Labor, Trade, & Finance Archives - Page 76 of 214

Rethinking Sweatshop Economics

by Jason Hickel | Jul 1, 2011

The news that a Romanian sweatshop manufactured one of Kate Middleton’s most famous dresses has inspired renewed popular interest in the ethics and economics of outsourcing jobs to utilize super-cheap labor. This is only the most recent of a string of cases that exemplify the shocking proliferation of sweatshops — even across Europe — over the past few decades. But the truly troubling part of the story is the logic that Kate’s defenders have invoked to justify this trend, drawing on arguments made by allegedly “progressive” U.S. economists.

Apple: Crown Jewel of Technology or Human-Rights Abuser and Tax Cheat?

by Peter Certo | Jun 30, 2011

The path an ore for Apple’s batteries takes to the marketplace is roughly analogous to that of “Blood Diamonds.”

Europe Taking Lead on Speculations Tax

by Sarah Anderson | Jun 30, 2011

Out of the ashes of the 2008 financial crisis, an idea that progressives have been kicking around for decades – a financial transactions tax (FTT) – took on new life. There were high hopes that the G-20, which had declared itself the “premier forum for international economic coordination,” would take up the proposal as a way to raise massive revenues to pay for the costs of the crisis and also discourage reckless short-term financial speculation.

The Healthy Wage War

by Mark Engler | Jun 30, 2011

Eighty-four percent of all income growth in America between 1989 and 2007 went to the richest ten percent of households. That dramatic increase in inequality corresponds closely with the decline of organized labor—from covering 24 percent of workers in the late 1970s to just 11.9 percent in 2010.

Greece on the Verge

by Kia Mistilis | Jun 29, 2011

On June 29, the Greek parliament ignored the huge protests in Syntagma Square and approved the austerity program. But the Greek movement that has emerged to challenge this unpopular loan package is not going away.

Review: Free Burma

by Guteriano Neves | Jun 27, 2011

In his new book Free Burma: Transnational Legal Action and Corporate Accountability, sociology professor John Dale challenges the basic assumption underlining “constructive engagement” policies that continued trade with Burma will help bring about political reform in the country. Dale argues that, instead of promoting democracy, constructive engagement poses a threat to Burma’s political and economic development.

Genuine Partnership or a Marriage of Convenience?

by Fantu Cheru, Cyril Obi | Jun 24, 2011

Despite official Indian denial that there is no competition between the two Asian giants (The Economic Times 2010) in Africa, India’s foreign policy swings between attempting to catch up with the Chinese, who have made major inroads in Africa over the past decade, and accommodating the aspirations of China, India and the western world in the context of India’s enduring relations with the continent. This competition centres on three major issues: energy security, access to Africa’s untapped markets and diplomatic influence.

Timor: Where Has All the Aid Gone?

by Guteriano Neves | Jun 20, 2011

When Indonesia withdrew from Timor-Leste (TL) in 1999, governments all over the world expressed their sympathy for the Timorese. Donor governments promised to assist TL to build a viable state, with lasting peace and stability. Early on, the United States also committed to help TL move toward a democratic society. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently reiterated this commitment in her meeting with TL’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.

After 11 years, the rhetoric is still the same. But the reality on the ground has not changed much.

Like Strauss-Kahn, Christine Lagarde Dragging Baggage Into Likely IMF Directorship

by Jeanne Kay | Jun 14, 2011

Like Dominique Strauss-Kahn, leading candidate for the IMF directorship Christine Lagarde has skeletons in her closet.

Can Economists Back Us Out From the Corner of Poverty They Helped Paint Us Into?

by Mark Engler | Jun 11, 2011

Despite the harm that economists inflicted on the world as proponents of free-market principles, the New York Times’ Nicholas Kristof proposes we let them solve global poverty.