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6881. The Summitry of Small States: Towards the "Caribbean Summit"

Author:
Andrew F. Cooper and Timothy M. Shaw
Publication Date:
04-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Centre for International Governance Innovation
Abstract:
Each Summit of the Americas forum has been accorded a single imprint. The 1994 Miami summit is remembered as the “Trade Summit,” the 1998 Santiago summit as the “Education Summit,” the 2001 Quebec City Summit as the “Democratic Summit,” and the 2005 Mar del Plata in Argentina—although officially focused on the themes of “Creating Jobs to Fight Poverty and Strengthen Democratic Governance”—is best remembered as the “Summit of Disorder.” The Fifth Summit of the Americas, April 17 – 19, 2009, presents an opportunity to identify the event with a regional sub-set of the Americas: the Caribbean. The host country, Trinidad and Tobago, is the first Caribbean country to host the event and, with a population of only 1.3 million, is the smallest state ever to host “such a logistically complicated and politically sensitive gathering” (Erikson, 2009: 179). Relegated to a marginal position in the first four summits, the Caribbean now moves to centre stage in 2009.
Topic:
International Relations and Diplomacy
Political Geography:
Argentina, Latin America, Caribbean, Miami, Santiago, Quebec City, Mar del Plata, and Trinidad and Tobago

6882. Insurance Regulation in the United States and the European Union: A Comparison

Author:
Martin Eling, Robert W. Klein, and Joan T. Schmit
Publication Date:
11-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Independent Institute
Abstract:
In this paper we compare insurance regulatory frameworks in the United States (US) and European Union (EU), focusing primarily on solvency, but also considering product and price regulation, as well as other elements of consumer protection. This comparison highlights the use of more fluid and principles-based approaches in the EU as it is developing under Solvency II, while the US continues to focus essentially on static, rules-based regulation. The discussion further notes evidence suggesting that the EU approach is more successful in promoting a financially solid insurance sector.
Topic:
Government and Political Economy
Political Geography:
United States and Europe

6883. Attitudes and Perceptions of Prospective International Students from India

Publication Date:
12-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Institute of International Education (IIE)
Abstract:
India is currently the top place of origin international students studying at U.S. colleges and universities. Over the past decade, the number of Indian students in the U.S. has increased more than 175 percent, from just under 37,500 students in 1998/99 to over 103,000 in 2008/09. India has, in fact, been the leading place of origin since 2001/02, when it surpassed China. Since 2007/08, students from India have comprised over 15% of all international students in the United States.
Topic:
Education
Political Geography:
United States, China, and India

6884. The Global Economic Crisis and Its Implications for Asian Economic Cooperation

Author:
Michael G. Plummer
Publication Date:
10-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
East-West Center
Abstract:
The economic crisis of 2008–09 is the second major crisis in just over a decade that Asia has endured. Unlike the Asian crisis of 1997–98, however, the current crisis originated mainly in the West. Asia's excessive reliance on net exports as the principal driver of economic growth since the 1997–98 crisis rendered it especially vulnerable to external shocks, and most Asian countries have paid dearly. The more open the economy, the more vulnerable it is to such shocks. The newly industrialized Asian economies (Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan), which are among the most open and dynamic in the world, are expected to contract by about 6 percent in 2009.
Topic:
Emerging Markets, International Trade and Finance, Regional Cooperation, Global Recession, and Financial Crisis
Political Geography:
Taiwan, Asia, South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong

6885. A New Geography of Knowledge in the Electronics Industry? Asia\'s Role in Global Innovation Networks

Author:
Dieter Ernst
Publication Date:
08-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
East-West Center
Abstract:
Political debates about globalization are focused on offshore outsourcing of manufacturing and services. But these debates neglect an important change in the geography of knowledge––the emergence of global innovation networks (GINs) that integrate dispersed engineering, product development, and research activities across geographic borders.
Topic:
Emerging Markets, Globalization, Industrial Policy, International Trade and Finance, and Science and Technology
Political Geography:
Asia

6886. The State Strikes Back: India and the Naga Insurgency

Author:
Charles Chasie and Sanjoy Hazarika
Publication Date:
02-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
East-West Center
Abstract:
In the first decade after India declared independence in 1947, the Indian state faced numerous challenges to its very existence and legitimacy. These ranged from a war with Pakistan over the state of Jammu and Kashmir immediately after independence, an issue that continues to challenge policy makers in both countries, to the first armed uprising in the country in Telengana led by Communists in what is today the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Topic:
Security, Political Violence, Armed Struggle, and Counterinsurgency
Political Geography:
Pakistan, South Asia, India, Kashmir, and Andhra Pradesh

6887. Ethno-Diplomacy: The Uyghur Hitch in Sino-Turkish Relations

Author:
Yitzhak Shichor
Publication Date:
01-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
East-West Center
Abstract:
Beginning in 1949, China considered, and dealt with, so-called Uyghur separatism and the quest for Eastern Turkestan (Xinjiang) independence as a domestic problem. Since the early 1990s, however, Beijing has begun to recognize the international aspects of this problem and to deal with its external manifestations. This new policy has affected China's relations with Turkey, which has ideologically inspired Uyghur nationalism, offered sanctuary to Uyghur refugees, and provided moral and material support to Eastern Turkestan movements, organizations, and activities.
Topic:
International Relations, Diplomacy, Ethnic Conflict, and Minorities
Political Geography:
China, Central Asia, and Turkey

6888. Perspectives on Better Global Economic Governance

Author:
Kemal Derviş
Publication Date:
03-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Global Political Trends Center (GPoT)
Abstract:
This Note focuses on the relationship between L-20 ( L for Leaders) or G-20 type meetings and more formal reforms , particularly of the IMF. It should NOT be read as a proposed agenda for the April meeting of the L-20+, but as an input into the agenda of global reform that constitutes the context of the London and other international meetings. I do believe that given the massive and immediate threat posed by the unfolding worldwide economic crisis, the April meeting should focus on (i) the global size and coordination of the fiscal stimulus and macroeconomic policies worldwide (ii) immediate coordination as needed in the dramatic actions required with regard to the banking system in many major economies and, (iii) financial support to the developing countries experiencing a massive decline in export revenues, capital flows and remittances. The London meeting will be the first and very important start of a series of meetings in 2009, including the Spring and Fall meetings of the IMF/World Bank, which constitute an opportunity to build a global economic governance system that can manage the recovery from the current crisis, build globally coordinated financial sector regulation and reflect the realities of the 21st century.
Political Geography:
London

6889. After the European Parliament Elections: The Achilles Heel of the Democracy

Author:
Menekşe Tokyay
Publication Date:
06-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Global Political Trends Center (GPoT)
Abstract:
Elections to the European Parliament, considered as the biggest trans-national elections in history, were held in the 27 member states of the European Union (EU) between 4 and 7 June 2009. The European Parliament is the only EU institution directly elected on a European mandate.
Political Geography:
Turkey and France

6890. Some Recommendations Following the Gaza Operation and the Israeli Elections

Author:
Bora Bayraktar and Can Yirik
Publication Date:
03-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Global Political Trends Center (GPoT)
Abstract:
The crisis that started with Hamas winning the Palestinian Authority (PA) elections in January of 2006 seems to have entered a new stage with the start of 2009. Israel, which provides the occupied PA with the bulk of its economic resources, the US and the EU classifying Hamas as a terrorist organization and the resulting 3 year long economic siege and blockade, and the Israeli operation that started on the 27th of December and lasted for 22 days have all made the humanitarian situation in this region unbearable.
Topic:
Disaster Relief, Humanitarian Aid, and Terrorism
Political Geography:
United States, Europe, and Israel