China’s Hidden Crackdown Comes to Light
The arrest of prominent Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has revealed an extensive crackdown against internal dissidents by the authorities in Beijing.
Austerity Blowback in Europe
A wave of popular discontent over austerity governments implemented by EU governments is starting to make its presence felt across Europe.
Past Battles Remain in UK Defense Review
Impending defense cuts in the United Kingdom, and the alarm that they are generating in Washington, are both indicative of a shifting global balance of power.
ANALYSIS: An Iran Connection in Kabul?
A US official has raised the alarm on Iran’s “negative influence” in Afghanistan.
DPJ Japan to Buck U.S. Alliance?
The Democratic Party of Japan’s sweeping victory in recent elections could have a decisive impact on U.S.-Japanese relations.
Taliban Talks? Think Again
It seems that Afghan and NATO authorities are once more seeking a dialogue with the Taliban- even after last year’s debacle of being fooled by a ‘very clever’ Pakistani shopkeeper pretending to be a Taliban official.
ANALYSIS: ILO Victory for Workers
At the International Labour Organization (ILO) 100th Annual Conference on June 16, the ILO adopted the Convention on Decent Work for Domestic workers.
Analysis: Chile’s Student Protests
Chile is often used as an example of economic success, political stability and development by the West, but protests these past months have challenged many of the economic and political foundations on which Chile’s current government is built.
OPINION: EU Financial Transactions Tax?
With the European Commission seriously considering a tax on financial transactions - sometimes referred to as a “speculation tax”- its opponents are shifting their campaign into high gear. The predictions of disaster from the financial industry if the European Union chooses to implement it are, however, misguided.
Seychelles: An Invitation for China
The Republic of Seychelles has issued China with an open invitation to establish an anti-piracy base in the small island republic. If accepted, this invitation will have security and strategic consequences for the region.