The venerable BBC World Service has a daily show called 'World Have Your Say,' where listeners and panelists from around the world call in to discuss a topical issue in global affairs. It streams live at 1800 GMT daily on the BBC World Service (here), and has its own blog where you can also post comments live on the air (here). You can also download each episode on iTunes (presumably the next day). Though I suspect it might be harder in China...
Today's topic was 'Google, China and the nature of free information.' I called in, as I have occasionally done in the past, and for the first time: I made it on air!
This was exciting. My two points were classic IPE, even if they were delivered in a very nervous and slightly convoluted manner: 1) what appears to be a commercial dispute is part of a broader escalation in tensions between China and the West, as the West realizes that its 30-year assumption that China's economic integration would be followed by political convergence with Western and democratic values is false, and 2) China risks setting a dangerous precedent that undermines the foreign investment critical to their economic development and ascent up the value-added chain.
If you ever wanted to put a voice to the words on these fine pages, you now can. Check it out!
UPDATE: Here's the podcast, I'm at the 24th minute mark.
Showing posts with label international affairs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label international affairs. Show all posts
Monday, 25 January 2010
Thursday, 7 January 2010
Thursday Readables
- Dispatches from countries that do not exist. "I had my leg propped up on a dark wooden desk and was wincing at the sting of a vigorous alcohol-swabbing by the health minister himself. I was not accustomed to such personalized government service. Fake countries have to try harder, I thought." Outstanding.
- Remember Calvinball? Meet something similar, but more sinister: Terrorball. This game has only two rules: (1) the game continues until there are no terrorists left, and (2) if the terrorists manage to kill, injure or seriously frighten anyone, they win.
- Finally, the chart of the day: the accuracy of economic forecasts from the past decade (or not). Unfortunately, this little graph doesn't tell you who'se forecasts are being plotted, what the forecast time-periods were, or even what the Y-axis represents (GDP, presumably) - so its credibility is suspect. Nevertheless, it vizualizes an important point about market forecasters (or forecasters of almost any kind): they're usually wrong. Forecasts huddle around the median, reality does not.
So the next time a professional economist, government official or IPE blogger offers you a specific forecast - do yourself a favour and ignore them. (...then go read this book!)
Friday, 18 December 2009
Friday finale: Failure in Copenhagen
Despite reaching a 'meaningful' agreement late this evening, world leaders have failed to fulfill their ambitions to reach a comprehensive political framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to the FT.
Listening to Barack Obama's press conference, it is clear that he is leaving Copenhagen with little optimism. A legally-binding international agreement, with substantial cuts in emissions pledged, and mechanisms in place to formally verify compliance, is a long way off.
Have a nice weekend.
Listening to Barack Obama's press conference, it is clear that he is leaving Copenhagen with little optimism. A legally-binding international agreement, with substantial cuts in emissions pledged, and mechanisms in place to formally verify compliance, is a long way off.
Have a nice weekend.
Sunday, 22 November 2009
The Wonga Coup Revisited
As I catch up on some reading this weekend, a little story out of a tiny west African nation has caught my attention again.
Earlier this month, Simon Mann, an 'Eton-educated former SAS officer' and, as of late, British mercenary, had his 34 year sentence pardoned in Equatorial Guinea. Mann was arrested en Zimbabwe in 2004 along with a shady band of mercenaries in route to Equatorial Guinea. After three years in a Zimbabwe prison, he was extradited to the west African nation and convicted in 2008 of attempting to overthrow the government of President Teodoro Obiang. Why Equatorial Guinea? Because there be oil in them waters.
I won't get into the details of the plot, because its Sunday and I have a very good account to recommend, but lets just say it involves a curious cast of characters, including the son of a former British prime minister, the governments of Spain and South Africa, a Lebanese financier, battle-hardened mercenaries and intelligence agencies from London to Washington. What makes the story even more remarkable is that the coup's development was an open secret in Europe and America, so much so that conference panels would discuss what would happen 'IF' Obiang fell.
The Wonga Coup is a fascinating story full of international intrigue and I highly recommend Adam Roberts' account in The Wonga Coup. You can read it on Google books here, but I suggest buying it. Stay tuned: Mann has all but guaranteed this story isn't over.
Earlier this month, Simon Mann, an 'Eton-educated former SAS officer' and, as of late, British mercenary, had his 34 year sentence pardoned in Equatorial Guinea. Mann was arrested en Zimbabwe in 2004 along with a shady band of mercenaries in route to Equatorial Guinea. After three years in a Zimbabwe prison, he was extradited to the west African nation and convicted in 2008 of attempting to overthrow the government of President Teodoro Obiang. Why Equatorial Guinea? Because there be oil in them waters.
I won't get into the details of the plot, because its Sunday and I have a very good account to recommend, but lets just say it involves a curious cast of characters, including the son of a former British prime minister, the governments of Spain and South Africa, a Lebanese financier, battle-hardened mercenaries and intelligence agencies from London to Washington. What makes the story even more remarkable is that the coup's development was an open secret in Europe and America, so much so that conference panels would discuss what would happen 'IF' Obiang fell.
The Wonga Coup is a fascinating story full of international intrigue and I highly recommend Adam Roberts' account in The Wonga Coup. You can read it on Google books here, but I suggest buying it. Stay tuned: Mann has all but guaranteed this story isn't over.
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Europe Decides
Europe has decided who will staff the two most powerful positions to come out of the Lisbon Treaty: Belgian PM Herman van Rompuy is the first permanent President of the European Council, and the EU Trade Commissioner, Britain's Baroness Catherine Ashton, is the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security.
A few brief thoughts:
-As expected, the centre-right got the presidency while the centre-left filled the high representative position. I always found this bargain a bit odd, seeing that the centre-right is far more popular (based upon the last elections), and the high representative is judged by most to be the more powerful/globally significant position.
-van Rompuy's position on Turkey (anti-EU accession) no doubt endeared him to both Merkel and Sarkozy, whose consensus all but guaranteed his appointment. Consider Turkish accession dead for now. Also, his reputation as a consensus builder fits the technocratic preference Europe has long held for its bureaucrats.
-The low international profile of both candidates has disappointed many and furthered concerns that the new EU positions will fail to 'stop traffic' in Washington or Beijing. But I suspect this was a calculation of both Merkel and Sarkozy. Neither wanted a European head with more clout or name-recognition than they (this undoubtedly played a role in Tony Blair's failed candidacy for the presidency). van Rompuy's press conference remarks surely pleased France and Germany when he said he would remain 'discreet', as he had 'throughout his political career.'
-Baroness Ashton's notable lack of international experience makes her a curious choice. In the post-meeting press conference, she said she would put forth a 'quite diplomacy.' I would argue Europe needs a more robust global presence.
-It will be perhaps a year before we can fully understand the significance and power of the new positions, but it seems certain that national leaders (Sarkozy, Merkel, Brown/Cameron) will continue to wield the most power in Europe and drive its agenda, both home and abroad.
A few brief thoughts:
-As expected, the centre-right got the presidency while the centre-left filled the high representative position. I always found this bargain a bit odd, seeing that the centre-right is far more popular (based upon the last elections), and the high representative is judged by most to be the more powerful/globally significant position.
-van Rompuy's position on Turkey (anti-EU accession) no doubt endeared him to both Merkel and Sarkozy, whose consensus all but guaranteed his appointment. Consider Turkish accession dead for now. Also, his reputation as a consensus builder fits the technocratic preference Europe has long held for its bureaucrats.
-The low international profile of both candidates has disappointed many and furthered concerns that the new EU positions will fail to 'stop traffic' in Washington or Beijing. But I suspect this was a calculation of both Merkel and Sarkozy. Neither wanted a European head with more clout or name-recognition than they (this undoubtedly played a role in Tony Blair's failed candidacy for the presidency). van Rompuy's press conference remarks surely pleased France and Germany when he said he would remain 'discreet', as he had 'throughout his political career.'
-Baroness Ashton's notable lack of international experience makes her a curious choice. In the post-meeting press conference, she said she would put forth a 'quite diplomacy.' I would argue Europe needs a more robust global presence.
-It will be perhaps a year before we can fully understand the significance and power of the new positions, but it seems certain that national leaders (Sarkozy, Merkel, Brown/Cameron) will continue to wield the most power in Europe and drive its agenda, both home and abroad.
A big day for Europe
European leaders are gathering in Brussels to appoint their first permanent president and foreign affairs high representative under the Lisbon Treaty.
Belgian PM Herman van Rompuy is the favorite for the presidency, and the presumed German preference. A German-Franco consensus would all but decide the post.
The foreign affairs post is wide open, after British foreign minister David Miliband, the consensus favorite, ruled himself out.
Updates and implications to come...
Belgian PM Herman van Rompuy is the favorite for the presidency, and the presumed German preference. A German-Franco consensus would all but decide the post.
The foreign affairs post is wide open, after British foreign minister David Miliband, the consensus favorite, ruled himself out.
Updates and implications to come...
Monday, 2 November 2009
Quick hits and pink picks: FX-heavy
-Should the IMF embrace Brazil's imposition of (selective) capital controls? These two think so. Also, FT Alphaville had a good analysis of the decision (I realize we are a bit late on this.)
-Nouriel Roubini takes aim at the 'mother of all carry-trades.'
-Is the democratization of FX trading a good thing? Or is it really just another hustle?
-Nouriel Roubini takes aim at the 'mother of all carry-trades.'
-Is the democratization of FX trading a good thing? Or is it really just another hustle?
-Will a weak dollar hamper Europe's recovery?
-Speaking of Europe, France had quite an expensive EU presidency last year.
-Is this Obama's 'Vietnam moment?'
-Finally, if Russia considered NATO exercises in its 'near-abroad' hostile, how should NATO interpret the simulated nuking of Poland?
-Speaking of Europe, France had quite an expensive EU presidency last year.
-Is this Obama's 'Vietnam moment?'
-Finally, if Russia considered NATO exercises in its 'near-abroad' hostile, how should NATO interpret the simulated nuking of Poland?
Monday, 31 August 2009
Quick hits and pink picks: beyond the headlines
-The 'Tobin tax' is suddenly back en vogue; the FT offers a brief introduction.
-The NYT establishes a connection between the growth of independent media and increasingly open religious debate in Egypt.
-The Economix blog at the NYT asks whether congressional earmarks for public universities, surprisingly the largest recipients of so-called 'government waste', should be considered 'pork'.
-FP Passport offers an unconventional perspective on the al-Megrahi deal, and makes a convincing argument in favor of realpolitik. This short piece is blogging at its best: cutting through the noise to reveal the underlying complexity of international relations.
-The NYT establishes a connection between the growth of independent media and increasingly open religious debate in Egypt.
-The Economix blog at the NYT asks whether congressional earmarks for public universities, surprisingly the largest recipients of so-called 'government waste', should be considered 'pork'.
-FP Passport offers an unconventional perspective on the al-Megrahi deal, and makes a convincing argument in favor of realpolitik. This short piece is blogging at its best: cutting through the noise to reveal the underlying complexity of international relations.
Thursday, 4 June 2009
Brussels movers and shakers
The FT identifies 30 'Eurostars' who wield and influence power in Brussels.
Sunday, 17 May 2009
Quote of the Day: China as saviour
In a Sunday interview with The Guardian, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband acknowledges China's unspoken assumption of great power status this past year, pointing to the G20 London meeting as a defining moment in China's rise. He goes on to offer the following 'joke':
'After 1989, capitalism saved China. After 2009, China saved capitalism.'
'After 1989, capitalism saved China. After 2009, China saved capitalism.'
Saturday, 7 February 2009
That Was The Week That Was
Politique
-US Vice President Joe Biden outlined the foreign policy vision of the young Obama administration in a speech at Munich. He called for a "reset" of US-Russian relations, offered Iran "meaningful incentives" to abandon its nuclear program, and called on America's allies (i.e. Europe/NATO) to shoulder a greater burden in security (Afghanistan, Guantanamo detainees). The speech comes days after Kyrgyzstan, under Kremlin pressure, announced it would close an American military base of great strategic importance. Russia embraced the "reset" concept.
-The US Senate reached a tentative deal on a $827 trillion stimulus package. After fierce political debate that all but shattered Obama's "post-partisan age", the Democrats appear to have picked off three Republican votes by cutting direct aid to states and localities and increasing the percentage of tax incentives in the bill (the bill cuts the size of the so-called 'middle-class tax cut' while increasing incentives to purchase homes and cars). Congress must now reconcile the House and Senate bills before a final package can be sent to Obama's desk.
-Morgan Tsvangirai returned to Zimbabwe to form a coalition government with Robert Mugabe. The president will sign a constitutional amendment allowing Tsvangirai to become prime minister, while a judge threw out treason charges against an important MDC figure.
-Abdul Qadeer Kahn, father of Pakistan's nuclear bomb and prolific nuclear proliferator, was freed from house arrest after 5 years. France and the US immediately criticized the move.
Economia
-The US unemployment rate hit 7.6% and GDP plummeted 3.6% in Q4 2008. According to The Economist, the fall would have been over 5% if not for a sharp rise in inventories. Elsewhere, German industrial output fell by a record 4.6% in December.
-The BoE cut rates to 1%, while the ECB held steady once again.
-Obama imposed a cap on executive compensation at companies receiving "exceptional assistance" from the US government. Politics 101: if you want to appeal to public anger, but have little intention of widely enforcing a rule, insert a vague definition like "exceptional assistance."
-The rouble floor announced by the Russian central bank was tested this week; traders are betting the floor was set too high; oil price and capital flows volatility will continue to weigh on the currency.
The Rest
-In the Prem, Torres fires Liverpool top of the table (for now), Chelsea are in free fall (bye bye Big Phil?), and Arsenal just suck. In Italy, Milan's initial formal offer for Becks was rejected outright by LA Galaxy.
-French street artist JR brought his "28 millimetres: Women" project to Kibera, Kenya. The artist imposes facial images on homes and buildings, providing an identity and voice to the women of one of Africa's largest slums.
-Over 84 people have been killed in Australia's deadliest fire disaster. The state of Victoria has been ravaged by the bushfires, fueled by a prolonged drought and soaring temperatures.
-Scientists have identified a key protein in the process by which the H5N1 virus replicates itself. It is hoped that the discovery will lead to more effective drugs to combat the virus. Egypt confirmed its second human case this year, while both Hong Kong and Vietnam announced new cases in birds.
-US Vice President Joe Biden outlined the foreign policy vision of the young Obama administration in a speech at Munich. He called for a "reset" of US-Russian relations, offered Iran "meaningful incentives" to abandon its nuclear program, and called on America's allies (i.e. Europe/NATO) to shoulder a greater burden in security (Afghanistan, Guantanamo detainees). The speech comes days after Kyrgyzstan, under Kremlin pressure, announced it would close an American military base of great strategic importance. Russia embraced the "reset" concept.
-The US Senate reached a tentative deal on a $827 trillion stimulus package. After fierce political debate that all but shattered Obama's "post-partisan age", the Democrats appear to have picked off three Republican votes by cutting direct aid to states and localities and increasing the percentage of tax incentives in the bill (the bill cuts the size of the so-called 'middle-class tax cut' while increasing incentives to purchase homes and cars). Congress must now reconcile the House and Senate bills before a final package can be sent to Obama's desk.
-Morgan Tsvangirai returned to Zimbabwe to form a coalition government with Robert Mugabe. The president will sign a constitutional amendment allowing Tsvangirai to become prime minister, while a judge threw out treason charges against an important MDC figure.
-Abdul Qadeer Kahn, father of Pakistan's nuclear bomb and prolific nuclear proliferator, was freed from house arrest after 5 years. France and the US immediately criticized the move.
Economia
-The US unemployment rate hit 7.6% and GDP plummeted 3.6% in Q4 2008. According to The Economist, the fall would have been over 5% if not for a sharp rise in inventories. Elsewhere, German industrial output fell by a record 4.6% in December.
-The BoE cut rates to 1%, while the ECB held steady once again.
-Obama imposed a cap on executive compensation at companies receiving "exceptional assistance" from the US government. Politics 101: if you want to appeal to public anger, but have little intention of widely enforcing a rule, insert a vague definition like "exceptional assistance."
-The rouble floor announced by the Russian central bank was tested this week; traders are betting the floor was set too high; oil price and capital flows volatility will continue to weigh on the currency.
The Rest
-In the Prem, Torres fires Liverpool top of the table (for now), Chelsea are in free fall (bye bye Big Phil?), and Arsenal just suck. In Italy, Milan's initial formal offer for Becks was rejected outright by LA Galaxy.
-French street artist JR brought his "28 millimetres: Women" project to Kibera, Kenya. The artist imposes facial images on homes and buildings, providing an identity and voice to the women of one of Africa's largest slums.
-Over 84 people have been killed in Australia's deadliest fire disaster. The state of Victoria has been ravaged by the bushfires, fueled by a prolonged drought and soaring temperatures.
-Scientists have identified a key protein in the process by which the H5N1 virus replicates itself. It is hoped that the discovery will lead to more effective drugs to combat the virus. Egypt confirmed its second human case this year, while both Hong Kong and Vietnam announced new cases in birds.
Friday, 2 January 2009
What Barack Obama did, and still did not, say today
The seventh day of Israel's air offensive on Hamas and infrastructure in Gaza has passed, and still no word from Barack Obama. A transition spokesperson, in response to growing calls for Obama to speak up, released a statement that recycles the President-elect's typical response to issues he wants to avoid, "President-elect Obama is closely monitoring global events, including the situation in Gaza, but there is one president at a time."
This Boilerplate statement is a cop-out, and the press needs to start calling Obama on his selective respect for Bush's non-existent presidential authority. If there is only one president at a time, why is Obama heading to Capitol Hill on Monday to negotiate with lawmakers on his economic agenda? Last I checked, his inauguration is not until the 20th.
I am on Obama's case because Gaza affects us all, and could matter as much to his presidency as his stimulus plan. The Israeli/Palestinian conflict is central to explaining global terrorism and middle east instability. As Bush quickly learned (remember his 2000 campaign? international disengagement, education, compassionate conservatism), international events often occupy presidencies, and if Obama is serious about tackling international terrorism, the peace process, or the potential for wider instability in the middle east, it would serve him well to start engaging the Israeli/Palestinian conflict now.
Let me be clear that I am not calling for Obama to speak out against Israel's action (silence is often tacit approval in politics). I do not advocate a particular side in this conflict; I advocate a solution. And I do not pretend to know what that would be. I simply know that the status quo hasn't solved anything.
This Boilerplate statement is a cop-out, and the press needs to start calling Obama on his selective respect for Bush's non-existent presidential authority. If there is only one president at a time, why is Obama heading to Capitol Hill on Monday to negotiate with lawmakers on his economic agenda? Last I checked, his inauguration is not until the 20th.
I am on Obama's case because Gaza affects us all, and could matter as much to his presidency as his stimulus plan. The Israeli/Palestinian conflict is central to explaining global terrorism and middle east instability. As Bush quickly learned (remember his 2000 campaign? international disengagement, education, compassionate conservatism), international events often occupy presidencies, and if Obama is serious about tackling international terrorism, the peace process, or the potential for wider instability in the middle east, it would serve him well to start engaging the Israeli/Palestinian conflict now.
Let me be clear that I am not calling for Obama to speak out against Israel's action (silence is often tacit approval in politics). I do not advocate a particular side in this conflict; I advocate a solution. And I do not pretend to know what that would be. I simply know that the status quo hasn't solved anything.
I do, however, believe that a cessation of hostilities is preferable to a prolonged Israeli ground invasion, and would make a new truce agreement more likely. Toppling a democratically elected government (no matter how despicable Hamas is, its political wing was legitimately and democratically elected in a US sponsored election) and the destruction of Gaza's infrastructure is not in Israeli, or US, interests. The backlash in Palestine and the Muslim world would be immense, and likely result in a third intifada. Problem is, the only party with the leverage to push the parties toward a truce, the US, remains on the sideline.
Rice's press conference today was disappointing (but unsurprising), echoing the administration's stance on the 2006 war in Lebanon. To borrow her words, a "durable and sustainable" cease-fire is achieved one of two ways: a total defeat of one side (which, given the structure of Hamas and Israel's experience in Lebanon, policymakers shouldn't count on), or an agreement that appeals to the interests of both (no matter how disproportionate). It is difficult to envision Israel achieving either of these two outcomes with a full invasion of Gaza, which is exactly what the Bush administration is supporting (at least publicly). This is why Obama should intervene. Not officially, rather by speaking on the subject and setting out his general intentions for the peace process. Even in abstract, an indication of Obama's middle east policy would temper Israeli actions. Admittedly, a ground operation looks unavoidable at this point. But, Obama can limit the operation's duration and damage to civilians and public infrastructure.
This might be critical to providing the conditions under which a truce or eventual peace agreement can be negotiated. The Israeli leadership will listen; they serve no interest by crossing the President-elect. Palestinians will listen too; not Hamas, but a civilian population that must feel like the world has left them behind. If alternatives to Hamas begin to look "durable and sustainable", the sentiment and support that swept Hamas into power will begin to fade. And that might just be the key to ultimately ending rocket attacks on Israel. It would also help boost Fatah, who could fill the vacuum, and are more prepared to negotiate with Israel. If anyone should appreciate the power of "hope", Obama should. Furthermore, if Israel and the US seek to build up Fatah as a partner for peace, actions that bolster the credibility and appeal of Hamas should be avoided. Unfortunately, a prolonged ground war in Gaza will do just that.
Obama has an opportunity to lay the groundwork for the next 4 years of middle east policy. He can't be expected to prevent tomorrow's events in Gaza, but he can affect their duration and damage. US leadership has been, and will be, key to a lasting peace agreement. Obama's silence is helping no one, and only complicates his future efforts towards that end.
Saturday, 22 November 2008
That Was The Week That Was
While IPE Journal got a makeover...
Politique
-The US National Intelligence Council's 2025 project releases Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World. The report announces the end of the "unipolar moment", and predicts declining American influence and power. While the US will remain the preeminent power, the rise of the BRICs will reintroduce a multipolar world. Other defining trends: increasing competition for scarce resources, greater West-East transfer of wealth, and broader Middle East destabilization.
-World trade is grappling with a tricky little pirate problem, as Saudi joins a NATO anti-piracy fleet and calls for a global response to this "terrorism".
-The IAEA confirms speculation that the Syrian structure bombed by Israel in 2007 contained nuclear material. Syria swiftly calls for end to probe.
-Obama announces plans to create 2.5 million jobs through massive fiscal stimulus, government projects. His cabinet takes shape: Geithner for Treasury, Clinton at State (the Guardian broke her acceptance plans, beating US media to story), and reported negotiations for Gates to remain at Defense.
Economia
-Citi executives huddle in New York with government officials to discuss the bank's survival. The Dow Jones Industrial average closed below 8,000 this week, the first time since March 2003.
-Japan falls into recession, ending longest postwar expansion.
-Pakistan formally requests $7.6bn IMF standby loan, agrees to economic reforms including fiscal deficit reduction.
The Rest
-Scientists now believe that massive glaciers may lie beneath the rocky Martian surface, and humanity is step closer to confirming life beyond Earth.
-Arsenal drop Gallas, ManU lose Berbatov for big Villa clash, and Liverpool/Chelsea stay top of Prem
-Vanity Fair releases its International Best Dressed List. This year's list includes Michelle Obama, Kate Middleton, and Kanye West. West drops a full preview of new album, 808s and Heartbreak.
Politique
-The US National Intelligence Council's 2025 project releases Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World. The report announces the end of the "unipolar moment", and predicts declining American influence and power. While the US will remain the preeminent power, the rise of the BRICs will reintroduce a multipolar world. Other defining trends: increasing competition for scarce resources, greater West-East transfer of wealth, and broader Middle East destabilization.
-World trade is grappling with a tricky little pirate problem, as Saudi joins a NATO anti-piracy fleet and calls for a global response to this "terrorism".
-The IAEA confirms speculation that the Syrian structure bombed by Israel in 2007 contained nuclear material. Syria swiftly calls for end to probe.
-Obama announces plans to create 2.5 million jobs through massive fiscal stimulus, government projects. His cabinet takes shape: Geithner for Treasury, Clinton at State (the Guardian broke her acceptance plans, beating US media to story), and reported negotiations for Gates to remain at Defense.
Economia
-Citi executives huddle in New York with government officials to discuss the bank's survival. The Dow Jones Industrial average closed below 8,000 this week, the first time since March 2003.
-Japan falls into recession, ending longest postwar expansion.
-Pakistan formally requests $7.6bn IMF standby loan, agrees to economic reforms including fiscal deficit reduction.
The Rest
-Scientists now believe that massive glaciers may lie beneath the rocky Martian surface, and humanity is step closer to confirming life beyond Earth.
-Arsenal drop Gallas, ManU lose Berbatov for big Villa clash, and Liverpool/Chelsea stay top of Prem
-Vanity Fair releases its International Best Dressed List. This year's list includes Michelle Obama, Kate Middleton, and Kanye West. West drops a full preview of new album, 808s and Heartbreak.
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Countries For Sale: A Capital Solution for Stubborn Problems
The Economist has a fanciful, tongue-in-cheek editorial on the possibility of solving some of the world's troubling dilemmas by purchasing bits of other countries. Spurned on by the recent proposal by the Maldivian president to buy a new homeland for his drowning nation - rising sea levels threaten the tiny island nation with extinction - the Economist suggests using this approach elsewhere:
When I was a teenager, I naively toyed with the idea of a land-swap to address some sticky international issues (the citizens of N. Ireland might actually enjoy the weather along the West Bank, after all), but the market solution seems a better approach.
The Israelis, for instance, could put an end to a hundred years of futile hostilities by buying somewhere for the Palestinians. If they clubbed together, they could get somewhere really nice—Florida, maybe. China could stop making aggressive gestures towards Taiwan and buy Malaysia instead. It’s already run by
Chinese, so they’d hardly notice the difference.
When I was a teenager, I naively toyed with the idea of a land-swap to address some sticky international issues (the citizens of N. Ireland might actually enjoy the weather along the West Bank, after all), but the market solution seems a better approach.
Monday, 10 November 2008
Brand Recognition- Where does your country rank?
FutureBrand and PR firm Weber Shandwick have released their annual country branding index. The rankings are drawn from a survey of 2,700 global travelers, and incorporates factors such as ease of business, culture and the arts, and advertising campaigns in measuring the top countries by brand recognition. Australia tops the overall list for the third consecutive year, followed by Canada and the US. Rising stars include China, the UAE, and Croatia.
Countries differentiate themselves through systems of political representation, economic opportunity, and social protection. But they distinguish themselves by reputation and image. Since la cocarde tricolore, "branding" has been central to modern national identity.
Obama's election has been heralded as a "re-branding" of the US. So much of this election's commentary focused on the opportunity American's faced to improve their image abroad, and many outside the US projected their best impressions of the country onto candidate Obama.
Surely, many of his policies will differentiate him from his predecessor. His camp is already telegraphing an immediate use of his executive authority to reverse Bush's more controversial (or just plain conservative- lets not put Obama above partisanship) executive orders. His stance on Iraq, Guantanamo, and climate change endeared him to an international audience disillusioned by the Bush presidency.
But Obama's youth, oratorical skills, color, and image are magnetic. Brand Obama has become the most powerful (positive) American political image since "Camelot", and accounts for much of the support his candidacy gained around the world. Think "change". Or, "yes we can". These simple statements carried more meaning than Obama's health care or tax platform. The Obama campaign grasped the power of branding from day 1, and rode it all the way to his victory speech in Grant Park.
It will be interesting to see if the US gains from an "Obama bump" in next years index.
Countries differentiate themselves through systems of political representation, economic opportunity, and social protection. But they distinguish themselves by reputation and image. Since la cocarde tricolore, "branding" has been central to modern national identity.
Obama's election has been heralded as a "re-branding" of the US. So much of this election's commentary focused on the opportunity American's faced to improve their image abroad, and many outside the US projected their best impressions of the country onto candidate Obama.
Surely, many of his policies will differentiate him from his predecessor. His camp is already telegraphing an immediate use of his executive authority to reverse Bush's more controversial (or just plain conservative- lets not put Obama above partisanship) executive orders. His stance on Iraq, Guantanamo, and climate change endeared him to an international audience disillusioned by the Bush presidency.
But Obama's youth, oratorical skills, color, and image are magnetic. Brand Obama has become the most powerful (positive) American political image since "Camelot", and accounts for much of the support his candidacy gained around the world. Think "change". Or, "yes we can". These simple statements carried more meaning than Obama's health care or tax platform. The Obama campaign grasped the power of branding from day 1, and rode it all the way to his victory speech in Grant Park.
It will be interesting to see if the US gains from an "Obama bump" in next years index.
Thursday, 2 October 2008
US Senate Agrees To Toxic Assets Deal
Late yesterday, the US Congress voted 83-13 in favour of a deal that will bring about a new era in the way in which dangerous assets are traded and governed.
With India.
What's that? You thought I was talking about the bail-out package? Not this time.
While the media devoted it's almost complete attention to the credit-crisis shenanigans, the US Senate quietly put the final stamp of approval on a nuclear deal with India that undermines the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, the comprehensive test ban treaty, and the credibility of the US negotiating position with Iran and North Korea. More to come shortly.
With India.
What's that? You thought I was talking about the bail-out package? Not this time.
While the media devoted it's almost complete attention to the credit-crisis shenanigans, the US Senate quietly put the final stamp of approval on a nuclear deal with India that undermines the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, the comprehensive test ban treaty, and the credibility of the US negotiating position with Iran and North Korea. More to come shortly.
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
Look abroad
I resigned myself at the outset of IPE Journal from discussing the political back and forth of the US presidential election. This site is mainly dedicated to the commanding heights of the global economy, plus it is difficult to comment on partisan politics without some degree of bias or emotion.
But this morning I was watching CNN and a discussion on Sarah Palin's international experience/exposure (Palin is the Vice Presidentail nominee of the Republican party). Host Soledad O'Brien asked a panel of commentators whether Palin's complete lack of international exposure was a problem for a person possibly one heartbeat away from the most powerful job in the world. The two Republican analysts naturally bobbed and weaved. O'Brien pushed on relentlessly, asking how someone who didn't have a passport until 2007 (let me repeat that...didn't have a passport until 2007) could be qualified to be the commander in chief.
The Republican analysts finally argued that it didn't matter if she been abroad (beyond a trip to Kuwait to visit Alaskan National Guard troops), the majority of people in Scranton, PA hadn't either. Neither had most in Dayton, OH.
It is one thing to play politics, to cover for a candidate's glaring international ignorance by claiming she has foreign policy experience because...wait for it...Alaska is close to Russia. It's another to applaud that shameful fact as a virtue, a political strength.
David Gergen (advisor to President's Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Clinton, and one of the most respected voices in US politics) looked at his fellow panelists in shock. Gergen, in his typical measured tone, responded that it was completely unnacceptable for a candidate to be so unaware of the rest of the world. That when only 20% of US citizens own a passport, it is a national problem worth solving, not celebrating.
A Roper/National Geographic poll in 2006 found that 63% of Americans aged 18-24 couldn't locate Iraq on a map. 38% thought speaking another language was "not too important". While only 20% of all American's owned a passport, approximately 40% of Canadians and Europeans did.
Many American's are just uninformed. The American media virtually ignores the rest of the world. Many others do not have the financial means to travel abroad. But too many American's believe that what happens outside of the US doesn't matter to their daily lives or interests. Worse, many simply don't care.
In an interconnected and globalized world, America will suffer if its citizens continue to believe that the world ends at the Atlantic and Pacific. An ignorance of international affairs is shameful for the most powerful nation on earth. Such ignorance by the potential President of the United States is nothing short of dangerous.
Gergen won the argument on CNN with one point (and I'm paraphrasing): every President in modern American history had traveled (many lived) extensively abroad before running for the office, except one. George W. Bush. How'd that work out for everyone?
But this morning I was watching CNN and a discussion on Sarah Palin's international experience/exposure (Palin is the Vice Presidentail nominee of the Republican party). Host Soledad O'Brien asked a panel of commentators whether Palin's complete lack of international exposure was a problem for a person possibly one heartbeat away from the most powerful job in the world. The two Republican analysts naturally bobbed and weaved. O'Brien pushed on relentlessly, asking how someone who didn't have a passport until 2007 (let me repeat that...didn't have a passport until 2007) could be qualified to be the commander in chief.
The Republican analysts finally argued that it didn't matter if she been abroad (beyond a trip to Kuwait to visit Alaskan National Guard troops), the majority of people in Scranton, PA hadn't either. Neither had most in Dayton, OH.
It is one thing to play politics, to cover for a candidate's glaring international ignorance by claiming she has foreign policy experience because...wait for it...Alaska is close to Russia. It's another to applaud that shameful fact as a virtue, a political strength.
David Gergen (advisor to President's Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Clinton, and one of the most respected voices in US politics) looked at his fellow panelists in shock. Gergen, in his typical measured tone, responded that it was completely unnacceptable for a candidate to be so unaware of the rest of the world. That when only 20% of US citizens own a passport, it is a national problem worth solving, not celebrating.
A Roper/National Geographic poll in 2006 found that 63% of Americans aged 18-24 couldn't locate Iraq on a map. 38% thought speaking another language was "not too important". While only 20% of all American's owned a passport, approximately 40% of Canadians and Europeans did.
Many American's are just uninformed. The American media virtually ignores the rest of the world. Many others do not have the financial means to travel abroad. But too many American's believe that what happens outside of the US doesn't matter to their daily lives or interests. Worse, many simply don't care.
In an interconnected and globalized world, America will suffer if its citizens continue to believe that the world ends at the Atlantic and Pacific. An ignorance of international affairs is shameful for the most powerful nation on earth. Such ignorance by the potential President of the United States is nothing short of dangerous.
Gergen won the argument on CNN with one point (and I'm paraphrasing): every President in modern American history had traveled (many lived) extensively abroad before running for the office, except one. George W. Bush. How'd that work out for everyone?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
