In The News

Emails Reveal How Foundation Donors Got Access to Clinton and Aides at State Department

Rosalind S. Helderman, Spencer S. Hsu and Tom Hamburger August 23, 2016
The Clinton Foundation’s website, transparent about the source of its donations, lists names of major foreign donors including those from Australia, Saudi Arabia and Sweden. The website also insists that “Secretary Clinton was not involved in the work of the Foundation when she was serving as Secretary of State.” A release of an aide’s emails suggest that foundation donors and representatives did...

China Warming to New Cold War?

Kor Kian Beng August 22, 2016
Most Asian nations resist taking sides between China and the United States. The phrase “new Cold War” has been bandied about since July after a ruling by the Arbitral Tribunal at The Hague in favor of the Philippines over claims in the South China and China Sea and an announcement that the United States would deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-missile system in South Korea. “Since...

What Role for Global Governance?

Kemal Derviş August 22, 2016
Increasing interdependence among countries, combined with the ability for individuals or businesses to relocate to countries with few regulations has led to calls for more global governance. Disparate rules, such as when nations balk at reducing reliance on coal, have cross-border implications. Global challenges require global coordination, notes Kemal Derviş, vice president of the Brookings...

We Won't Trigger Article 50 Until After 2017 – and That Means Brexit May Never Happen at All

Denis MacShane August 19, 2016
United Kingdom leaders are in no hurry to trigger action on Article 50 or begin formal negotiations to separate from the European Union. No planning has started. Likewise, other countries will hold back on negotiating new trade deals with the UK until a detailed understanding of separation is reached. “No-one in Europe wants to ‘punish’ Britain but no EU leader dare deny his or her own citizens...

UN Admits Role in Cholera Epidemic in Haiti

Jonathan M. Katz August 19, 2016
Disasters like the earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010 require fast response. But such responses can bring new problems. A cholera outbreak emerged in Haiti later that year. A UN report, prepared by law professor Philip Alston, suggests that the epidemic “would not have broken out but for the actions of the United Nations.” The report focuses on a peacekeeping group of more than 400 members...

Banks Miss Out as Chinese Firms Do DIY Deal Advice

Sumeet Chatterjee and Denny Thomas August 18, 2016
While Chinese tech mergers and acquisitions doubled to more than $60 billion in 2015, fee volume rose by just over half as much. “China's cashed-up and ambitious technology firms are increasingly spurning external advisers on acquisitions and investments in foreign companies,” report Sumeet Chatterjee and Denny Thomas. The technology firms pass over investment bankers who typically handle...

Among Uncertainties After Brexit Vote, Low Growth Is Sure

David Dapice August 18, 2016
British voters elected to leave the European Union, which in turn ushered in new leadership for the United Kingdom. But few are sure of the next step, and British leaders are wise to proceed cautiously before invoking Article 50 of the EU treaty and starting the process of negotiating a separation agreement. If agreement is not reached in two years, membership ends unless both parties approve an...