Brookings: Topics - International Organizations

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.

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.

An African Solution to Internal Displacement: AU Leaders Agree to Landmark Convention

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Decades of armed conflict, natural disasters and climate change, have given rise to sizable populations of internally displaced persons (IDPs) throughout Africa. On October 23, African heads of state and government signed a legally binding convention on internal displacement, which as Andrew Solomon notes, demonstrates their commitment to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of IDPs, to facilitate durable solutions and to ensure that millions of people are no longer excluded from society as a whole.

African Union Convention on Protection and Assistance for Internally Displaced Persons in Africa

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Forced displacement is a devastating experience that often takes years or even decades to recover from. Africa hosts the worlds largest population of internally displaced persons and, as Walter Kälin points out, has taken the initiative to go beyond the existing state of law by creating the first binding international law on internally displaced persons.

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.

Up Close and from the Tower: Two Views of Refugee and Internally Displaced Populations

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The numbers are startling. There are close to 40 million refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the world today, uprooted by conflict and human rights violations. The problems facing the refugees and IDPs are daunting. While reviewing two books, Cohen argues that the overall problem of forced migration goes beyond humanitarian and human rights solutions, requiring multilateral action aimed at preventing and resolving the crises at the heart of displacement.

The 2009 Afghan Elections and the Future of the International Community in Afghanistan

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Jeremy Shapiro argues pundits should focus more on what the elections in Afghanistan say about the international community than what they mean for the country. He cautions that actions by international actors are often seen from the inside as rigging elections to a pre-determined outcome and concludes that if these efforts to build a democracy fail it may help Afghanistan become a terrorist state once again.

The G8: From Trieste to L’Aquila

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Federiga Binda believes the recent G8 foreign ministers meeting in Trieste has set the stage for pragmatic and operative discussions at the upcoming G8 summit. Bindi examines key issues of the debate including Afghanistan, nuclear proliferation and the future role of the European Union in global governance.

Europe and the Emerging Powers at the G8 Summit: "Taxation without Representation"

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the G8 summit nears, Bruce Jones highlights the problems involved in holding international decision-making meetings with just a handful of countries in an increasingly interconnected world. Jones argues that it is time to get serious about new modes of cooperation that gives a stronger voice to rising powers such as India and China.

Climate Change, Natural Disasters, and Internal Displacement

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An estimated 50-200 million people may move by the middle of the century as a result of the negative effects of climate change, either within their countries or across borders, on a permanent or temporary basis. While some of this movement may be voluntary, some of it will not. Walter Kälin points out that there are significant differences in both groups' situations and the responses to their migrations must also be different.

Protracted Displacement in Europe

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Over the last few years, the internal displacement situation in Europe has remained stagnant. Europe continues to have more than 2.5 million IDPs, over 99% of whom find themselves in situations of protracted displacement. In order to improve the situation of IDPs in Europe, Walter Kälin argues that both the adoption of the Draft Resolution before the Parliamentary Assembly as well as a national laws and policies "would radically change the fate of these forgotten people."

The G8 and Beyond: The Economics and Politics of a Global Century?

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 08:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 21, 2009, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
June 22, 2009, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

On June 21 and 22, the Italian Foreign Ministry held a conference in partnership with the Brookings Institution, Aspen Italia, Club de Madrid, Link Campus University – Sage, and Centro di Eccellenza Jean Monnet – Fondazione Economia Tor Vergata. The goal of the conference was two-fold: to generate ideas that transcend the tyranny of the urgent and could help inform preparations for the Italy-hosted G8 Summit in July 2009; and to generate debate and discussion on longer-term efforts to reform the international system.

Foresight USA Symposium

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 18, 2009, 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM
June 19, 2009, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

On June 18 and 19, 2009, the Foresight project held its second major regional symposium in Washington, D.C. Organized by the Alfred Herrhausen Society in partnership with Policy Network and the Brookings Institution, it provided a unique opportunity to advance the task of forging a new global consensus on the shape of the emerging world order and the role of the United States within it.

American Leadership in a Global Century

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Carlos Pascual delivered the commencement address at Fort Leavenworth Command and General Staff College. Pascual challenged graduates to make operational the perspectives of American leadership in a globalized world.

Mass Displacement Caused by Conflicts and One-Sided Violence

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Massive displacement of people within and across borders has become a defining feature of the post-cold war world. It is also a major feature of human insecurity in which genocide, terrorism, egregious human rights violations and appalling human degradation wreak havoc on civilians. Though there has been a critical shift in thinking at the international level with regards to forced displacement, Cohen and Deng argue that concepts of sovereignty as responsibility and the responsibility to protect remain far ahead of international willingness and capacity to enforce them.

Crossroads on Cuba: Will Democracy or Sovereignty Prevail?

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ted Piccone writes that the future of the Organization of American States (OAS) depends on how it manages the readmission of Cuba to the regional organization. Piccone urges member states not to depart from the organization’s core democratic and human rights principles.

What Role for International Law in the Arab World?

Sun, 31 May 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 31, 2009, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

The Brookings Doha Center hosted a discussion on the role of international law in the Arab world. Panelists included Mohamed Ali, president of the Criminal Court of Alexandria; Mutlaq Al Qahtani, an international law expert who previously served as the State of Qatar's minister to the United Nations; and Susan Karamanian, associate dean for international and comparative legal studies at The George Washington University Law School.

The Political Implications of the Economic Crisis for the European Union

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse assesses the risks of seeing the European Union or the Eurozone break up because of the economic crisis. Far from this outcome, Vaisse surveys the reasons why Europe will resist and predicts that it will eventually bounce back to become a stronger union

Taiwan in the World Health Assembly: A Victory, With Limits

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Jacques deLisle of the University of Pennsylvania argues that Taiwan’s participation at the 62nd World Health Assembly this month marks a significant development in Taiwan’s quest for international space, in cross-Strait relations, and for the World Health Organization. Implications for Taiwan’s participation in other organizations may be limited, Professor deLisle writes, but this achievement could become an important template for future developments.

Obama's First 100 Days: Recommendations and an Evaluation of U.S. Global Engagement

Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama took office with a sweeping agenda to restore America’s image and rebuild U.S. alliances to meet the common challenges of the 21st Century. As the new administration passes the 100 day milestone, the Managing Global Insecurity Project (MGI) assesses progress toward a new era of U.S. global leadership and compares the early actions of the Obama administration to the recommendations of MGI.

IMF Governance Reform: A Discussion on the Recommendations of the Committee

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 24, 2009, 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM

On April 24, the Brookings Institution hosted a conversation with Trevor Manuel and George Soros, among other distinguished panelists, on the recommendations by the Committee on IMF Governance and also discussed broader global financial challenges, including proposals for a new global reserve currency.

U.S. Foreign Policy and President Obama

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Carlos Pascual and Brent Scowcroft joined Charlie Rose to discuss President Obama’s ambitious new approach to U.S. foreign policy. Pascual also commented on his new book, Power & Responsibility, and the realist perspective behind it.

The Impact of Timing of International Criminal Indictments on Peace Processes and Humanitarian Action

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Since 2002, the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor has issued four criminal indictments, carefully navigating turbulent national and international political waters. In each case, the timing of the indictments has elicited much controversy, particularly regarding their potential impact on peace agreements or ongoing negotiations. According to Jacqueline Geis and Alex Mundt, at issue is a fundamental debate over whether peace and justice can be pursued simultaneously.

An Institutional Gap for Disaster IDPs

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Climate change is expected to sharply increase the number and severity of natural disasters, displacing millions on all continents. Roberta Cohen argues that the international community needs to recognize "disaster IDPs" and establish new institutional arrangements to protect their human rights.

Shaping a Globalized World

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Carlos Pascual believes short- and long-term issues of globalization cannot be considered independently from one another. Rather, the biggest challenge for transnational governance lies in the scale of the global agenda, and the complexity and interconnectedness of individual issues. Pascual calls for a redefinition of global responsibilities in order to tackle the essential challenges of a globalized world.

Regional Voices in Global Governance: A Natural Progression

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The "geometry" of global summitry is in flux. A new global governance forum will eventually emerge from the existing G-8 and G-20. As Lex Rieffel explains in a recent commentary in The Globalist, several factors point toward the emergence of a G-15 consisting of five "old powers," five "new powers" and representatives of five otherwise under-represented regions.

International Order in an Era of Transnational Threat

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

March 20, 2009, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

On March 20, the Brookings-Tsinghua Center for Public Policy hosted Carlos Pascual and Bruce Jones for a public lecture on their new book, Power and Responsibility: Building International Order in an Era of Transnational Threats.

World Bank Reform: Proposals for the Next G-20 Summit

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The April 2, 2009 G-20 Summit should focus on easing the impact of the global financial crisis—particularly on the world’s poor. Leading up to the summit, Johannes Linn lists recommendations for critical World Bank reform so that the global institution can aid the developing world during this time of crisis.

The Responsibility to Protect: Human Rights and Humanitarian Dimensions

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Everyone would agree that international human rights standards are the foundation of the responsibility to protect (R2P). States have an obligation to protect their populations from the worst atrocities on the basis of international human rights precepts. However, it was not until the advent of R2P that the international community accepted for the first time the collective responsibility to act should states fail to protect citizens from genocide, ethnic cleansing, war crimes or crimes against humanity.

Global Governance and What It Means

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ann Florini discussed the difference between "global government" and "global governance," intergovernmental organizations such as the UN, and the role and achievements of civil society and transnational networks, particularly on environmental issues.

Global Governance Breakthrough: The G20 Summit and the Future Agenda

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Paul Martin, former Prime Minister of Canada, and Senior Fellows Colin Bradford and Johannes Linn assess the successful G20 Summit, its impact on global governance and provide recommendations for President-elect Obama. They argue that the next administration can build an inclusive and cooperative summit group to resolve the current financial and economic crisis as well as address other major complex global challenges and opportunities.

Strengthen the Millennium Challenge Corporation: Better Results are Possible

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is one of the outstanding innovations of the eight-year presidency of George W. Bush. Lex Rieffel and James Fox offer recommendations to strengthen the MCC for better results.

Tackling the Crisis of Global Order

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Strobe Talbott and Thomas Pickering of the U.S. Advisory Group of the Managing Global Insecurity Project joined co-directors Carlos Pascual, Bruce Jones, and Stephen Stedman to assess several lessons of the current global financial crisis and resulting G20 summit. They argue that even though this is a trying time, it has brought about renewed prospects of broader cooperation, which is something the global community needs now more than ever.

Human Rights, Asia and the New Administration

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

December 10 marks the 60^th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly. Catharin Dalpino writes that the Obama administration will face unprecedented challenges in the promotion of human rights in Asia, but is also likely to find new opportunities and should adopt a fresh approach.

A New American Realism

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Carlos Pascual writes that President-elect Obama’s choice of a national security team reflects seriousness, pragmatism and bipartisanship. Pascual believes the selections indicate Obama will take a twenty-first-century view toward national security: energy, power, economics, human rights, terrorism and poverty must be part of the agenda.

Don't Rush Georgia and Ukraine into NATO

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Press reports indicate the Bush administration is pursuing a final bold foreign policy move -- agreeing to offer Georgia and Ukraine rapid membership to NATO by bypassing normal procedures. Michael O'Hanlon argues this is a bad idea, writing it is likely to worsen U.S.-Russia relations and increase the risk of war.

The Future of Humanitarianism: A Conversation with the ICRC’s Pierre Krähenbühl

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 24, 2008, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

The growing number and complexity of emergency situations in the world today places increasing pressure on the humanitarian community to respond effectively. On November 24, Brookings will host Pierre Krähenbühl, director of operations for the International Committee of the Red Cross, for a discussion on the future of humanitarianism.

APEC: The Challenge of Remaining Relevant

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As leaders from around the Asia-Pacific gather in Peru for the APEC summit on November 22-23, former CNAPS Visiting Fellow Richard Weixing Hu writes in the Brookings Northeast Asia Commentary that APEC’s relevance could be jeopardized by its hollow dialogue agendas and competition from the growing number of regional community building projects.

Building International Order in an Era of Transnational Threat

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 13, 2008, 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM

On November 13, 2008, the Managing Global Insecurity (MGI) co-directors launched “A Plan for Action: A New Era of International Cooperation for a Changed World- 2009, 2010, and Beyond” at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI) Transitions 2009 International Conference.

Managing Global Insecurity: A Plan for Action

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

American and global leaders face a choice: they can either use this moment to help shape an international, rule-based order that will protect their global interests, or resign themselves to an ad hoc international system where they are increasingly powerless to shape the course of international affairs. The longer the delay in new approaches and new cooperation against today’s threats, the more difficult the challenges will become. Global leaders must chart a shared path forward that marries power and responsibility to achieve together what cannot be achieved apart: peace and security in a transnational world.

Ukraine, Georgia and MAP – Time for Plan B

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Steven Pifer believes bids by Ukraine and Georgia for NATO membership action plans (MAPs), though strongly supported by the U.S., are likely to fail. Pifer says involved parties should accept that asking for MAPs in December is a recipe for defeat, but also that NATO should make it clear to Russia it cannot draw new lines through Europe.

Global Financial Crisis: What Should the U.S. Show the World?

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

CNAPS Nonresident Fellow Yeongseop Rhee writes that the current financial crisis calls to mind the 1997-1998 Asian crisis. At that time, the U.S. and international organizations blamed Asian countries for their plight and prescribed harsh measures for fixing the situation. Dr. Rhee argues that now the U.S. must follow its own advice to maintain its leadership position.

Democracies: In a League of their Own?

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Ted Piccone outlines several versions of the League of Democracies concept that has reemerged during the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign. Though it finds support in both conservative and liberal circles, Piccone argues that the current framework will not succeed in today’s political environment. However, Piccone believes democracy promotion should remain a top priority for the next administration, and he offers recommendations for strengthening multilateral approaches.

U.S. Policy Toward Iran: Missed Opportunities and Paths Forward

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Suzanne Maloney writes that U.S. policy toward Iran is in a profound state of disarray as international support for sanctions or use of force has dwindled recently. Maloney argues that the U.S. must first understand where the miscalculations occurred, and that the next administration should be prepared to outline a new way forward on Iran.

Top 10 Global Economic Challenges Facing America's 44th President

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As President-Elect Obama prepares to lead the United States, what are the top global economic challenges facing the new president and his advisors and how should the new administration address them? A new report by Brookings global economic and development experts ranks the top 10 issues and details specific ideas for how to tackle the toughest challenges.

Setting a Constructive Russia Agenda

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In an interview with Bernard Gwertzman of Council on Foreign Relations, Steven Pifer said U.S.-Russian relations have "deteriorated significantly" since the Putin-Bush summit of 2002. Pifer believes the current state of relations has not left much in the U.S. diplomatic tool-kit to use against Moscow, and he suggests that the next administration try to return to negotiations on limiting strategic arms.

Transatlantic Dialogue on Revitalizing the International Security System

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 26, 2008, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
September 27, 2008, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

On September 26-27, 2008 in New York City, the Managing Global Insecurity (MGI) Project, the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) and the Brookings Institution Center on United States and Europe (CUSE) gathered representatives and experts from the United States and across Europe to discuss U.S. and European priorities for reform of the international security system.

U.S.-U.N. Relationship: 2009 and Beyond

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As President Bush delivered his last speech before the United Nations General Assembly this week, Brookings Visiting Fellow Lee Feinstein observes that many of the issues facing the U.N. in 2001 remain undiminished and unresolved today. Feinstein urges the next president to work with the United Nations and to be “a forceful advocate” of U.S. interests within the United Nations system.

Can the World Be Governed? Possibilities for Effective Multilateralism

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 10, 2008, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

As the global economic and power structures have shifted in recent years, calls for reform of global institutions and governance mechanisms have increased. On September 10, Brookings hosted the Centre for International Governance Innovation to discuss the possibility of reform of current international organizations and processes and what the best options are for effective reform.

Securing Georgia

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The military conflict between Russia and Georgia over two breakaway regions has subsided, but continues on in strained relations between Russia and western powers, including the United States. Carlos Pascual and Steven Pifer propose a 10-point plan to monitor events on the ground in Georgia, mobilize NATO and the UN, and enforce international law.

Resurgent Russia Challenges U.S. Diplomacy

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The United States has found itself in a difficult position with the conflict between Georgia and Russia. Strobe Talbott talks with Scott Simon about U.S. relations in the region.

Myanmar: Where Do We Go From Here?

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As the aftermath of cyclone Nargis becomes clearer, Lex Rieffel and David I. Steinberg argue that the best hope for tangible improvements in the daily lives of Myanmar's people is the newly adopted charter of the 10 ASEAN member countries. The charter has a weak human-rights provision, but it will provide a stronger basis for dialogue with the Myanmar government.

Considering the Global Economy and Development in National Security

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A recent report issued by the Center for a New American Security outlines recommendations for a new national security strategy. Lael Brainard authored recommendations for the report on how to integrate global economic and development concerns into the national security framework.

Strategic Leadership: Framework for a 21st Century National Security Strategy

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A recent report issued by the Phoenix Initiative outline recommendations for a new national security strategy for the next U.S. president. Lael Brainard and Ivo Daalder authored recommendations for the report that seek to marshal the best practices and ideas of the progressive tradition in U.S. foreign policy and adapt them to a rapidly changing world with a multitude of strategic challenges.

International Cooperation for a Changed World

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 15, 2008, 12:00 AM to
July 16, 2008, 12:00 AM to

Heads of international organizations and foreign policy leaders from around the world met in Berlin, Germany on July 15 and 16 to discuss the future of international security and cooperation. Convened by Brookings’ Managing Global Insecurity Project (MGI) and the Bertelsmann Stiftung, the event focused on the idea that all states, whatever their politics and interests, share duties to their citizens and each other in tackling common threats like terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and global climate change.

Score One for the NGOs

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Ted Piccone explores the Nigerian presidency of the United Nations Human Rights Council and recent U.S. reluctance to work with international organizations. In this piece for washingtonpost.com's Think Tank Town, Piccone argues that recent events prove "how much NGOs can achieve by persuading democratic countries in the developing world to stand up for human rights."

Solving U.S. Domestic Issues: Think Globally, Respond Globally

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Global problems impact America domestically in areas of financial security, job loss, and cost-push inflation. Colin Bradford argues that international institutions offer a different approach to managing those issues that are both domestic and global.

Purposes of a League of Democracies

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this video clip of a discussion held by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Ivo Daalder explains what he sees as the four purposes of a proposed league (or concert) of democracies.

Cyclone Nargis: Catalyst for Change in Myanmar?

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As the scope of tropical cyclone Nargis becomes clearer, Elizabeth Ferris and Lex Rieffel recall that the 2004 tsunami, which struck Aceh provice in Indonesia among other places, was both a human tragedy and a political blessing. They argue that this experience is not likely to be replicated in Myanmar because the regime will continue to refuse much of the assistance offered by foreign governments and international NGOs.

Disaster in Myanmar: Key Challenges for the International Community

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With more than a million people killed, missing, or uprooted by the cyclone that struck Myanmar/Burma on May 3, international aid groups and foreign governments are mobilizing food, water and other assistance for the country. Lex Rieffel, who is currently studying the Asian perspective on Myanmar/Burma, addresses some of the key policy challenges.

The New Philanthropy and Development Aid

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

While the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings made recent headlines, the Global Philanthropy Forum, gathering top private aid donors, fell in the shadows. These private aid donors will likely give more aid to the world’s poor this year than the institutions that convened the Spring Meetings. Raj Desai and Homi Kharas compare these two events and discuss how private aid can help to relieve global poverty.

Rising Food Prices: a Global Crisis

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Rising food prices partly reflect the spillover from high energy costs, and are causing major problems for poor people. Homi Kharas argues for more development assistance for agriculture production to increase food supplies in the long run as well as for more assistance for sustainable development projects to create jobs and higher wages so that poor people can afford the rising costs of food.

NATO: Membership and Identity in a Post-Cold War World

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This week, Romania is hosting the twentieth NATO summit. Brookings Russia specialist Clifford Gaddy discusses the direction and relevance of NATO in a post-Cold War world.

Managing Global Insecurity Project Consultations in Beijing, China

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

March 19, 2008, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

The Managing Global Insecurity (MGI) project visited Beijing, China March 19-21 to elicit Chinese priorities and perspectives on international cooperation and revitalization of the multilateral security system. The visit, one of a series of consultations MGI is conducting in key international capitals, included meetings with government officials, Party leaders, policymakers, scholars, students and private sector representatives. MGI highlighted the vital role China, as new great power, would play in the future of the international security system and introduced some of MGI’s initial recommendations.

Global Governance Reform: The Imperatives of a New Global Economic Reality

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

March 05, 2008, 12:00 PM to 12:00

Johannes F. Linn discussed issues of global governance reform by looking into the imperatives of a new global economic reality at a distinguished speaker seminar at The Asian Development Bank Institute in Tokyo, Japan on March 5, 2008.

Reform of Quota and Voting Shares in the International Monetary Fund: "Nothing" Is Temporarily Preferable to an Inadequate "Something"

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Ralph C. Bryant summarizes an approach for periodic reviews of IMF quotas and voting shares, emphasizing the issues at stake in the design of a rebalancing formula, and assesses the status of the international negotiations as of the beginning of 2008.

Reform of Global Governance: Priorities for Action

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Governance reform was high on the agenda at the recent World Bank/IMF Annual Meeting in Washington. Brookings experts Colin Bradford and Johannes Linn examine priorities for reform at both institutions and other global organizations in a new Policy Brief.

The World Bank at a Crossroads

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 11:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 11, 2007, 11:00 AM to 1:00:00 PM

Brookings and Transparency International/USA hosted a discussion with former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, head of the recently published Independent Panel Review, providing new recommendations for the World Bank and other development organizations in implementing governance reform.

Protecting Overseas Workers: Lessons and Cautions from the Philippines

Sat, 15 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Ruiz and Agunias discuss how a membership-driven welfare fund like the Philippines’ Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) can benefit migrants in a number of ways.

The United Nations in Iraq

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Carlos Pascual argues that a serious and calibrated United Nations role in Iraq is both justified and necessary, even if success cannot be guaranteed. "Iraq is not just an American problem - and there are no viable American unilateral solutions."

The U.N.'s Role in Iraq

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Carlos Pascual and Brian Cullin, The Washington Post (8/23/07)

Will Security Council Resolution 1769 Make a Difference in Darfur?

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Commentary by Roberta Cohen (8/9/07)

The New Reality of Aid

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The Global Costs of an Influenza Pandemic

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

McKibbin and Sidorenko explore ways to estimate the economic consequences of pandemics, based on computer simulations incorporating what we know about influenza transmission and the likely response by governments, as well as by markets.

Restoring America's Leadership Legitimacy

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Colin I. Bradford, Guardian Unlimited (7/9/07)

International NGOs and Poverty Reduction Strategies: The Contribution of an Asset-based Approach

Sun, 01 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

This scoping study has two principle objectives. It provides a summary of current poverty reduction strategies of US and UK-based international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) with a special emphasis on the underlying frameworks that form the basis of their development interventions.

Managing Future Financial Crises: The IMF's Role

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Paul Blustein, The Brookings Institution (6/27/07)

Revitalizing America's Foreign Aid Regime

Tue, 29 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Both Mr. Tobias and Mr. Wolfowitz came to symbolize similar problems with the current administration's approach to international development. President Bush can reverse these perceptions by establishing an independent executive agency to integrate the bewildering number of foreign aid programs into a coherent, focused cabinet department.

The World Needs a Stronger World Bank

Fri, 25 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, The International Herald Tribune (5/25/07)

Canada's Multilateralism is on the Line

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Colin I. Bradford (04/30/07)

Wolfowitz Case Offers Test of Multilateralism

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Interview by Kenneth Rogoff, NPR's All Things Considered (4/23/07)

Wolfowitz and the World Bank at Bay

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Kenneth Rogoff, Chicago Tribune (4/23/07)

The Way Forward for Global Financial Policy

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Kenneth Rogoff, Project Syndicate (4/13/07)

A Brokered Peace: U.N. Mediation Is the Best Hope for a Political Settlement in Iraq

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Carlos Pascual, The Washington Post (3/27/07)

Global Service Fellowships: Building Bridges through American Volunteers

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

David L. Caprara, John Bridgeland, and Harris Wofford argue that as policy-makers search for ways to share the best of America with the world, they should start with our international volunteers, who embody this country's spirit of generosity, resourcefulness and hope. With the support of Congress and the Bush Administration, volunteers can become the first face of America to communities in many nations, while advancing concrete initiatives that lift up the lives of the poor throughout the world.

Afghanistan's Opium Wars

Tue, 20 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Vanda Felbab-Brown, The Wall Street Journal (2/20/07)

The Escalating Crisis in Darfur

Thu, 08 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Testimony by Susan E. Rice before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs (2/8/07)

NATO Must Do More in Afghanistan

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Bruce Riedel and Karl F. Inderfurth, International Herald Tribune (2/5/07)

Weak States: America's Potent New Enemy

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Carlos Pascual, Bloggingheads.tv (2/2/07)

Global Governance Reform : Breaking the Stalemate

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and UN were founded after World War II, and their structures of voting power and representation have become obsolete, no longer reflecting todays balance of economic and political power. This insightful b

Democracies of the World, Unite

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The Bush revolution in foreign policy is over. After September 11, the Administration acted on the conviction that an America that dared to shake off the constraints of international rules, laws and institutions could remake the world for the better.

Climate Change: Creating an E8

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Todd Stern and William J. Antholis, The American Interest (January/February 2007)

Central Asian Regional Integration: Interests of Partner States and Prospects for Cooperation

Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

The unexpected demise of President Niyazov of Turkmenistan has called renewed attention to the unsettled situation and uncertain prospects for Central Asia, one of the pivotal regions of the world. Johannes Linn reviews the state interests and the prospects of the region.

How Bush Can Fix His Policy Failures

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Strobe Talbott, Financial Times (12/18/06)

Who and Why: The Concert of Democracies

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Ivo H. Daalder, TPM Caf� (12/15/06)

U.S. and Europe Must Learn About Alliances

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Ivo H. Daalder and James Goldgeier, Financial Times (12/14/06)

Challenges to Trilateral Cooperation : The Trilateral Commission Tokyo Plenary Meeting 2006

Fri, 01 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

This report on the 2006 Trilateral Commission plenary meeting in Tokyo records the participants’ debates on issues that are central to the future of the international system and the capacity of the Trilateral countries to jointly face this era’s most pressing challenges.

Bush Attends NATO Summit in Latvia

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Internet Chat with Ivo H. Daalder, washingtonpost.com (11/28/06)

Afghanistan: The Taliban Resurgent and NATO

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

The stakes in Afghanistan are high. With the growing disillusionment with the war in Iraq in America and elsewhere, there is a real risk that Afghanistan will be branded as just another failed mission. Bruce Riedel argues that “whatever we do in Iraq, we cannot afford to fail again in Afghanistan.”

NATO Summit? What Summit?

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Ivo H. Daalder, TPM Cafe (11/27/06)