In The News

Phys.org: Indonesia Vows Action After UK Cruise Ship Ruins Coral Reef

Awa Mulalinda March 16, 2017
The tourism industry relies on environmental wonders and wildlife, but a 4,200-ton British-owned cruise ship carrying birdwatchers struck and damaged a pristine coral reef in Indonesia at low tide. Attempting to remove the vessel caused more damage. “Raja Ampat in eastern Indonesia has long been a top attraction for intrepid travellers and avid divers, home to palm-fringed islands surrounded by...

The Spectator: Theresa May Fights a War on Two Fronts - Any Mistakes Could Be Fatal

James Forsyth March 16, 2017
British voters approved leaving the European Union, by a margin of 52 to 48 percent. More than 55 percent of voters in Northern Ireland and 62 percent in Scotland voted to remain. British Prime Minister Theresa May will trigger Article 50 and the two-year process for EU exit soon. Actual costs and institutions to handle trade, travel, immigration and regulatory details are yet unknown. May must...

Politico: World Prepares to Move on Without US on Trade

Adam Behsudi March 15, 2017
The global supply chain benefits form elasticity. If one country does not supply a product, then buyers quickly search for substitutes. After the United States stepped back from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, countries like New Zealand, Australia and Canada continue to meet to negotiate a deal and fill the vacuum. “New Zealand seizes the opportunity to send more of its milk and cheese to China,”...

The Diplomat: After Impeachment Verdict, Korea’s "Fresh Start" On Reform Begins Again

Anthony Fensom March 14, 2017
South Korea’s president was removed from office, and so far the country’s economy and markets are left unfazed. South Korea’s first female president had promised strong economic growth, with a rise in per-capita income, as well as increased tax breaks to encourage investment. Instead, “Exports shrank for two straight years through 2016 and may be further damaged by deteriorating relations with...

Reuters: EU Headscarf Ban Ruling Sparks Faith Group Backlash

Alastair Macdonald March 14, 2017
Companies have great control over the appearance of their employees, and the EU’s Court of Justice has ruled that employers can ban religious and political symbols if “in pursuit of legitimate business interests” and if “a broad dress code for all customer-facing staff” is applied “to project an image of political and religious neutrality,” reports Alastair Macdonald for Reuters. The court...

Spiegel Online: Netherlands Dispute Gives Turkey Perfect Election Fodder

Maximilian Popp March 13, 2017
Politicians find it useful to stir up nationalism and anger inside their own country and outside prior to elections. “Turkish voters are slated to cast ballots on April 16 on the introduction of a presidential system that would transfer virtually all power in the country to the president,” explains Maximilian Popp. “But Erdogan has had a tough time persuading voters of the need for these reforms...

Caixin: China Posts First Trade Deficit in Three Years

Fran Wang and Pan Che March 13, 2017
Political rhetoric blasting global trade from the United States and other countries may slow economic growth in the world’s second largest economy. “China recorded its first trade deficit in three years last month as imports surged on soaring commodity prices while exports declined, likely adding uncertainty to the country’s growth prospects,” reports a team from Caixin. “The surprisingly robust...