Brookings: Programs - Global Economy and Development

The Global Food Crisis: "The Silent Tsunami"

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 24, 2009, 1:30 PM to 02:45 PM

On November 24, Global Economy and Development at Brookings will host a discussion on nutrition, school feeding programs and food security in the developing world. Over the past five years, droughts in grain-producing nations, increased oil prices and sales of corn to produce biofuels have contributed to skyrocketing food prices and lower quantities of food reserves. Issues of food and food security differ in complexity across state, national and regional boundaries, often depending on the strength of a country’s economy and the stability of its political leadership.

Sustaining Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 19, 2009, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

On November 19, the Africa Growth Initiative at Brookings hosted Antoinette Sayeh, director of the African Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), for a discussion on the economic outlook for Africa. The IMF has just released its semi-annual Regional Economic Outlook for Africa which contains findings that indicate sub-Saharan Africa’s economic activity has slowed sharply with the onset of the global financial crisis. As the world economy stages a tentative recovery, what does this mean for the region?

Corruption Index Today, Election Tomorrow, Aid Revamp the Day After?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In reaction to news of brazen corruption in Afghanistan and the release of the new Corruption Perceptions Index, Daniel Kaufmann asks tough questions about the relationship between aid and corruption and suggests improvements in how development aid effectiveness is reviewed.

The Zedillo Commission Report on World Bank Reform: A Stepping Stone for the G-20 Summits in 2010

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Johannes Linn comments on the final report issued in October 2009 by the High-Level Commission on Modernization of World Bank Group Governance. He reviews key recommendations and examines reform challenges the World Bank faces moving forward.

Building Bridges between China and the United States

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:07:00 GMT

As part of a multi-nation Asia trip that began last week, President Obama, now in China, met with Chinese Premier Hu Jintao to foster greater understanding and cooperation between the U.S. and China. Kenneth Lieberthal discusses the importance of the meeting between the two leaders.

The Middle East and the New Global Economy: Economic Recovery and a New Government in Lebanon

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Tarik Yousef and the Middle East Youth Initiative speak with Jad Chaaban about recent economic and political developments in Lebanon, where Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri ended months of negotiations by announcing a new unity cabinet earlier this week. With impressive overall growth projected for 2009, Lebanon’s economy may emerge stronger from the global crisis if the new government can agree on needed reforms.

The Global Recession and Climate Change

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:32:00 GMT

Delaying national commitments to reach reduced greenhouse gas emissions will be more costly for national governments in the long run. Nonresident Senior Fellow Warwick McKibbin says the floundering global economy is a critical factor in what actions can be taken now.

Protecting Putin's Protection Racket

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When Putin took power in 2000, he established a protection deal among powerful business owners. Clifford Gaddy and Barry Ickes discuss the intricacies of this arrangement and what message a recent suit against one of the country’s leading business newspapers is meant to send.

An Awkward Dance: China and the United States

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

While the economic entanglements between the U.S. and China have increased over the last decade, so has the tension. With President Obama visiting China and other Asian nations, Brookings expert Eswar Prasad and Grace Gu of Cornell University discuss the tightening embrace between the two countries—in terms of flows of goods and services, financial capital and people—and the implications.

Around the Halls: 20 Years After the Berlin Wall Fell

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

November 9 marks the twenty-year anniversary of the opening of the Berlin Wall. With protests in the week prior totaling over one million, refugees were allowed to exit directly through crossing points between East Berlin and West Berlin and all along the border. In the days and weeks to follow the Wall would continue to fall, leading the way for Germany’s reunification. Experts from around the halls of Brookings respond to this historic anniversary.

Could the WTO Better Serve the Poor?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 09, 2009, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

While developing countries struggle to improve their economic status in an environment of increased globalization and trade, the World Trade Organization's dispute settlement mechanism continues to disproportionately benefit wealthy nations. On November 9, Brookings held a discussion on recent efforts and suggested proposals to help developing countries overcome hurdles imposed by the WTO.

Political Polarization in Latin America

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

One of the values measured in the 2005 World Values Survey was political ideology. Mauricio Cárdenas discusses the concept of political cohesion in Latin America and how ideology and political polarization can impact economic growth.

The Senate's Climate Change Bill and the Outlook for Copenhagen

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:33:00 GMT

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved a climate change bill last week despite a boycott from Republican committee members. Fellow Adele Morris examines the legislation and what policymakers will be able to offer at the climate change talks in Copenhagen next month.

Tackling HIV/AIDS in Africa: From Knowledge to Behavior Change

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On October 29 President Zuma surprised the South African Parliament by announcing the need to "respond with urgency and resolve" to the "devastating impact of HIV and AIDS" on the nation. Richard Joseph discusses recent efforts to combat this disease in Africa and what can be done to facilitate further effective and humane action.

The Scouting Report Web Chat: Previewing President Obama's First Trip to China

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

China’s continued ascension presents policy challenges for both Beijing and Washington. President Barack Obama will make his first trip to China from November 15-18, where he will address a multitude of issues ranging from climate change to trade and the economy to military ties between the two nations. On November 4, Kenneth Lieberthal took questions in a live web chat with Politico senior editor Fred Barbash about President Obama's first trip to China.

The Scouting Report: Previewing President Obama's First Trip to China

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 04, 2009, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

China’s continued ascension presents policy challenges for both Beijing and Washington. President Barack Obama made his first trip to China from November 15-18. Kenneth Lieberthal and Fred Barbash, Politico's senior editor, took questions about the president’s trip to China in this edition of the Scouting Report.

The U.S. Should Encourage Structural Transformation Strategies in Africa

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Treasury Neal Wolin's visit to three African nations demonstrates the commitment by the current administration to African development issues. Ernest Aryeetey urges Deputy Secretary Wolin to focus on sustainable development and encourage countries to establish frameworks for long-term growth.

Obama's Kenya: A Potential Political Minefield

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On October 26 Johnnie Carson, assistant secretary of state for African affairs, announced that the U.S. was revoking the visa of a top Kenyan official because of his role in blocking reforms in the country. Mwangi Kimenyi discusses this approach and urges that the focus should be on overhauling institutions, not targeting individuals.

India and a Carbon Deal

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There is an emerging consensus among governments that aggressive climate change mitigation would be desirable, though they remain divided about how the associated burden should be shared. Urjit Patel argues that a burden sharing criterion which involves emissions permit allocation to each developing country would be a fair deal and discusses how this would affect India.

Generation in Waiting : The Unfulfilled Promise of Young People in the Middle East

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Young people in the Middle East (15--29 years old) constitute about one-third of the region's population. Generation in Waiting portrays their plight, urging greater investment designed to improve the lives of this critical group.

The Global Economic Agenda: Issues Paper for the Washington Roundtable

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Following a September 18 roundtable focused on the global economic agenda for the fall of 2009, Domenico Lombardi reflects on discussions at this forum, which served to enhance engagement and exchanges between experts from the U.S. and other G-20 countries on the critical issues to be addressed at these highlevel international gatherings.

21st Century Global Governance: Broadening Participation in International Institutions

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 30, 2009, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

While most international institutions involve only governments in their formal governance structure, a number of innovative institutions have emerged in recent years that engage multi-stakeholders in their governance processes. On October 30, the Center for Universal Education at Brookings hosted a roundtable with experts and leaders from a number of these innovative institutions.

Teaching and Learning in Emergencies, Chronic Crises, and Early Recovery

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 27, 2009, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

In contexts of crisis and emergency, resuming education delivery is increasingly regarded as a vital part of the humanitarian response and plays an important role in protecting citizens while laying a sustainable foundation for recovery, peace, and development. The Center for Universal Education convened a consultative workshop on October 27 with the Inter-Agency Network on Education in Emergencies (INEE) focused on the development of the INEE Guidance Notes on Teaching and Learning in Emergencies, Chronic Crises, and Early Recovery.

1000 Days to the 7th Billion Human: What Do We Tell Her?

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In 1,000 days, the seventh billion human being joins the rest of us on Planet Earth. Hakan Altinay poses the question, "What would we tell her?" and reflects on the advances the world has made and critical risks that still exist. He proposes that this occasion offers us a chance to reflect on the human condition and implicit responsibilities we have toward other human beings and future generations.

Equity and Efficiency in Cap-And-Trade: Effectively Managing the Emissions Allowance Supply

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A cap-and-trade system of the sort envisioned by the current generation of Congressional proposals would create a new market in carbon allowances worth potentially hundreds of billions of dollars. In this paper, Adele Morris discusses the likely distributional implications of a U.S. cap-and-trade system and how policymakers could manage these implications by altering the way in which allowances or allowance revenues are distributed throughout the broader economy.

Climate Change and Latin America: The Long Way to Copenhagen

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Only a few regions in the world are more affected by climate change than Latin America. However the region lacks a common perspective and will not be heard in the U.S. Congress or in international deliberations in Copenhagen unless it unifies as a strong voice. Mauricio Cárdenas proposes a formal subgroup of several Latin American countries for cooperation on climate change and points to specific commitments they should consider.

Iraq's Economy Needs More Than Security

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Although violence in Iraq has decreased, Raj Desai states other transitions are needed before U.S. businesses feel comfortable about the Iraqi investment climate. In addition to security, Desai offers three sets of fundamental reforms to convince investors that Iraq is really "open for business."

Tracking the Global Economic Recovery: Insights on the IMF's New World Economic Outlook

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In May 2009, Laurence Chandy, Geoffrey Gertz and Johannes Linn examined the global impact of the financial crisis based on data from the IMF’s April World Economic Outlook (WEO). Following the release of a new WEO database released earlier this month, they appraise their previous assertions and analyze the salient features of the global economic recovery.

U.S. Private Philanthropy

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A striking gap has emerged in the United States between official government aid and private aid. As the U.S. government reviews its external development assistance, some believe the deliberations will not reflect how those outside Washington think about development. Homi Kharas discusses what motivates private aid donors and the impact they make.

Latin America: Time for Reform, Not for Complacency

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Latin America, a region that has faced both challenges and opportunities during the financial crisis, has had more economic growth than other areas of the world. Mauricio Cárdenas discusses the forces behind this economic success and the need for the region to seize this crisis as an opportunity to make important reforms to solve longstanding problems.

Expanding the Financial Services Frontier: Lessons From Mobile Phone Banking in Kenya

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Access to financial services is crucial to economic growth and poverty reduction, yet a large proportion of households in developing countries lack access to financial services. Brookings expert Mwangi Kimenyi and Njuguna S. Ndung’u, Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, discuss the Kenyan experience with mobile phone banking and how this technology can expand the financial services frontier.

"Coping" with the G-20: Italy and the Challenge of Global Governance

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Replacing the G8 with the G-20 poses a delicate issue for smaller G8 countries, such as Italy. Some fear this move will dilute their perceived role and influence in the world stage. Domenico Lombardi discusses the dynamics of the G-20's more diverse membership and what role Italy can realistically pursue in an "enlarged" global governance setting.

Presidents Obama and George H.W. Bush: Building Bridges Through Service

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

By highlighting the critical role of volunteerism in addressing challenges at home and abroad, President Obama spoke to American community service participation at a forum Friday hosted by former President George H. W. Bush and the Points of Light Institute. David Caprara says the bipartisan nature of America’s vibrant service movement is urgently needed.

Self-Enforcing Trade : Developing Countries and WTO Dispute Settlement

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Self-Enforcing Trade examines the WTO's "extended litigation process," highlighting the tangle of international economics, law, and politics that participants must master. He identifies the costs that prevent developing countries from disentangling the self-enforcement process and fully using the WTO system as part of their growth strategies.

Africa's (Large)⁴ Problem

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

4 Problem" border="0"/>
There is wide agreement that the African developmental problem is largely rooted in its institutions. Mwangi Kimenyi discusses the link between size and the quality of governance in African countries.

Nobel Prize in Economics: Illusions From Tinbergen to Keynes

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Daniel Kaufmann provides a different outlook on the Nobel Prize in Economics and illustrates that today’s economy—including the large stimulus plans, social welfare, and infrastructure investment—relate closely to the ideas of John Maynard Keynes. This prompts Kaufmann to ask, should he win the Nobel Prize?

Case Study on Aid Effectiveness in Tajikistan

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Official Development Aid grew significantly from 1992 to 2006; and transformed from mostly humanitarian aid and food assistance to financing the reforms and development of Tajikistan. In this case study, Rustam Aminjanov, Matin Kholmatov, and Firuz Kataev present Tajikistan's perspective of, experiences with, and challenges to foreign aid.

Global Macroeconomic Imbalances: G-20 Leaders Must Back up Their Rhetoric with Deeds

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The financial crisis has taught us a painful lesson that global macroeconomic imbalances can wreak enormous damage on the world economy. At the G-20 Pittsburgh Summit, leaders committed to a framework that would prevent further damage. Eswar Prasad proposes a Special Drawing Rights scheme that allows G-20 countries to make enforceable policy commitments.

The G-20, the "Istanbul Decisions" and the Way Forward

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The fall global economic agenda is well underway with the completion of the G-20 Pittsburgh Summit and the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Istanbul. Kemal Derviş discusses the key themes coming out of these “historic” meetings, highlighting the essential roles of both the informal and formal channels of global economic governance and the way forward after the crisis.

Do Philanthropic Citizens Behave Like Governments?

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Rapid growth in private development aid raises a host of questions regarding the allocation of aid and its selectivity across recipient countries. Raj Desai and Homi Kharas analyze giving patterns from two large, internet-based non-profit organizations and discuss the need for private and official aid partnerships.

Growth After the Storm? A Longer Run Perspective on the Global Economy

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

During a lecture at the IMF-World Bank 2009 Annual Meetings, Kemal Derviş discussed global growth prospects following the economic crisis and the role that supply side factors and macroeconomic management can play.

Paradox and Perception : Measuring Quality of Life in Latin America

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Paradox and Perception greatly improves our understanding of the determinants of well-being in Latin America based on a broad "quality of life" concept that challenges some standard assumptions in economics, including those about the relationship between happiness and income.

Contemporary Development Challenges in Kenya

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 01, 2009, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

In October 2009 a high-level delegation of officials from the office of the president and government of Kenya visited the Brookings Institution. The event, which was hosted by the Africa Growth Initiative, included discussion on the key political, economic, and social challenges currently affecting Kenya’s development.

The G-20 Governments Should Look at Their Own Governance

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

While the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh was considered successful, Daniel Kaufmann discusses the need for greater emphasis on governance issues. He urges G-20 countries to address governance within their own borders before the group can effectively start to engage in concrete collective action for the public global good.

Iran Sanctions: Who Really Wins?

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Iranian officials agreed in principle with the United States and five other international powers in Geneva to export their uranium enrichment program in exchange for a halt in UN sanctions action. Djavad Salehi-Isfahani argues that sanctions would be the wrong choice anyway. Existing sanctions have had no discernible effect on Iran's nuclear policy, and harsher sanctions may actually strengthen President Ahmadinejad's populist control of the economy.

Nigerian Foreign Minister Chief Ojo Maduekwe on the Nigeria-U.S. Partnership

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:15:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 30, 2009, 9:15 AM to 10:45 AM

On September 30, the Brookings Institution hosted Chief Ojo Maduekwe, the foreign minister of Nigeria, for a conversation on the U.S.-Nigeria partnership, and the challenges and opportunities for democratic and economic reform and regional stability in Africa's most populous country.

U.S. and the G-20 Summit: Perspectives on Global Leadership

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Pittsburgh G-20 Summit was a significant milestone for President Obama's leadership role in the international community. Colin Bradford reflects on what the Summit meant for the United States and how it was shaped by the president's involvement.

Non-G-20 Developing Countries and the G-20 Summit: Perspectives on Global Leadership

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What did the Pittsburgh G-20 Summit offer non-G-20 developing countries? Homi Kharas examines the Summit talks and how the interests of developing countries in this group were not adequately addressed.

Replacing the G-7, Not Enlarging It, is a Historic Shift toward Global Inclusion

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Following the announcement from Pittsburgh that the G-20 Summit will “permanently replace” the G7, thus bringing countries such as Brazil, India and China into that global body, Colin Bradford reflects on the historic significance of this event and what it will mean for continued efforts of cooperation among the international community.

The 0.85 Percent Solution for Low-Income Countries

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A topic of discussion at previous G-20 summits, IBRD resources are central to helping poor countries survive this economic crisis. Homi Kharas discusses the importance of making IBRD resources much more widely available to promote development and urges G-20 leaders to continue talks about this issue at the summit in Pittsburgh.

Universal Education is an Investment for America

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama's speech at the Clinton Global Initiative on September 22 stressed the importance of international development in a globalized world. Rebecca Winthrop outlines the benefits to Americans of supporting international development causes, with particular attention to universal education.

Climate Change at the G-20 Summit

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:37:00 GMT

Crafting global policy to address climate change is a priority for leaders attending the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh. Nonresident Senior Fellow Warwick McKibbin previews the talks, noting the complexities the leaders face in finding the common ground necessary to tackle this consuming issue.

Three Reasons the Americans Should Support Global Education

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

One year after committing to a $2 billion Global Fund for Education, President Obama returned to the Clinton Global Initiative on September 22 to speak about international development. Rebecca Winthrop discusses the importance of renewing the commitment to education in the developing world and its relevance to all Americans.

The Middle East and the New Global Economy: Development and Diversification in Saudi Arabia

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Saudi Arabia will join other Group of Twenty (G-20) nations this week to address the global economic recovery. In a discussion with the Middle East Youth Initiative, expert economist Hassan Hakimian explains that the government’s stimulus budget has helped to cushion the country from the worst effects of the recession. Yet, the long-term challenges of developing the non-oil, private sector and harnessing human capital remain.

A New International Monetary Fund?

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In a recent compilation of commentary for the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh, Domenico Lombardi discusses conclusions drawn from recent IMF governance reform consultations and states that it is time for the IMF to embrace transparency and accountability, in order to bring its practices into line with those of other international organizations.

The Scouting Report Web Chat: Previewing the Pittsburgh G-20 Summit

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

At 12:30 on September 23, Colin Bradford, former chief economist at the U.S. Agency for International Development, and Fred Barbash, senior editor at Politico, answered your questions about the G-20 Summit and global economic recovery.

The Scouting Report: Previewing the Pittsburgh G-20 Summit

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 23, 2009, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

At 12:30 on September 23, Colin Bradford, former chief economist at the U.S. Agency for International Development, and Fred Barbash, senior editor at Politico, answered questions about the G-20 Summit and global economic recovery.

Combating Judicial Corruption in Uganda

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The challenges that the judiciary system in Uganda has faced are well known, but the country has come a long way from that past. In a new paper, Cynthia Baldwin proposes a four-part approach to control judicial corruption.

President Obama and the Spirit of Global Development Partnership

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The key feature of President Obama's speech on September 22 at the Clinton Global Initiative was a call for a new spirit of global partnership, with respect to aiding the world's poor and countering transnational treats. Noam Unger discusses steps the U.S. government could take to advance global development efforts.

The Middle East and the New Global Economy: Revisiting Egypt in the Wake of the Downturn

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As leaders from the Group of Twenty (G-20) nations prepare to meet to take stock of the world's economy, the Middle East finds itself increasingly influenced by global trends and policies. Brookings expert Tarik Yousef and professor Ragui Assaad discuss Egypt's responses to the downturn and its future role in the global economy.

U.S.-China Clean Energy Cooperation: The Road Ahead

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama met with China’s President Hu Jintao at the UN General Assembly last week and they will meet again in November in Beijing. Kenneth Lieberthal analyzes the politics of U.S.-China cooperation, recommends how to structure a bilateral agreement on clean energy, and describes how the two countries can work together to shape a more successful UN climate change conference in Copenhagen.

Obama's Commitment to the World's Children

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

One year after making a major commitment to give every child the chance to attend school, President Barak Obama addressed the opening session at the Clinton Global Initiative's 2009 Annual Meeting on September 22. David Gartner discusses the urgency of the Global Fund for Education's creation and the unique opportunity Obama has to lead the world towards universal education.

Washington Roundtable on the Global Economic Agenda

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 18, 2009, 8:30 AM to 5:45 PM

On September 18, Brookings—jointly with the Asian Development Bank Institute and the Inter-American Development Bank—co-hosted a roundtable focusing on the global economic agenda for the fall of 2009. The roundtable served as a forum to enhance engagement and exchanges between experts from the U.S. and other G-20 countries on the critical issues to be addressed at these highlevel international gatherings.

G-20 Summit: Recovering from the Crisis

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On September 24, President Obama will chair his first G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh. With the world economy improving, leaders will now focus their attention on economic recovery and restoring financial stability. Experts from Brookings Global Economy and Development program analyze top issues to be addressed at the summit and provide recommendations on how to effectively overcome global economic and governance challenges to ensure recovery now and to prevent future crises.

Monetary Policy and Financial Stability: An Address by José de Gregorio

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 17, 2009, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

On September 17, the Brookings Institution will host Dr. José de Gregorio, governor of the Central Bank of Chile. Governor de Gregorio will outline his views on how best to structure monetary policy and regulatory frameworks in emerging markets to promote macroeconomic and financial stability.

Between Hypocrisy and Narcoterrorism in Latin America

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A new agreement between the United States and Colombia will give the U.S. military access to seven existing facilities in order to carry out counternarcotics and counterinsurgency operations. Mauricio Cardenas and Kevin Casas-Zamora examine concerns among countries in Latin America regarding this move and argue that it is time to have meaningful conversation on a problem that affects the whole hemisphere.

A Dangerous Game of Trade 'Chicken'

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Obama administration's decision to impose tariffs on imports of Chinese tires has been met with a swift and sharp response by China. Eswar Prasad discusses the implications of protectionist measures and warns this U.S.-China spat could have global consequences.

Could a Resurgent Global Economy Relapse into Global Imbalances?

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A year after the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers and the ensuing near collapse of the U.S. financial system, Eswar Prasad reflects on what led to these circumstances and urges for coordinated solutions to avoid further global imbalances.

Is the G-20 Summit a Step Toward a New Global Economic Order?

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Colin Bradford and Johannes Linn argue that the global crisis has moved the United States, along with the rest of the world, toward a new global economic order, with the G-20 summit as one of the principal manifestations of the new global governance system. In addition to the financial crisis, they say that the summit can also serve as a platform for addressing other pressing global issues, including trade, climate change, energy and food security and reform of global institutions.

Climate Change Policy: Recommendations to Reach Consensus

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the financial crisis continues to take its toll on the global economy, another serious challenge looms large: preventing the planet from warming more than 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Brookings experts and colleagues from the public and private sectors develop strategies and provide recommendations to policymakers who are now faced with the daunting task of stabilizing the climate without dampening economic recovery.

Four Ways to Help Africa?

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In response to a Wall Street Journal article by former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi E. Frazer, Brookings expert Mwangi Kimenyi urges that U.S. policy toward Africa should be defined by a sustainable agenda whose focus is economic development.

IMF Governance Reform and Civil Society

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Governance reform at the IMF is one of the most critical tasks facing the institution. In early 2009, the IMF Managing Director, for the first time in the Fund's history, called for global consultations with civil society to gather its input in the current reform process. In a presentation before IMF Executive Directors, Domenico Lombardi shared the main points of the final report of the Fourth Pillar (civil society) consultations on IMF governance reform.

Ordinary Families, Extraordinary Lives : Assets and Poverty Reduction in Guayaquil, 1978-2004

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In Ordinary Families, Extraordinary Lives, Moser shows how a more sophisticated understanding of the complexities of asset accumulation as well as poverty itself can help counter inaccurate stereotypes about global poverty.

The Potential Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on World Trade

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings expert Warwick McKibbin and CAMA Visiting Fellow, Andrew Stoeckel, use modelling to explore the implications of the large increase in fiscal deficits and the implications of a global trade war in response to the financial crisis.

A Copenhagen Collar: Achieving Comparable Effort Through Carbon Price Agreements

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The global financial crisis proves how unforeseen macroeconomic conditions can affect policies aimed at reducing and stabilizing greenhouse gas emissions. This paper outlines an example that shows that a price collar can have a negligible expected impact on the outcome that matters most for the climate—increasing emissions.

Obama Must Resist the Anti-Trade Mobs

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Obama Administration faces a new trade dilemma — the possibility of imposing new import restrictions on Chinese tyres. Chad P. Bown discusses the element of protectionism and offers ways in which the U.S. can address this issue.

A Global Fund for Education: Achieving Education for All

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In order to realize the world’s commitment to ensuring education for all by 2015, important innovations and reforms will be needed in the governance and financing of global education. David Gartner advises that the Global Fund for Education holds the key and outlines a set of core principles to guide the fund.

Quality and Coordination of Official Development Aid in Pakistan

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pakistan has historically received large volumes of aid but it has also faced an increasingly difficult task of aid coordination. Abdul Malik examines aid quality and discusses its implication for the coordination and effectiveness of aid.

Monetary Policy Challenges for Emerging Market Economies

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The debate between theorists and practitioners on monetary policy challenges for emerging market economies continues. This paper by Brookings expert Eswar Prasad, Gill Hammond, and Ravi Kanbur addresses the dialogue between academics and policymakers on this issue and sets an agenda for further research.

Corruption, Global Security, and World Order

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Corruption, Global Security, and World Order explores the ties between corrupt practice and threats to global peace, corrupt practice and the suppression of human rights and development, corrupt practice and the maintenance of tyranny, and corruption in health and education.

Why Are Afghans Smiling?

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Though Afghanistan has been at war much of the last 30 years, Carol Graham and Jeremy Shapiro find that Afghans remain surprisingly happy. Graham and Shapiro believe adaptations to crime and corruption play a major role and argue that better understanding of multiple happiness factors, including Taliban influence, should shape future U.S. strategy in the country.

Climate Change and India

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In response to Secretary Clinton's call for India to help combat global warming, India's environment minister said that India, with over 300 million impoverished people, was not in a position to assume legally binding emissions. Arvind Panagariya reviews the debate and argues for developed countries to substantially cut their emissions before asking developing countries to commit to mitigation.

Singh’s Big Chance to Unchain the Indian Economy

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Although India’s economy has weathered the global financial crisis quite well, Eswar Prasad says the present political and economic circumstances in India give Prime Minister Manmohan Singh a chance to deliver real reforms, which are crucial for sustained growth that does not leave behind much of the population.

A Nigerian-American Partnership Beckons

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Following State Hillary Clinton's visit to Nigeria at the end of her 11-day tour of African nations, Richard Joseph says that Nigeria has a historic opportunity to address its myriad problems. "Nigeria and the United States," Joseph writes, "could initiate a new era of cooperation based on shared commitments to constitutional democracy, the strengthening of open, multi-ethnic and multi-religious societies and laying the foundations for sustainable and equitable growth."

Making Africa a Priority in U.S. Foreign Assistance

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's multi-nation tour of Africa highlights America's development aid imbalance. Last year, the United States directed almost three-quarters of its resources to countries that are not among the poorest in the world. David Gartner argues that a greater focus on the least developed countries, especially those in Africa, would yield enormous progress toward reducing global poverty.

Protectionism Exposed

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Chad Bown examines a new set of data from the World Bank's Global Antidumping Database to find emerging trends in trade policy and protectionism. As global economies continue to feel the effect of the financial crisis, protectionist measures have increased 31% and trends point to a new wave of global protectionism.

Africa and the Obama Administration

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:44:47 GMT

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's 11-day visit to select African nations wraps up this week, her longest overseas mission as America's top diplomat. Ernest Aryeetey says African nations view Secretary Clinton’s trip so early in her term as a smart move, adding her visit instills a sense of optimism about U.S.-Africa relations.

Rebalancing Growth In Asia Depends on Chinese Consumer Spending

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Eswar Prasad argues that a key component in restoring overall global financial health is to fix growth imbalances in Asia's emerging markets, especially China's excessive dependence on export- and investment-led growth. Prasad encourages financial market development in China to increase private consumption to make growth more balanced and thus help stabilize the world financial and economic systems.

Climate Change, Trade, and Competitiveness: Is a Collision Inevitable? : Brookings Trade Forum 2008/2009

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Brookings Trade Forum provides comprehensive analysis on current and emerging issues of international trade and macroeconomics. Practitioners and academics contribute to each volume, with papers that provide an in-depth look at a particular topic. The 2008/2009 edition focuses on climate policy and its impact on trade.

Political and Economic Woes Thwart Return to Normalcy in Iran

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Following his return from Tehran, Djavad Salehi-Isfahani speaks to NPR’s Marketplace about festering political and economic discontent in Iran following the June elections. Bringing the country’s economy in for a soft landing will pose a significant challenge to the government, he notes, as Iranian citizens struggle to get back to their daily lives.

African Growth and Opportunity Act: A Case of Vanishing Benefits

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In August, high-level delegations of government, private sector and civil society representatives from the United States and sub-Saharan Africa met in Nairobi for the eighth annual forum on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Mwangi Kimenyi reflects on the success of AGOA and how the forum can be a chance to focus on making Africa competitive.

Climate Crisis, Credit Crisis: Overcoming Obstacles to Build a Climate Resilient World

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 30, 2009, 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM
August 01, 2009, 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM

Forty experts gathered for the Brookings Blum Roundtable to discuss the impact of climate change and the global financial crisis on the world's poor. The experts formed recommendations for global leaders as they prepare to meet in Copenhagen in December to address solutions to global climate change.

Consequences of Alternative U.S. Cap-and-Trade Policies: Controlling Both Emissions and Costs

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings experts Adele Morris, Peter Wilcoxen and Warwick McKibbin analyze the economic effects of a potential U.S. cap-and-trade program and offer insights to policy-makers on how to limit climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions with little risk to the economy.

Time for a Price Collar on Carbon

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the Senate moves to consider the House approved cap-and-trade legislation, hurdles still remain. Brookings experts Adele Morris, Peter Wilcoxen and Warwick McKibbin argue that sponsors of the Senate cap-and-trade bill could strengthen its prospects by establishing a price collar as a way to make it more politically and economically attractive.

Climate Change and Vulnerable Societies

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kemal Derviş testified before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on America’s critical role in supporting climate change adaptation in the world’s most vulnerable communities. Derviş stressed that although global economies are facing serious financial challenges, time is of the essence to protect those most affected. He provided recommendations to enact globally acceptable and enforceable policies to tackle climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Protectionism Continues its Climb

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Chad P. Bown finds that although the G-20 committed to reduce trade protectionism and barriers following the start of the financial crisis, almost all of them have turned to trade “remedy” policy instruments in response to domestic industry demands for protection from import competition.

Aid Coordination on the Ground: Are Joint Country Assistance Strategies the Answer?

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The dilemma of what to do about aid fragmentation remains a challenge. In a new working paper, Johannes Linn discusses comprehensive approaches to aid coordination and how joint country assistance strategies could be an effective strategy.

President Obama's Agenda Needs Greater Focus on Global Development

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Although the Obama administration faces serious challenges at home and abroad, Homi Kharas, Johannes Linn and Noam Unger call for greater attention to the world's poor. The experts provide recommendations on how the Obama administration can begin to improve America's critical role in global development.

Latin America's Infrastructure: Roads to the Future

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 21, 2009, 9:00 AM to 12:20 PM

On July 21, the Latin America Initiative at Brookings and the Andean Development Corporation (CAF) hosted a discussion of CAF’s recent report titled “Roads to the Future: Management of Infrastructure in Latin America.”

Educating Women and Girls in the Developing World: A Conversation with Ambassador Melanne Verveer

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 21, 2009, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Education, especially for girls and women, is one of the most highly leveraged investments that a developing country can make in its future. This spring, President Barack Obama appointed Melanne Verveer to serve as the first ever ambassador-at-large for global women’s issues. The Center for Universal Education hosted a conversation with Ambassador Verveer on the importance of girls’ and women’s education in the developing world.

Brookings: Programs - Global Economy and Development

The Global Food Crisis: "The Silent Tsunami"

Sustaining Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa

Corruption Index Today, Election Tomorrow, Aid Revamp the Day After?

The Zedillo Commission Report on World Bank Reform: A Stepping Stone for the G-20 Summits in 2010

Building Bridges between China and the United States

The Middle East and the New Global Economy: Economic Recovery and a New Government in Lebanon

The Global Recession and Climate Change

Protecting Putin's Protection Racket

An Awkward Dance: China and the United States

Around the Halls: 20 Years After the Berlin Wall Fell

Could the WTO Better Serve the Poor?

Political Polarization in Latin America

The Senate's Climate Change Bill and the Outlook for Copenhagen

Tackling HIV/AIDS in Africa: From Knowledge to Behavior Change

The Scouting Report Web Chat: Previewing President Obama's First Trip to China

The Scouting Report: Previewing President Obama's First Trip to China

The U.S. Should Encourage Structural Transformation Strategies in Africa

Obama's Kenya: A Potential Political Minefield

India and a Carbon Deal

Generation in Waiting : The Unfulfilled Promise of Young People in the Middle East

The Global Economic Agenda: Issues Paper for the Washington Roundtable

21st Century Global Governance: Broadening Participation in International Institutions

Teaching and Learning in Emergencies, Chronic Crises, and Early Recovery

1000 Days to the 7th Billion Human: What Do We Tell Her?

Equity and Efficiency in Cap-And-Trade: Effectively Managing the Emissions Allowance Supply

Climate Change and Latin America: The Long Way to Copenhagen

Iraq's Economy Needs More Than Security

Tracking the Global Economic Recovery: Insights on the IMF's New World Economic Outlook

U.S. Private Philanthropy

Latin America: Time for Reform, Not for Complacency

Expanding the Financial Services Frontier: Lessons From Mobile Phone Banking in Kenya

"Coping" with the G-20: Italy and the Challenge of Global Governance

Presidents Obama and George H.W. Bush: Building Bridges Through Service

Self-Enforcing Trade : Developing Countries and WTO Dispute Settlement

Africa's (Large)4 Problem

Nobel Prize in Economics: Illusions From Tinbergen to Keynes

Case Study on Aid Effectiveness in Tajikistan

Global Macroeconomic Imbalances: G-20 Leaders Must Back up Their Rhetoric with Deeds

The G-20, the "Istanbul Decisions" and the Way Forward

Do Philanthropic Citizens Behave Like Governments?

Growth After the Storm? A Longer Run Perspective on the Global Economy

Paradox and Perception : Measuring Quality of Life in Latin America

Contemporary Development Challenges in Kenya

The G-20 Governments Should Look at Their Own Governance

Iran Sanctions: Who Really Wins?

Nigerian Foreign Minister Chief Ojo Maduekwe on the Nigeria-U.S. Partnership

U.S. and the G-20 Summit: Perspectives on Global Leadership

Non-G-20 Developing Countries and the G-20 Summit: Perspectives on Global Leadership

Replacing the G-7, Not Enlarging It, is a Historic Shift toward Global Inclusion

The 0.85 Percent Solution for Low-Income Countries

Universal Education is an Investment for America

Climate Change at the G-20 Summit

Three Reasons the Americans Should Support Global Education

The Middle East and the New Global Economy: Development and Diversification in Saudi Arabia

A New International Monetary Fund?

The Scouting Report Web Chat: Previewing the Pittsburgh G-20 Summit

The Scouting Report: Previewing the Pittsburgh G-20 Summit

Combating Judicial Corruption in Uganda

President Obama and the Spirit of Global Development Partnership

The Middle East and the New Global Economy: Revisiting Egypt in the Wake of the Downturn

U.S.-China Clean Energy Cooperation: The Road Ahead

Obama's Commitment to the World's Children

Washington Roundtable on the Global Economic Agenda

G-20 Summit: Recovering from the Crisis

Monetary Policy and Financial Stability: An Address by José de Gregorio

Between Hypocrisy and Narcoterrorism in Latin America

A Dangerous Game of Trade 'Chicken'

Could a Resurgent Global Economy Relapse into Global Imbalances?

Is the G-20 Summit a Step Toward a New Global Economic Order?

Climate Change Policy: Recommendations to Reach Consensus

Four Ways to Help Africa?

IMF Governance Reform and Civil Society

Ordinary Families, Extraordinary Lives : Assets and Poverty Reduction in Guayaquil, 1978-2004

The Potential Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on World Trade

A Copenhagen Collar: Achieving Comparable Effort Through Carbon Price Agreements

Obama Must Resist the Anti-Trade Mobs

A Global Fund for Education: Achieving Education for All

Quality and Coordination of Official Development Aid in Pakistan

Monetary Policy Challenges for Emerging Market Economies

Africa's (Large)⁴ Problem