October 4, 2019
TaiwanDifferences over Taiwan’s status fuel tensions between the island and mainland, yet cross-strait economic ties continue to deepen.
May 23, 2019
Labor and EmploymentHundreds of thousands of migrants come to the United States each year for work, but Washington has struggled to balance the shifting needs of industry with the concerns of the domestic labor force.
October 11, 2018
ChinaAs religious observance in China grows, the Chinese Communist Party continues to toughen oversight, increase religious persecution, and attempt to coopt state-sanctioned religious organizations.
January 19, 2018
OlympicsThe costs of hosting the Olympics have skyrocketed, while the economic benefits are far from clear. This has led to fewer states interested in playing host and a search for options to lighten the bur…
October 5, 2016
Sub-Saharan AfricaA leading killer among diseases is now targeted for eradication by the middle of this century. Efforts to combat malaria are costly and challenging.
June 10, 2013
IndiaSeveral high-profile sexual assault cases in India have sparked a national debate over women’s rights and the need for social reform in a rapidly modernizing country.
June 4, 2012
United StatesIn the face of persistently high unemployment, policymakers and workers look to innovation and entrepreneurship to create new jobs. This Backgrounder discusses how entrepreneurs create and finance th…
March 7, 2012
InfrastructureRail infrastructure is a critical component of a transportation network capable of helping the United States compete in global markets. Efforts to expand and modernize U.S. rail, particularly to incl…
February 21, 2006
Defense and SecurityA United Arab Emirates-owned company is set to take control of terminals in six major U.S. ports, raising questions about security.
July 12, 2007
United StatesNew York remains a global heavyweight in financial services, but markets in London and East Asia are gaining strength and posing a serious challenge to the Big Apple.