Erhard Eppler (in German) | January 7, 2009
 The financial crisis has proven that there is still a major role for the state to play in our global era. ++ New challenges, such as intense capital transactions, have increased pressure on the state and require it to complement its traditional (albeit still capital) functions of protecting its citizens through the monopoly of force, promoting democratization and so forth. ++ In order to succeed in the fulfillment of this task, the state ought to be backed by both supranational and regional institutions, whose roles are likely to increase.
P. Kane, L. Montgomery, S. Murray | January 7, 2008
President Obama has introduced a new stimulus plan to revive the US economy. ++ While the plan aims to reduce tax payments by $300 and provide relief to both families and business, US officials warn against the unnecessary spending that usually accompanies tax cuts. ++ While the complete plan has yet to be worked out, the Obama administration has characterized it as ‘ideologically neutral.’ ++ Some Republican members seem to doubt the effectiveness of the new stimulus package but appreciate the President’s attempt to openly discuss the plan.
Natan Sharansky, fmr. Israeli Dep. PM | January 6, 2009
Palestine’s exploitation of its refugees and use of children as human shields are among the most shameful practices in the Israel-Palestine conflict. ++ The international community has for years sustained these abuses: the UNRWA perpetuates the misery of Palestinian refugees, doing nothing to dismantle camps or help them rebuild their lives, acting as “facilitator for the terrorists’ goal of grinding an entire civilian population under their thumb.” ++ The West has a duty to condemn these tactics and recognize Palestinians’ human rights.
Marie de Vergès, Le Monde (in French) | January 6, 2009
Germany is getting ready for a year rich in elections at every level, concluding with the September legislative duel between Chancellor Merkel and FM Steinmeier. ++ A recent survey places Merkel in the lead; however, the financial crisis and its social repercussions make every prediction highly precarious. ++ The two candidates have therefore opted for officially starting the electoral campaign in the summer, an attempt to prove to the electorate that party competition does not prevail over governmental duty.
David Hale, Global Economics | January 6, 2009
 Originating in the US, the economic recession has gradually affected all economies. ++ International responses vary from smooth European behavior, where the Bundesbank still plays a key role in shaping the ECB policies, to an aggressive macroeconomic stimulus program in the US, making several ponder its potential inflationary repercussions. ++ There is, however, no current currency alternative to the dollar to avoid the risk of inflation. ++ Could the reemergence of the gold standard be an option?
The Asia Foundation | December 2008
The 2008 Global Cities Index | Foreign Policy | December 2008
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Leonardo Matinez-Diaz | The Brookings Institution | December 2008
Joshua Kurlantzick | Carnegie Endowment | December 2008
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Ambassador Maliha Zulfacar taught sociology as a professor at California Polytechnic State University before her current position representing …
Jonathan Laurence is a Transatlantic Academy fellow at the German Marshall Fund, non-resident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and an …
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Andreas Eckert |
December 1, 2008
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From the Editorial Team |
January 7, 2009
During 2008 Afghanistan was among the most explosive political issues. The unstable state of the country will continue to affect the whole region. What are your recommendations for 2009? What is the most urgent action that needs to be taken in Afghanistan this year?
The internationalization of surveillance is susceptible to abuse and cyberterrorism. A means of assessing the possible side effects of …
Tim Foxley |
January 5, 2009 | 1 comment
Too little time, effort and analytical resources are dedicated to understanding what the Taliban are saying - and that a change in …
Dealing with Russia should not be left to cold warriors and Russian well-wishers. Both Old and New Europe will benefit from replacing …
The Western effort to conquer “hearts and minds” in Afghanistan is being hindered by a failure to recognize the core role of religion …
Nicolas Sarkozy governs according to his own agenda, to the disadvantage of Europe. His political style is similar to the unilateral …
Richard N. Rosencrance & Ehud Eiran |
December 24, 2008 | 7 comments
A Palestinian-Israeli peace settlement stands little chance, given current political realities. In the form of EU membership, Europe …
The nature of youth violence in Central America is deeply connected to social perceptions and …
The hegemonic behavior of the Bush administration during its first term almost led to the end …
International organizations aim to overcome inefficiencies in complex crisis management by …
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