In The News

Why Obama Shouldn't Cave on Trade

Roger Bybee September 11, 2008
The Democratic Party in the United States is divided over the benefits of free trade, and support has shriveled in recent years even among working-class Republicans. While many pundits and politicians insist that open trade enriches all, other analysts suggest that inserting conditions into free-trade agreements could protect human rights and the environment as well as stem rising resentment that...

Banking on Neo-Confician Capitalism

Ho Kwon Ping September 5, 2008
Low interest rates and easy loan terms encouraged people and businesses around the globe to live beyond their means. Those loans were based on assets that have since plummeted in value, explains Ho Kwon Ping, chairman of the board of trustees for Singapore Management University. Investment banking and speculation create instant winners and losers, increasing income inequality. He explains that “...

Is America Losing At Globalization?

Daniel Gross September 4, 2008
Countries compete, and in the modern era, economics, education and innovation matter no less than military might. With a strong education program and many life-changing inventions, the US mastered globalization throughout the 20th century. But complacency set in, respect for science and education fell, and the growth that comes from innovation has waned. Other countries have caught up and even...

US and Global Economies Slipping in Unison

Peter S. Goodman August 28, 2008
Reckless real-estate lending and a credit crisis in the US have led its consumers to purchase fewer foods in the global marketplace, which in turn slows foreign investment within US borders, reports Peter Goodman for the New York Times. “Overseas demand for American goods and services was supposed to continue compensating for waning demand in the States,” Goodman writes, reporting on the...

Nobel Laureates Say Globalization's Winners Should Aid Poor

Joellen Perry August 27, 2008
Some citizens accrue more benefits from open and free markets than other citizens, and growing income inequality has become a major issue in elections around the globe. Wealth among nations is evening out. Yet within some nations and communities, those that don’t use taxes or government programs to guarantee widespread distribution of benefits and opportunity, the lopsided effects of trade and...

The India-China Paradigm Is Passé

Kanika Datta August 25, 2008
The days of business nationalism are long over, including for those based in China and India, suggests Kanika Datta, writing for the Business Standard. Chinese and India businesses seek mergers and acquisitions with foreign firms to expand and deliver products and services quickly, cost-effectively and efficiently to both domestic and new markets. At times, firms venture into new territory to...

The Oil Price: Nothing to Smile About

August 12, 2008
The rising price of oil throughout summer 2008 resulted in higher prices for most other products, especially food. With a dip in the price of oil, some analysts expect central banks to hold off from lifting interest rates, maintaining less expensive credit and money for business. But that cheap credit can lead to risky speculation and bubbles, some economists argue. Current interest “rates now...