Analyses
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Critical analysis on what the true requirements for being a superpower are, and how China stands in this regard. Can a country that is also not amongst the richest in the world and not at the economic and technological frontier be a superpower? That is one of the most common questions raised against the central assertion in my recent book that China’s economic dominance is more imminent, broader in scope and greater in magnitude than is currently imagined. My projections suggest that by 2030, China will not be poor; indeed, its per capita GDP (in PPP terms) will be more than half that of the United States, and certainly greater than the average per capita GDP in the world. China...
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In spite of the G20’s recent initiatives, global financial authorities remain imbalanced to the detriment of emerging economies that represent a rapidly increasing share of the global financial system. It would be in incumbent Western countries’ own interest to make these institutions more globally representative. The first G20 summits in 2008 and 2009 were dedicated to overhauling global financial regulation, empowering international financial authorities, and combating the economic downturn. Since then, progress has been uneven and priorities have shifted. The next summit in Cannes is set to be dominated by discussion of the policy chaos in Europe; financial regulatory matters...
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The October 31 attacks in Afghanistan are further complicating matters for US and NATO troops in the region and underlining the question of how best to leave Afghanistan. This year's Halloween (Oct 31) has been horrific for the US and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) forces. The deadly suicide car bomb attack on an armor-plated US military bus in Kabul on Saturday (October 29) that killed 13 American and four Afghan nationals is the biggest single loss of life for the US since October 2001. This audacious attack could be ominous for a war-weary Obama administration that is positioning itself for re-election to the White House. The last such attack in Kabul occurred on May 18...
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French business / regulation / small business / SME / Europe / Focus Article / Business & Entrepreneurship2010 report on state of French small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
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By Liu Shuguang China is upgrading more coastal provinces to be national-level marine economic development zones. What impact will Beijing’s expanded marine economic strategy have on the neighbouring countries? On 20 July 2011, the State Council -- China’s central government -- approved Guangdong’s plan to build a national-level marine economic development zone. This is the third plan approved so far this year, following those for Shandong and Zhejiang earlier. This trend is a clear indication of China’s marine economic strategies as part of its 12th Five-Year Plan. With the increasing competition for marine spaces and shipping lanes, there is bound to be some...
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By Amjad SaleemA commentary on the contributions of Fred Shuttlesworth to the civil rights movement and beyond. Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth died as he had lived, fighting strongly yet always in the shadows. His death on October 5, 2011 was not only overshadowed by the passing of another transformational American icon, Apple founder Steve Jobs, but was also later overshadowed by the celebration of the unveiling of the Martin Luther King Memorial in Washington on October 16, a scene that is reminiscent of his confrontations with the charismatic civil rights leader.But those who knew Reverend Shuttlesworth say he was not out for recognition, and preferred to play the part of courageous warrior for the civil...
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An overview of the controversial Hokou System. The rise of China has rightfully attracted a great amount of attention from around the world. In addition to the pressing concerns over the implications of China’s epic empowerment, a highly meaningful question is why the Chinese economy has developed so well (nearly double-digit annual growth rate) for so long (nearly three decades and counting). Just like in the old saying “success has many parents,” the rapid ascent of the Chinese economy has allowed many to claim credits justifiably or unjustifiably. The profound question of whether other countries can duplicate the Chinese story makes a good understanding of the...
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By Ansgar KieneAnalysis of Africa's consumption of energy and the importance of developing renewable energy capacities for the continent. Access to energy is one of the cornerstones for social and economic development and poverty alleviation. In the rural areas of some African countries, the share of people with access to modern energy services is as low as 1 percent. In order to reach these poor rural areas, sustainable concepts for energy services need to be developed. By now, many renewable energy technologies have reached competitive levels with conventional energy sources; they provide social stability through local empowerment and public participation, and protect the environment. Renewable...
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This article explores the status of NATO-Russia relations in particular since the NATO Summit that took place in Lisbon in November of 2010. It is divided into three parts. The first part summarized the history of NATO-Russia relations since the fall of Communism and the launching of the Partnership for Peace program in 1994. The second part focused on the Theatre Missile Defense and other common initiatives. The third part examines what has been Russia's position towards the NATO intervention in Libya and what the future perspectives of collaboration are. PART 3 of 3 NATO Intervention in Libya Russia's posture regarding the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation...