In The News

An Attack on Turkey's Airport and Its Ambitions

June 29, 2016
Coordinated suicide bombings at the Istanbul Ataturk Airport killed 41 and injured more than 200. Airports, with large crowds and lots of hefty luggage, make easy targets and are symbolic, too, representing globalization and world connections through commerce and tourism. Analysis from Stratfor points out that Turkey confronts multiple threats, including Kurdish militants, though the Islamic...

Globalization’s Angst and the “Brexit” Vote

Farok J. Contractor June 28, 2016
Many voters in the United Kingdom are having second thoughts about leaving the European Union, and not simply because of the plummeting value of currency or stock markets. The referendum’s outcome instantly transformed the UK’s reputation, from being open to trade and diversity to being isolated and insecure. “The message contained in the decision to leave the European Union resonates with a lot...

Why Brexit Freaks Out So Many Scientists

Michael Greshko June 28, 2016
The UK is belatedly tallying up benefits of EU membership including research support. “The decision has dismayed scientists in the United Kingdom and across Europe, as it stands to disrupt scientific funding and the United Kingdom’s stature in the European and international research communities,” writes Michael Greshko for National Geographic. The country will have a transition of two years, and...

Brexit Is a Rejection of Globalization

Larry Elliott June 27, 2016
The less affluent fear political unions and expanding institutions because they lack power and control. With more concentrated power, wealth and influence the have-nots resist globalization, clinging to populist promises and local controls. Britain’s decision to leave the European Union reflects dissatisfaction with an economic model in place for three decades and its distribution of benefits. “...

The UK Will Survive, But Europe Won't

Sławomir Sierakowski June 27, 2016
Voters in Europe and the United States are increasingly lulled by the wild promises of populists who seek change and destruction of global institutions masterminded by elites. “The economy has gone global, but politics is still a national process,” writes Sławomir Sierakowski. “This disconnect has created the sense, among ordinary citizens, that democracy – the people’s will – has been undermined...

Brexit Aftermath: Europe's Zero Hour Presents an Opportunity

Dirk Kurbjuweit June 24, 2016
The European Union is ready to shed a reluctant United Kingdom. The other 27 members could become stronger by moving on and taking advantage of new possibilities. The UK decision does not mean that the EU is a failure or blunder. “The desire for unity developed out of the zero hour following World War II and is a clear rejection of war,” writes Dirk Kurbjuweit. “It is a peace project, and a...

Britain Stuns World With Vote to Leave EU; Cameron Plans to Resign and Markets Fall

Steven Erlanger June 24, 2016
The United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, 52 to 48 percent. A decision in the world’s fifth largest economy that the world’s largest political and economic union is beyond repair has roiled global financial markets. British Prime Minister announced he will resign in October, adding political uncertainty. Voters opposed to immigration and open borders for trade ended any hopes of...