Would Europe work (better) with more female leadership?

A disproportionate distribution of power among political and business positions

Posted by , 29th July 2008

stop.jpgThe European companies with the greatest number of women in leadership positions show above average returns, as evidenced by Ericsson or Nokia. So why is the sex ratio so disproportionate in positions of responsibility in the political and business fields? Would the European Union work better with more female leadership?

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Hezbolah and the new status quo in Lebanon

Hasan Nasrala is flushed with victory

Posted by , 29th July 2008

nasralaswaptwo.jpgHezbolah is attempting to get its point across in Lebanon through violence and has decided to abandon its low-intensity strategy of taking hostages and waiting, which it had employed up until now. The delivery of the corpses of Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev in exchange for Lebanese and Palestinian corpses and prisoners boosts Hezbolah’s image in the eyes of the Arab world, says the author. Read and find out why.

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Chile takes advantage of economic globalization, and triumphs

A pragmatic left matures and banks on development

Posted by , 29th July 2008

michelle-bachelet2.jpgThe author says that there is a social democratic left in Latin America that has left behind schools of thought from the Sixties and ancient times in order to join the globalized world, without any messianic speeches. Michelle Bachelet’s Chilean government is exhibiting flexibility and pragmatism, and it has understood that foreign investment, political stability and economic liberalization are necessary for success.

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The return of Bashar al-Assad

France and Syria get their relations going again

Posted by , 29th July 2008

assadinparistwo.jpgAfter several years in isolation, Bashar al-Assad has returned to the scene, with the help of Nicolas Sarkozy. Al-Assad has realized that in order to regain international respect, Syria must hold negotiations with Israel. But, how long will Bashar’s return to the international scene last? What will happen the day that Damascus withdraws its support for Hezbolah and Hamas? And what will become of Damascus’ relationship with Teheran?

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Extension service key to reducing Philippine poverty

Agriculture regains its importance

Posted by , 29th July 2008

campofili.jpgWhile the industrial world is trying to cope with the skyrocketing price of oil, developing countries such as the Philippines are beginning to shift their gazes away from industry and towards the formerly maligned agrarian sector in order to ease their economic woes as the price of food continues to climb.

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The Challenges of Governance in Brazil

How to strengthen the democratic institutions in the country

Posted by , 22nd July 2008

lulagobernabilidad.jpgBelow you will learn what shortcomings Brazil currently faces with respect to governance. Furthermore, you will understand why its elite must immediately respond to the challenges that globalization is creating, which, in the case of Brazil, have to do with its capacity to lead the promotion of integration around Mercosur, says the author.

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Bloggers and Journalists: A Rock in the Shoe of Raúl Castro

The need for freedom of the press in Cuba

Posted by , 22nd July 2008

yoani.jpgThe Cuban regime, despite the few restrictions that have been lifted by President Raul Castro, remains in violation of the rights of its citizens, says the author. However, bloggers and freelance journalists like Yoani Sanchez, 33, embody a new generation of observers without biases. One should know who they are and what they think of the state of things in Cuba.

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China disembarks in Latin America

Why Pekin is a “desirable” partner for the region

Posted by , 22nd July 2008

chinaylulaexito.jpgThe diplomacy –especially in relation to economics– that China is implementing in Latin America will alter the region’s foreign economic relations at an accelerated pace, along with the geopolitical axes that had appeared immutable up until today. Meanwhile, the image of the United States and the European Union remains unchanged.

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Lessons from Ireland: The Time of the European Citizen Has Come

Will Brussels continue without considerable advances in the political arena?

Posted by , 22nd July 2008

noirlanda1.jpgThe Irish no to the Treaty of Lisbon has made a clear statement: it is imperative to take every European citizen seriously. If this does not happen, the EU will continue without substantial progress in the political arena. The preeminence of technical and the bureaucratic complications will push the EU at two different speeds, which could cause it to derail entirely, says the author.

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