Is the United Nations a Vast Failure?

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From Thinking Outside the Boxe’s Manila Correspondent

Academics, students, and enthusiasts of international relations are undoubtedly familiar with the theories that shape its study. Often, as is the case with many other debates, people tend to take the side or the theory that resonates most with them, and it can be contended that international relations is no different. In particular though, liberalism is useful for understanding the role which the United Nations plays in the international system. Continue reading →

Who will become the next Al Qaeda State?

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From Thinking Outside the Boxe’s London Correspondent

After the initial relief and celebration at the death of Osama Bin Laden in May, many people have raised the question, “What next?” Will Al Qaeda be able to continue without its influential founder? Is this the beginning of the end for Al Qaeda and its base in Pakistan? Or will the new leader of Al Qaeda seek revenge against the United States for Bin Laden’s death and strive to create a new legacy of terror for himself? Unfortunately, according both to the words of new Al Qaeda leader al-Zawahiri and to government officials, Al Qaeda might be losing ground in Pakistan, but the movement is far from cowed by recent events. Continue reading →

Should We Support Rebels or Dictators?

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From Thinking Outside the Boxe’s London Correspondent

The United States stands for democracy. The country is built on democracy, it celebrates democracy, and it promotes democracy in its foreign policy. If the U.S. government wishes to retain the respect of its citizens and of people around the globe (a respect that has been draining away in recent years), it must consistently support democracy all over the world, regardless of its other economic or political interests. Because of this, the U.S. should support the rebels in democratizing revolutions such as the Arab Spring, regardless of its own ties with the dictators or the instability that may follow. Continue reading →

Does Freedom of Speech Get Abused?

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From Thinking Outside the Boxe’s London Correspondent

Many Americans consider free speech to be one of the most important rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Under the 1st Amendment, citizens have the right to practice whatever religion they choose, print whatever they like, and say whatever they like, even if these words criticize the government or America itself, without any fear of prosecution. But do the same rules apply to foreigners in the U.S.? Although most people would agree that anyone living in the U.S. has free speech in principle, the issue has become a lot murkier since 9/11 and growing fears of terrorism and anti-Americanism within the United States. Does the right to free speech extend to foreign individuals inciting hate? Does it extend to the sentiments behind terrorist attacks? The facts may be unpopular, but legally, the answer is “yes.” Continue reading →

Is the U.S. Balance of Power in the Middle East Shifting?

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From Thinking Outside the Boxe’s London Correspondent

The U.S. has valued its influence in the Middle East for many decades. A region filled with oil and dictatorships, the Middle East captivates U.S. foreign policy makers on both ideological and economic levels. Yet the Arab Spring revolutions of 2011 have dramatically changed the political landscape in the region, and the U.S. must now learn to deal with the developing situation that will eventually lead to a new status quo in the Middle East. Considering that one of the U.S.’s main foreign policy goals is encouraging democracy abroad, have these revolutions been a good thing for America’s standing in the region? Unfortunately for U.S. policy makers, if not for citizens of Middle Eastern countries themselves, these revolutions have not only overthrown old dictatorships, but also the U.S.’s ability to influence politics within the region. Continue reading →

Obamacare vs. the National Health Service

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From Thinking Outside the Boxe’s London Correspondent

One of the most controversial bills to pass through Congress in recent years has been Obama’s healthcare reform bill. “Obamacare” has received extensive criticism, both from parties who resent the idea of government intervention in the health care (including the rumors of so-called “Death Panels” that would decide who gets life-saving treatment and who does not) and from those who believe that the bill does not go far enough. Continue reading →

Taiwan, China & the U.S.

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From Thinking Outside the Boxe’s London Correspondent

When it comes to dealing with China, Taiwan is a bit of a touchy subject. Although the two territories have had separate governments for over 70 years, the United States has to choose its words (and its actions) carefully when dealing with the Taiwan problem, or risk upsetting one of the world’s most powerful nations, which still claims Taiwan as its own. Continue reading →

Economic Outlook 2011

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Gross Domestic Product
Following zero growth in 2008 and a 2.6% contraction in 2009, real gross domestic product (GDP) increased by roughly 2.8% (an an annual basis) according to advance estimatesi released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). The economy remained modestly expansionary in 2010 with first and second quarter changes in real GDP of 3.7% and 1.7%. These figures follow an increase in real GDP of 5% in the fourth quarter 2009. Third and fourth quarter real GDP increased by 2.6% and 3.2%, respectively, showing a slight upward trend in economic activity. While the trend in 2009 was clearly marked by recession followed by a modest upturn in activity, economic activity in 2010 could be characterized as modest. However, in 2010, housing markets remained weak with continued declines in prices and increases in foreclosures, credit markets remained tight, inflationary pressures increased and unemployment remained high. Continue reading →

Should Schools Fund Band and Sports while Laying Off Teachers?

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From Thinking Outside the Boxe’s London Correspondent

In March 2011, Gov. Rick Perry announced that over 100,000 teachers at Texas public schools would lose their jobs due to budget cuts. Similar cases have been occurring all over the United States, from California to New York City, as many school districts struggle to make ends meet. There’s no doubt that these cuts negatively affect the school system as a whole: as schools fire talented, experienced teachers in favor of cheaper, less experienced individuals, students lose out on these teachers’ expertise, and particularly talented individuals will be more reluctant to join the profession in the future. Yet while many qualified teachers find themselves out of a job, school districts continue to fund non-academic programs, like athletics, band and theater. How can these programs be more valuable to a school than the knowledge and skill of a talented teacher? Continue reading →

Economic Outlook 2011

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Gross Domestic Product
Following zero growth in 2008 and a 2.6% contraction in 2009, real gross domestic product (GDP) increased by roughly 2.8% (an an annual basis) according to advance estimatesi released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). The economy remained modestly expansionary in 2010 with first and second quarter changes in real GDP of 3.7% and 1.7%. These figures follow an increase in real GDP of 5% in the fourth quarter 2009. Third and fourth quarter real GDP increased by 2.6% and 3.2%, respectively, showing a slight upward trend in economic activity. While the trend in 2009 was clearly marked by recession followed by a modest upturn in activity, economic activity in 2010 could be characterized as modest. However, in 2010, housing markets remained weak with continued declines in prices and increases in foreclosures, credit markets remained tight, inflationary pressures increased and unemployment remained high. Continue reading →