DC - International Economics

Demystifying the Chinese Economy

Uri Dadush, Justin Lin, Vikram Nehru, Nicholas Lardy — Wed, 02 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Since opening up to the world in 1979, China’s economy has grown by an astonishing 10 percent, on average, in real terms every year. But many observers have pointed out that China’s recent “rise” is more aptly deemed a “return” to the preeminence it enjoyed before the eighteenth century.

The Euro-Exit Taboo

Uri Dadush — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:38:05 +0000

Europe's periphery is finding itself at a crossroads similar to the one Argentina and Latvia faced in the last decade. But a decision to exit or stay in the eurozone will have much more far-reaching consequences.

Economic and Political Challenges in the Philippines

Bert Hofman, John Nye, Steven Rood, Vikram Nehru — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The Philippine economy has grown by about 5 percent a year on average over the last ten years, significantly higher than in the previous two decades. Yet the number of people living below the poverty line has actually increased.

French Elections and the Eurozone: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

James Bond — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:09:31 +0000

Neither candidate in France's presidential election has addressed the growth and competitiveness issues underlying the country's economic problems. But failing to grapple with them could be ominous for the entire eurozone.

The Competitiveness Crisis

Uri Dadush — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:55:57 +0000

While the commotion over bond spreads is justified, it diverts attention from the main arena where the survival of the euro will ultimately be decided: the realignment of Europe's peripheral economies toward exports and import substitutes.

Mafia States

Moisés Naím — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:00:09 +0000

An important obstacle to combating the spread of mafia states is a basic lack of awareness among ordinary citizens and policymakers about the extent of the phenomenon.

Chinese Oil: An Evolving Strategy

Kevin Tu — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:12:34 +0000

Chinese National Oil Companies, while owned by the government, increasingly base investment decisions on market signals rather than state orders. Their efforts to access oil and gas resources are helping to meet the challenge of high petroleum consumption levels.

Why is Uribe Under Attack in Colombia?

Moisés Naím — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:25:51 +0000

Although former president of Columbia Álvaro Uribe is currently facing sharp criticism, it is hard to dispute the fact that Uribe left his country better than how he found it.

Going Against the Grain on the Post-2005 Commodity Price Boom

John Baffes — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:55:49 +0000

Emerging market demand was the main cause of the post-2005 increase in metal and energy prices. But, contrary to conventional wisdom, it did not play a key role in the parallel spike in food prices.

The Siren Call of Populism Seduces Again

Moisés Naím — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:50:38 +0000

Sooner or later the situation in Argentina will become unsustainable, forcing the government to make unpopular and necessary changes in its economic policies to put the nation on a more sustainable path.

The Next World Bank President

Uri Dadush — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:34:21 +0000

The new World Bank president, an American once again, was selected through a process that was far from competitive. However, the presence of two developing world candidates in this year's field may be a sign that the tide is turning.

Inequality in America: A Global Perspective

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Soaring inequality is front and center in the electoral debate. How does the inequality trend in the United States compare with other countries?

China's Rise: Opportunity or Threat for East Asia?

Yukon Huang — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:17:17 +0000

China's rise has had very different consequences for its North Asian and Southeast Asian neighbors, in particular, making it difficult for Southeast Asia to break out of the middle income trap.

Rousseff Should Leave U.S. with a Trade Deal

Moisés Naím — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 14:57:18 +0000

The Brazilian president's visit to Washington provides an opening for the two countries to deepen their relationship—a step which would help Brazil as it seeks to become a global power and enable the United States to benefit from Brazil's economic ascent.

China’s Latin American Interests

Matthew Ferchen — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 06:08:14 +0000

Beijing faces a real challenge in determining how to put both the economic and political China-Latin America relationship on more sustainable, longer-term footing.