Scholars, advocates, and activists seeking to make the U.S. a more responsible global partner.
Civil Society

China’s Filthiest Export

by , , | Jan 16, 2007

The economic boom Deng Xiaoping sparked in 1980 brought millions out of poverty and turned China into the world’s factory. However, by following in the footsteps of many western countries that opted to “pollute first and clean up later,” China built its economic success on a foundation of ecological destruction. This environmental destruction is threatening the economy, human health, and social stability, as well as potentially causing irreparable damage to the water, soil, and forest ecosystems.

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Vietnam: The Changing Faces of Reform

by , | Dec 18, 2006

During the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Hanoi in November, international media attention focused on the rapid economic changes in Vietnam. “Socialist Ideals are Fading as World’s Businesses Rush In,” reads one subtitle. A young entrepreneur with a craving for Western luxury brands represents “the new face of Vietnam.” And an American expatriate in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) reports that “it’s all electric here.”

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Engaging Islam

by , , | Sep 19, 2006

In August, FPIF contributor Najum Mushtaq authored a discussion paper— “Islamic Blowback Part Two?”—that critiqued the current U.S. policy of promoting “moderate Islam.” He was particularly critical of a report by Abdeslam Maghraoui, director of the Muslim World Initiative at the U.S. Institute of Peace. Here we highlight a detailed response from Abdeslam Maghraoui, followed by a rejoinder from Najum Mushtaq.

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The Crisis of Multilateralism

The Crisis of Multilateralism

by , | Sep 12, 2006

Already buffeted by institutional crisis and policy conflicts, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank are heading into their fall meeting—scheduled to begin September 13 in Singapore—with yet one more problem. Desperate to win credibility among civil society groups, the Bank and the Fund had given official accreditation to representatives of four civil society organizations. The Singapore government had a different idea. It banned the groups “for security reasons.” This commentator was among those specifically named and banned as a “security threat.”

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