In The News

Amid US Outsourcing Fears, India’s IT Firms Thrive

Patrick Thibodeau October 17, 2012
In his presidential campaigns, both 2008 and now, Barack Obama has blasted outsourcing and offshoring of US jobs. Such political attention unnerved India’s IT industry, which relies on skilled labor and large numbers of temporary work visas, particularly the H-1B for the US. That visa allows educated foreign workers with US employer sponsors to stay about six years and work in select technical...

China Play in US Election

Edward Gresser October 15, 2012
US politicians often gripe about China, but campaign promises to “get tough” aren’t easy to keep. China is the third largest export market for US products. The Obama administration has already heightened enforcement of trade laws and filed more trade complaints than the previous administration. Even so, Mitt Romney’s website suggests that the Obama administration extends “acquiescence to the one-...

As Arctic Melts, Business As Usual

Will Hickey October 10, 2012
The compulsion to use dangerous substances dominates routines at an addict’s peril. And such is the case with global dependence on burning fossil fuels, as they irreparably ruin the planet, argues Will Hickey. An example is melting Arctic ice, already changing global weather patterns. Still, governments and oil companies are impatient to head to the Arctic and drill for more fossil fuels. As data...

No Ancient Wisdom for China

James McGregor October 8, 2012
Economic growth and steady job creation stabilize societies. Yet China has unleashed a form of capitalist growth that few other nations dare follow, what author James McGregor calls “authoritarian capitalism.” The system achieves rapid economic growth based on tremendous government support for state-owned firms, led by powerful Communist Party leaders. But analysts and reformers in China argue...

A Turning Point for China

Jean-Pierre Lehmann October 1, 2012
China’s progress since the first half of the 20th century is stunning and indeed inspiring. The nation that once rejected globalization, set out to rapidly transform its global reputation, from being pitied for horrific poverty to envied for stable economic growth. The world economy has come to depend on China, notes Jean-Pierre Lehmann, international political economist, in a quick review of the...

Singh Doubles Down on Reform

Ashok Malik September 21, 2012
In a surprising move, India’s coalition government is allowing states to decide if they want foreign direct investment in the retail sector, opening a door for giant stores like Walmart and Tesco. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tried a similar move last year, but pulled back in the face of huge protests. Economic slowdown in India pushed the government to pounce again despite a nationwide protest...

Middle East Protests: A Salafist Trap

Fawaz A. Gerges September 19, 2012
Modern Salafi beliefs emerged from a reform-oriented movement of the late 19th century. The movement eventually became more conservative, evolving into multiple forms. Evidence suggests that a small group of ultraconservative Salafis may have hijacked protests over an obscure, anti-Islamic film and orchestrated attacks on US embassies in the Middle East. “The Salafis are spearheading a drive to...