Perhaps the most readily measurable aspect of globalization is the increasing exchange of products and services across national boundaries. Our interdependence is visible when we consider how manufactured goods like cars or computers are assembled using components produced around the world. Controversial trade issues include: agricultural subsidies and government-imposed tariffs that reduce the amount of exchange between developing and developed countries; the rules governing proportions of imported films to locally-produced films that can be shown at movie theaters; and the influence wielded by different countries at multilateral forums like the World Trade Organization. The following articles have been assembled to shed light on these and other related issues.

Is Larry Summers the Canary in the Mine? Devesh Kapur and Pratap Mehta and Arvind Subramanian The Financial Times, 14 May 2008 After having promoted free movement of capital and goods, the US finds itself on the losing end and wants to change rules

In Hungry World, Japan's Farmers Are Stuck With High-Priced Rice Blaine Harden The Washington Post, 13 May 2008 Rice crop waits in warehouses due to subsidies combined with declining domestic demand

Africa Plays the Rice Card G. Pascal Zachary Foreign Policy, 12 May 2008 Well-crafted protectionist policies can protect many rather than just a few

Designing Asia Ellen L. Frost YaleGlobal, 12 May 2008 Chinese-led integration of East Asia spurs an economic boom and diminishes US role in the region

The Russians Are Coming: Moscow Investors Go on Shopping Spree for German Companies Alexander Jung and Matthias Schepp and Benjamin Triebe Spiegel Online, 1 May 2008 Countries with hefty supplies of energy products are snapping up businesses in the West

Real Message Is Clear Jennifer Hewett The Australian Business, 30 April 2008 Imbalanced wealth and needs complicate trade

Baiting the Dragon: German Business Warns of Pushing China too Far Spiegel Online, 29 April 2008 Human-rights problems can impose heavy costs

Globalization’s Aftershocks Temma Ehrenfeld Newsweek, 29 April 2008 Lack of regulation allows the underworld to flourish, undermining globalization’s advantages

China Ascendant – Part I Bertil Lintner YaleGlobal, 25 April 2008 Checkbook diplomacy raises China’s standing with Laos and Cambodia

China’s Crackdown on Tibet Divides Europe Shada Islam YaleGlobal, 14 April 2008 Europe can’t decide if human rights trump trade in relations with Asian giant

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