The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released this update of its World Economic Outlook on September 20, 2011.

Matthew Slaughter, Ted Alden, Andrew Card, and Tom Daschle recommend the U.S. adopt a comprehensive trade policy to revitalize the American economy.

With American political polarization at historical highs, Peter Orszag argues the United States needs ways around its politicians.

The World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report 2011–2012 features a detailed index that ranks 142 countries and analyzes broader trends in the global economy.

Charles Kupchan argues that the West has entered a period of crisis since the events of September 11, 2001, but globalization--not terrorism--may be the underlying reason.

Benn Steil's column in Dow Jones' Financial News takes a critical look at the Washington debt duel.

Peter Orszag outlines a bold policy program to respond to the economic and political challenges facing the United States.

Michael Spence says recent worldwide market volatility is the result of weak economic fundamentals and disappointing policy responses.

Amity Shlaes argues that Newt Gingrich's strategies in the mid-'90s budget battles were effective in achieving debt and deficit reductions.

Robert Rubin says serious and balanced deficit reduction is necessary for the American economy to thrive.

David S. Abraham and Meredith Ludlow argue, "...Congress' implication that the United States may not repay its debt unless the government restructures domestic spending is undermining American interests in Asia."

Amity Shlaes urges Christine Lagarde to emphasize clarity over comity in discussing the future of the euro.

Sebastian Mallaby explains how declining U.S. economic strength is eroding U.S. military pre-eminence.

Peter Orszag shows how better water pricing could help China avoid an environmental crisis.

Michael Spence surveys the rocky road to recovery that lies ahead of both advanced and emerging economies.

Nicky Oppenheimer, Chairman of De Beers, discusses how businesses can benefit from entering Africa, and contribute to sustainable growth and development in the continent. "Africa, I think, is going to be a hugely important continent in the future," says Oppenheimer, emphasizing that "America is currently a bit behind China. I don't think they should lose or slip back any further."

In the Financial Times, David Blair writes about the proceedings of OPEC's latest meeting - where Saudi attempts to ease Western oil supply woes were defeated unexpectedly by an Iranian-led coalition.

The G8 summit affirmed the group's importance as a U.S. partner as it seeks a common front on the "Arab Spring" uprisings, and in forging collective action on human rights and security matters, says CFR's Stewart Patrick.