Economics

Ask CFR Experts

How can Zimbabwe and other African countries improve the quality of education for students in rural areas?

Asked by Shalom Chausarira, from North Carolina

Education is a linchpin of inclusive economic development, but poor countries in Africa and elsewhere too often fail poor students—worsening inequity and exclusion today, and undermining economic opportunities for future generations.

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See more in Africa, Zimbabwe, Corruption and Bribery, Education

Audio

The Rest Leapfrogging the West: How Rising Incomes and Technological Innovation Are Driving Financial Inclusion in Emerging Markets

Speakers: Robert Annibale and Shamshad Akhtar
Presider: Isobel Coleman

Isobel Coleman hosts Robert Annibale, Global Director of Microfinance, Citigroup, and Shamshad Akhtar, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations, for a discussion about how to reach the two billion people who do not have access to formal financial services.

This roundtable was generously supported by the Center for Financial Conclusion at Accion, which is leading the Financial Inclusion 2020 Campaign.

See more in Emerging Markets, Technology Transfer

Article

The Dunkirk Diplomat

Author: Benn Steil
History Today

Benn Steil's article in the June 2013 edition of History Today takes a critical look at John Maynard Keynes's performance as a diplomat during World War II, concluding that Britain had made a mistake sending him to Washington. His temperament and overinvestment in his personal legacy resulted in Britain paying a high political and economic price for American financial assistance.

See more in Economics, Business and Foreign Policy, Geoeconomics, U.S. Strategy and Politics

Op-Ed

The Sino-American Decade

Author: A. Michael Spence
Project Syndicate

Michael Spence writes that cooperation between the United States and China on issues surrounding the environment, trade, investment, and financial stability will be critical not only for the continued well-being of the two countries, but also for the successful rebalancing of the world economy.

See more in China, Economics, Capital Markets, Economic Development, Emerging Markets, Geoeconomics, Infrastructure, International Finance, Trade

Ask CFR Experts

What are the implications of growing Pakistan-China commercial relations for the United States?

Asked by Monish Gulati, from New Delhi, India

The first foreign leader to visit Pakistan following its recent elections was the prime minister of China, signifying the close relations between the two countries. During the visit, Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari said, "Our top priority is to further strengthen economic linkages."

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See more in United States, China, Pakistan, Port Security, Geoeconomics, Trade, Proliferation

Primary Sources

Commission on the Theft of American Intellectual Property (The IP Commission) Report, May 2013

The Commission on the Theft of American Intellectual Property (The IP Commission), with members from the "private sector and public service in national security and foreign affairs, academe, and politics," released its report on May 22, 2013. The Commission addresses theft by cyber means and pinpoints China as a main concern.

See more in United States, China, Intellectual Property

Testimony

Coping with Public Health Hazards in Post-SARS China

Author: Yanzhong Huang

In his testimony before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, Yanzhong Huang discusses China's recent public health crises. He focused on two areas: encouraging further government transparency and emboldening civil society to help enact policy changes.

See more in China, Preparedness, Human Rights, Emerging Markets, Environmental Pollution, Natural Resources Management, Health, Science, and Technology, Global Health, Health and Disease, Public Health Threats