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Policy Paper: Fairly Trading the World's Timber .jpg)
Reducing timber loss through responsible management of the world’s forest stock has the power to reduce poverty, conflict, and greenhouse gases. This policy paper details efforts to date and provides comprehensive proposals for much needed action.
WPI BOOKS
Age of Greed
WPI Senior Fellow Jeff Madrick describes the history of how greed has bred America’s economic ills over the last forty years, and of the men most responsible for them. He recounts the single-minded pursuit of huge personal wealth that has been on the rise in the United States since the 1970s, led by a few individuals who have argued that self-interest guides society more effectively than community concerns.
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Democracy in Hungary Takes a Right Turn
In the face of criticism by the European Union, the ruling Fidesz party in Hungary has taken the country in a more authoritarian direction. Saim Saeed points out that this is not an unpopular action, contrary to what many in the West think.
The EU's Bitter Breakup
As the financial crisis continues to grip Europe, many scholars and finance gurus now believe that the Eurozone's breakup is imminent. Some even believe that it is a desirable outcome. Ethan Wagner discusses the consequences of such an event and how it would affect diminutive Eurozone economies like Malta.
Finding Balance in Chile
Nathaniel Flannery reviews former Chile President Ricardo Lagos's new book "The Southern Tiger: Chile's Fight for a Peaceful and Democratic Future," chronicling his time as a revolutionary during the 1970s and 80s.
Space Tourism: Enlightenment from the Final Frontier
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Continuing with our winter issue theme "Faith," Frank White highlights how faith in the future and cooperation on global issues can be renewed by the increasing accessibility of space tourism. The transformational powers of the "Overview Effect," caused by looking back at the Earth and out into the cosmos, could be the key to thinking beyond borders.
Dividing by Three: Nepal Recognizes a Third Gender
Kyle Knight writes about the first officially third gender Nepali citizen and discusses where the third gender movement may go in the future.
A Window of Opportunity with North Korea
In the six weeks since the death of Kim Jong Il, the numerous attempts by the DPRK to engage with the U.S. have been rebuffed. According to Mark P. Barry, the U.S. should use this opportunity to revive the Six Party talks to deal with the North Korean nuclear issue and work towards a lasting peace on the peninsula.
Chile's Protests Point to Challenges in 2012
2010 was marked by Chile's success, managing the aftermath of a devastating earthquake and the rescue of trapped miners. David Pedigo shows how 2011 was different, a year where economic inequality sparked student protests that spell uncertainty for 2012.
How Sanctions Strengthen the Iranian Regime
With the upcoming March elections in Iran, Henry "Chip" Carey talks about how foreign sanctions have buttressed the current regime and undermined reform by weakening the opposition.
Bi-Sectoralism V: Beyond Short-Termism
In the fifth installment of their series on bi-sectoralism, WPI board member Jay Pelosky and Bruce W. Jentleson argue that despite the crises facing the U.S. economy, policymakers and the private sector should focus on long-term strategies to ensure economic prosperity in the future.
Pouring Gas on the Fire: How Nigeria Could Fuel Terrorism
In an interview with John Campbell, former US ambassador to Nigeria, he talks about the current protests against President Goodluck Jonathan's suspension of fuel subsidies and how it could affect the ongoing conflict with Boko Haram.
A Call for Palestinian Patience
Andrew Wilson highlights the steps that Israel and Palestine have to take to make February a fruitful month for their ongoing peace negotiations. In short, Israel must follow through on its promises, and Palestine has to remain patient.
Latest European Export: Taxes
George Pieler and Jens Laurson discuss why the IMF should not give in to the European Union's recent plea for monetary help, especially in light of the EU's proposed carbon-emission charges on foreign air carriers and a financial transactions tax.
Tunisia: After the Revolution
Lily-Hayes Kaufman provides an in-depth look at the optimism and apprehension felt among Tunisians after the Arab Spring, highlighting the need for entrepreneurship, foreign investment, and government transparency.
A Stealth Engagement of Iran?
Gary Sick highlights a few of the perplexing stances made by the Obama administration towards Iran and explains why its response has appeared contradictory.
Guatemala’s Cycles of Crime
President-elect and former military intelligence officer Otto Perez Molina is preparing to take office in Guatemala and promises to fight the drug cartels. Frank Smyth says that will not be enough and that supporting civilian institutions over military institutions is the only way he will succeed. He is hampered however by his association with Guatemalan military intelligence cliques, some of which are involved in the drug trade.
Racism in Russia and the Caucasus
Caucasians face constant racial discrimination in Russia because of their darker skin. Dewaine Farria argues that Putin's nationalist appeals will make it difficult to break this racist mindset.
Israel's Tussle with Europe
As relations between Europe and Israel deteriorate over Israeli expansion of settlements in Palestinian territory, Dr. Andrew Wilson talks about the need for Israel to listen to its European partners' well-meaning criticisms and enlist its support in creating peace in the region.
Five Themes for the Global Economy in 2012
Investment consultant Jay Pelosky looks at what he considers to be the five major themes that will define the global economy in 2012.
Is the Left All Right in Venezuela?
Robert Valencia takes stock of Chavez's current battle with cancer and its national as well as international ramifications, particularly how it will affect the 2012 presidential elections in Venezuela.
An End to Political Murals in Cuba?
Damaso Reyes takes a tour of political murals in the Cuban capital and wonders if the relaxation of government restrictions on private commerce will end the state monopoly on public advertising.
The Soviet Fall and the Arab Spring
In 2011, a wave of protests toppled governments across the Middle East. Rachel Denber looks back on her experience at Human Rights Watch to see what lessons we can learn from the former Soviet Union on making democracy stick.
Passing Out Sandwiches at the Gates of Hell
From the world's largest refugee camp, Dewaine Farria looks at the work of the UN. While acknowledging its failures, Farria says the UN's aid programs often buy enough time for real political solutions to be made.
How the Wukan Revolt Could Change Chinese Politics
The protests in Wukan will change more than just land policy in one village in China's Guangdong province. How Party Secretary Wang Yang handles the farmers' revolt may well determine not only his own political prospects, but also China's future policy direction.
Remembering Vaclav Havel
Veteran journalist Andrew Nagorski looks back on Czech dissident turned president Vaclav Havel, who sparked a revolution with his courage, empathy, and sense of the absurd.
Conflict in Congo
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After Joseph Kabila was sworn in as president of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday, he must now start on fulfilling campaign promises to bring his country into a new period of stability. Megan Camm reports on one issue that he must focus on: land rights.
RECENT POSTS
- Democracy in Hungary Takes a Right Turn
- The EU's Bitter Breakup
- Finding Balance in Chile
- Space Tourism: Enlightenment from the Final Frontier
- Dividing by Three: Nepal Recognizes a Third Gender
- A Window of Opportunity with North Korea
- Chile's Protests Point to Challenges in 2012
- How Sanctions Strengthen the Iranian Regime
- Bi-Sectoralism V: Beyond Short-Termism
- Pouring Gas on the Fire: How Nigeria Could Fuel Terrorism
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