IS CHINA STILL A DEVELOPING COUNTRY?

Is China still a developing country or has it joined the ranks of the advanced developed countries?

THE UNITED STATES AND THE DEFEAT OF VICTORY

The official end of the Iraq war is an admission of defeat. It will serve as a bitter reminder of all that everyone loses in wars, victors included. From the foundation of the republic, war has been a constant feature of US history but produced a clear victory only on a few occasions.

EUROPE ON THE BRINK

It is hard to see how the European Union and the euro can find their way out of the imbroglio their leaders have led themselves, and all Europeanists, into.

SHED LIGHT ON THE SHADOW ECONOMY

My first encounter with the “shadow” financial system was half a century ago in Nigeria. Fresh out of Harvard Business School, I was starry-eyed with hope that the free-market economy would help this newly independent country thrive. Instead, in only a matter of months, I became witness to a system of financial manipulations so incredible that I still have trouble believing it is real.

COOPERATION AND SOLIDARITY KEY TO MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Experience shows that South-South and triangular cooperation, backed by adequate funding, are key tools for tackling the development challenges of our time. But South-South cooperation only complements and does not replace North-South cooperation. All such partnerships are particularly pertinent given the challenges facing our global economy and sustainable development.

EUROPEAN DEMOCRACY AND THE FINANCIAL COUP D’ETAT

It is clear that the European Union cannot summon the political will to stand up to the markets and resolve the crisis. Until now the lamentable behaviour of European leaders has been blamed on their staggering incompetence. However, this (correct) assessment doesn't go far enough, particularly after the recent ''financial coups d'etat'' that in Greece and Italy have dynamited a certain conception of democracy. What has been happening is less a matter of mediocrity and incompetence than active complicity with the markets.

Op-Ed: Facing Peak Oil and Peak Gas: In Search of the Lesser Evil

The U.S. oil geologist Marion King Hubbert predicted, already in 1956, that the global production of oil will reach its all-time high roughly when we have used one half of the world's oil reserves. This is because geologists tend to find the biggest fields first, and because oil wells become tired during the production phase. The more is taken out, the more difficult it gets to bring the remaining oil to the surface.

HAITI’S DECISION TO REARM IS AN OBSTACLE TO PEACE, DEVELOPMENT, AND FREEDOM

SAN JOSE, Dec (IPS) After the announcement that the government of Haiti had decided to reconstitute its army, I asked President Michel Martelly to reconsider his decision, pointing out a lesson written clearly into human history: in Latin America, the majority of armies have been enemies of progress, of peace, and of freedom.

OP-ED: How About an Israeli Destruction Freeze?

Much was made of what many in the media described as a "confrontation" between Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Barack Obama over the building of illegal Israeli settlements (or colonies) in Occupied Palestinian Territory.

THE THIRD ARAB REVOLT

The Arab spring is the third Arab revolt in less than a century.

CHINA: WAITING FOR NEW GOVERNMENT AND MAJOR REFORMS

A recurrent prediction of western politicians says that China, with its economic development, will inevitably transform itself into a democracy. Nonetheless, after five weeks traveling around the country, I have no doubt that if there were elections today, the Communist Party (CCP) would win elections with a wide majority.

CAPUT MUNDI

Coffee aficionados say that one of the finest cafes in the world is Rome's Sant'Eustachio, located in the city's historic centre. Since 1938 it has been the site of coffee pilgrimages and a must for the most ardent espresso devotees. The line often stretches far outside the shop.

DANIELLE MITTERRAND: TIRELESS CHAMPION OF FREEDOM

Danielle Mitterrand, one of the world's most prominent and extraordinary women, has died after a fearless lifelong fight for the poor and marginalised.

THE FUTURE OF THE WORLD TRADING SYSTEM

The relative dynamism of emerging economies over the past several years has meant that these countries, many of them in Asia, have come to play an ever-growing role in the world and to account for a larger share of economic activity. Adjusting politically and organisationally to shifts in economic power takes time. As we work towards a new equilibrium in international cooperation, new relationships and leadership patterns will inevitably emerge, just as they have throughout history.

CHINA: THE ECONOMY GROWS WHILE CULTURAL IDENTITY DISAPPEARS

Xie Jing is 15 years old and belongs to the generation that in 2020, according to predictions, will see China transformed into the major world economic power. But Xie has no political or cultural interest. His generation is very different from previous ones. She lives in her own world, completely globalized, where the North American life style is the main reference point. She dresses herself as a North American teenager, listens to the same music, has the same idols and the same relation with the Internet and virtual world. The governmental newspaper, China Daily published two striking articles. On the 28th of October it revealed that electronic matrimony became very popular amongst youngsters. A game called cybermarriage registered one million participants in the first month. It is calculated that the electronic matrimonies have reached 30 million subscribers, and that 70% of the "married couples" are under 18.

OP-ED: The Future of Carbon Markets: Taking Politics Seriously

Carbon markets are under attack on all sides, despite ongoing faith in their ability to deliver meaningful reductions in greenhouse gases (GHGs).

BIOFUELS ARE NOT A SOLUTION TO THE CLIMATE AND ENERGY CRISIS

Science tells us that we are heading for a climate crisis, yet it is within our means to change course.

THE FUTURE OF THE WORLD TRADING SYSTEM

The relative dynamism of emerging economies over the past several years has meant that these countries, many of them in Asia, have come to play an ever-growing role in the world and to account for a larger share of economic activity. Adjusting politically and organisationally to shifts in economic power takes time. As we work towards a new equilibrium in international cooperation, new relationships and leadership patterns will inevitably emerge, just as they have throughout history.

GLOBAL FINANCE LOST IN CYBERSPACE

High-speed trading and cloud computing have far outrun government oversight and control.

PRIVATE OWNERSHIP COMES TO CUBA

Law 288 recently passed by the Cuban government finally made it legal to buy and sell private real estate on the island. Even the most hard-core of the Obama administration spokespeople have approved the development as "a positive step" in the process of change set in motion by the Cuban government and President Raul Castro.

THE ENVIRONMENT: RIO+20 MUST SPARK REAL ACTION

The objective of the Rio+20 Conference (4-6 June 2012) is to secure renewed political commitment for sustainable development, assess the progress made to date and the gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of the major summits, and address new and emerging challenges.