Risultati ricerca

Abstract/Sommario: The year 2006 in Afghanistan began with the functioning of a democratically elected parliament -a bold and positive step forward institution-building. Development and reconstruction have continued at a slow pace. Security has sharply deteriorated, and the Taliban insurgency has become more violent in spite of the enlarged International Security Assistance Force. Opium production has increased to record levels, leading to a boom in the drug trade

Abstract/Sommario: After tsunami's emergency in 2005, economically 2006 was an exceptionnaly good tear, as Asia surged ahead as the world's leading new growth locomotive. Asiahas been in the vanguard of economic globalization well in advance of corresponding political and cultural integration; globalization may also contribute to corruption. The major recent impetus has been towards multilateral FTAs (Free Trade Agrrements). Certainly among the least pleasant aspects of globalization has been the tran ...; [Leggi tutto...] After tsunami's emergency in 2005, economically 2006 was an exceptionnaly good tear, as Asia surged ahead as the world's leading new growth locomotive. Asiahas been in the vanguard of economic globalization well in advance of corresponding political and cultural integration; globalization may also contribute to corruption. The major recent impetus has been towards multilateral FTAs (Free Trade Agrrements). Certainly among the least pleasant aspects of globalization has been the transnational spread of violence against civilian populations, or 'terrorism'. Asian democracy is weak.

Abstract/Sommario: Bangladesh's public life in 2006 was dominated by furious jockeying for political advantage in the face of upcoming elections slated for January 2007. As the year unfolded, the 'politics of the street' increasingly supplanted the country's fragile democratic institutions. By year's end, political tumult posed a serious threat to the future of Bangladeshi democracy. Bangladeshis are living in 'interesting times'. Although warnings of an imminent descent into Taliban-style medievalism ar ...; [Leggi tutto...] Bangladesh's public life in 2006 was dominated by furious jockeying for political advantage in the face of upcoming elections slated for January 2007. As the year unfolded, the 'politics of the street' increasingly supplanted the country's fragile democratic institutions. By year's end, political tumult posed a serious threat to the future of Bangladeshi democracy. Bangladeshis are living in 'interesting times'. Although warnings of an imminent descent into Taliban-style medievalism are overheated, many of the country's political trends point in a potentially dangerous direction. Both major political parties, not only the BNP, have at times played with fire by courting Islamists to increase their own power. Democracy's survival in Bangladesh rests upon the reinvigoration of political institutions and the rejection of politics as usual. Whether the country's leaders are up to this task is doubtful

Abstract/Sommario: Political life in Brunei is somewhat particular, with activity diverted from political parties and civil society to the sultan and his coterie. Indeed, in 2006, with the government's petroleum earnings rising, the only detectable pressures for more openness seemed to emanate from the sultan himself

Abstract/Sommario: At first sight 2006 was one of the better years within the history of the new Kingdom in Cambodia, which began in 1993. The three leading political parties became to some extent reconciled. Economic growth remained high and the country witnessed the biggest bumper rice harvest in his history. The end of much misery and famine was, however, the beginning of a lot of self-delusion

Abstract/Sommario: The leadership's policies came under attack from left and right, but they consolidated power at the Sixth Plenum, a meeting remarkable for its attention to social development. The leadership tried to deal with the twin problems of corruption and social inequality. Relations with Japan and North Korea underwent surprising evolution

Abstract/Sommario: India took important steps in 2006 to develop its economy and improve its standing abroad. Strengthening its strategic partnership with the United States, while at the same time maintaining positive relations with China, was a particularly important achievement. Increased attention to energy security has driven India to reach out to countries as well beyond its borders. For the first time in India's history, New Delhi appears comfortable using the military and diplomatic tools that gr ...; [Leggi tutto...] India took important steps in 2006 to develop its economy and improve its standing abroad. Strengthening its strategic partnership with the United States, while at the same time maintaining positive relations with China, was a particularly important achievement. Increased attention to energy security has driven India to reach out to countries as well beyond its borders. For the first time in India's history, New Delhi appears comfortable using the military and diplomatic tools that great powers have used throughout history

Abstract/Sommario: Indonesia in 2006 appeared to be stabilized after several years of political and economic upheaval. Cautious reforms continued, but official corruption remained problematic. It appeared that the Aceh conflict was over. At year's end, Indonesia still faced many daunting problems but appeared to be charting a steadier course. Many of the problems still looked insurmountable, mostly because of the nearly impossible archipelagic geography and its implication for state organization

Abstract/Sommario: Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro stepped down in September 2006 after a five-year term in which he reshaped Japanese politics by undermining his own political machine, stretched the constraints on Japan's military role and promoted a program of 'structural' economic reform. In his final year in office, he confronted a backlash against his economic reform program and presided over a chill in relations with China and South Korea. Abe Shinzo replaced Koizumi, pledging to repair relations ...; [Leggi tutto...] Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro stepped down in September 2006 after a five-year term in which he reshaped Japanese politics by undermining his own political machine, stretched the constraints on Japan's military role and promoted a program of 'structural' economic reform. In his final year in office, he confronted a backlash against his economic reform program and presided over a chill in relations with China and South Korea. Abe Shinzo replaced Koizumi, pledging to repair relations with Japan's neighbors and to promote a pro-growth economic strategy

Abstract/Sommario: Two key events on the political calendar in Laos in 2006 were the Eighth Party Congress and elections of the Legislative Assembly, leading to the appointment of a new President, Prime Minister, and Cabinet. Neither event would detract from the epithet 'secretive' often applied to affairs of state in what is one of the world's five remaining communist nations