In The News

Americans Rank Last in Problem-Solving With Technology

Douglas Belkin March 11, 2016
In four decades, the United States went from having the most educated workforce in the world to struggling with math. In the midst of a US presidential campaign, voters express anxiety about jobs, competition, trade and immigration. Many demand local control over schools while rejecting a common curriculum. US skills are flagging, suggests a report that ranks the country’s workers as last for “...

Closure of Balkan Route Divides Europe

March 11, 2016
Decisions by Macedonia, Slovenia, Serbia and Croatia to close borders to refugees fleeing war in Syria and elsewhere in the Middle East are dividing the European Union, suggests an article from Deutsche Welle. Closing borders does not resolve the problem, contends German Chancellor Angela Merkel who favors organized and united management of the refugee crisis and suggests a divided response...

Whisper It Softly: Muslims Are Part of Europe's Future

Shada Islam March 10, 2016
Violent conflict in the Middle East is driving hundreds of thousands of refugees toward Europe – a crisis that is straining resources, explains Shada Islam, policy director of Friends of Europe based in Brussels. The continent is divided over welcoming the refugees and settling them in different countries, with some politicians stoking fear and warning about a clash of cultures. “Muslims, also,...

Leaked IS Documents Identify Thousands of Jihadis

Stuart Ramsay March 10, 2016
A report, not yet been confirmed by authorities, suggests that a disgruntled Islamic State member confiscated a memory stick from the terrorist group’s internal security chief. The stick is said to contain thousands of documents including registration forms for recruits including names, addresses, family contacts, anticipated level of obedience and readiness for suicide missions. “A lot of the...

UN, Rights Groups Say EU-Turkey Migrant Deal May Be Illegal

Stephanie Nebehay and Gabriela Baczynska March 9, 2016
European nations are trying to stop the flow of refugees fleeing conflict in the Middle East with tight border controls, and some leaders hope to return migrants who arrive by boats. A Turkish proposal to accept the return of some migrants in exchange for funding and visa-free travel for Turks could be illegal, warns the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. International law would require...

The End of Globalization?

Daniel Gros March 9, 2016
Global trade, exports from China and commodity prices are in decline – and these trends are interconnected, argues Daniel Gros for Project Syndicate. Some analysts contend that globalization is dead, and Gros offers a reminder that globalization is not limited to trade: “Globalization entails many other features, including the surge in cross-border financial transactions and tourism, data...

States of Disorder

Philip Bobbitt March 8, 2016
In the early part of the 21st century, organizations like the G8, the European Union and NATO welcomed new members, and then the global economic crisis of 2007-2008 stalled the quest for increasing regional and global order. Many countries have taken a nationalistic turn, with governments cracking down on critics, and that may encourage opposition. Philosopher John Gray has pointed out that...