Clive Crook
4/18/2010
The gap in the political landscape that separates the US and Europe is shrinking, writes Crook. European governments from both the left and right have adopted ideas from American capitalism in recent years, while Barack Obama’s healthcare reforms show the US is being influenced by policies on the other side of the Atlantic. Crook says that in general this is to be welcomed, although the US must be careful about some of the influences it embraces. European governments have become more moderate in recent years, and governing from the center ground is well suited to making a success of welfare policies. With the Democrats and Republicans seemingly moving towards opposite political poles, US policymakers will find it harder to make welfare reforms workable.
On the 60th anniversary of India-China relations, the ties still remain complex, suspicious, and uncertain. From border disputes to India’s dejection in China’s involvement in PoK, both countries have remained strained over the years. But the recent high-level meeting was highly optimistic, where they agreed upon broadening the bilateral connections in economy and trade, says Kaul. At the same time, the envoys have realized the complexities of the border disputes and appointed special representatives to address it on a long-term basis. Both countries have also appealed to the media to desist from exaggerated criticisms which could cause mutual harm.
