be losing their international dominance. With the unpopular military campaign in Iraq and allegations of human rights abuses, US foreign policy has inspired ire among many of the world's citizens. Now, some experts...

Why the UN Needs International Rescue

David Aaronovitch January 4, 2005
The magnitude and scope of the recent Indian Ocean catastrophe - and likewise, the subsequent relief efforts - are unmatched in world history. And according to The Guardian's David Aaronovitch, the coordination of international aid efforts will be a true test for the United Nations. In the past year, the organization has suffered accusations of irrelevance and corruption, but the aftermath...

Invisible Export – A Hidden Cost of China's Growth: Mercury Migration

Matt Pottinger December 20, 2004
When an American hockey player suffered symptoms from mercury contamination, he never expected that he might have power plants half way across the world in China to blame. With its growing appetite for energy, China is finding its many coal-burning power plants hard at work generating the much needed electricity power – as well as huge amounts of air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and mercury....

The McKinsey Global Survey of Business Executives, November 2004

December 16, 2004
Executives are significantly less optimistic about the global economy than they were a year ago, according to McKinsey's latest global executive survey. The weak dollar, volatile oil prices, and geopolitical uncertainty have dampened executive confidence around the world, especially in developed Asian countries. While European executives predictably take the dimmest view of George W. Bush...

Moment of Truth as UN Chief Confronts Fiercest Rival

Michael Fullilove December 16, 2004
The past month has been difficult, at best, for the United Nations and its Secretary-General Kofi Annan. As Annan prepares to announce a reform package for the organization, this is a crucial moment for both the organization and its leader. In what may be a true test of grit, Annan will fight to pass a report on global security threats, which will outline the UN's role in addressing...

What the Bush Victory Means for East Asia

Lee Kuan Yew December 15, 2004
As US President George W. Bush eases into his second term of office, governments in East Asia and around the world are reevaluating their place within an American foreign policy. The upcoming elections in Iraq, recently endorsed at a summit attended by the EU, the Arab League, China, and other nations, may prove a test of international dedication to security and democracy in the Middle East. Bush...

Bush Needs Decisive Change of Course

Fred Bergsten December 14, 2004
As US account deficits deepen and global oil prices escalate, President George W. Bush will face some serious challenges in his second term. According to economist Frank Bergsten, neither the US nor world economies can afford an extension of Washington's economic and energy policy status quo. A combination of strong domestic fiscal action - deficit reduction to enhance savings - and...