At the local level, many government leaders are eager to attract jobs of any sort - whether foreign or domestic companies - and to retain the jobs they have. Nationally, however, many politicians fret over issues of sustainability, control, and self-sufficiency (among others), which are raised by the question: How much should we integrate ourselves into the global economy? However, national leaders can no longer operate in a cocoon. Whatever may be the intended audience for their statements, thanks to international media and the internet almost every word will reach a global audience - often bringing unforeseen consequences. Politics is seldom purely local anymore. The following articles have been assembled to shed light on these and other related issues.

Minilateralism Moisés Naím Foreign Policy, 1 July 2009 Solving global problems may require undemocratic means

Zimbabwe’s Slow-Burning Crisis Could Affect Africa Donald Steinberg YaleGlobal, 30 June 2009 Unless the world comes to Zimbabwe’s help, the impact of its failure will be felt far and wide

Obama’s Middle East Challenge – Part II Dilip Hiro YaleGlobal, 18 June 2009 Whichever way the Iranian protests turn, Obama’s job is getting tougher

Iran Cracks Down on Internet Use, Foreign Media Christopher Rhoads and Geoffrey A. Fowler and Chip Cummins The Wall Street Journal, 17 June 2009 Tehran’s clever approach to internet control still cannot prevent Iranians from reaching the world

Obama’s Middle East Challenge – Part I Fawaz A. Gerges YaleGlobal, 16 June 2009 Obama wows the Arab world by breaking new ground on the Israel-Palestine question

The Congress Party’s Win The Jakarta Post, 22 May 2009 India is a beacon of democracy for Southeast Asia

India’s Election Shows Equitable Globalization Can Succeed Sadanand Dhume YaleGlobal, 21 May 2009 Democracy and development are winners in the election

Pakistan, Taliban and Global Security – Part II Robert D. Blackwill YaleGlobal, 12 May 2009 US and India need to work together to prepare for an increasingly chaotic Pakistan

Pakistan, Taliban and Global Security – Part I Leonard S. Spector YaleGlobal, 8 May 2009 Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal makes its success against the Taliban insurgents critical for world security

“We All Have to Think Multilateral” YaleGlobal, 8 May 2009 Complex issues can be resolved by the US engaging with other leading countries in the world

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