Outlook on 2009 - January 2009

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A New Chance to Shine: Latin America’s Challenges and Opportunities for the Obama White House

One region that may prove surprisingly significant during President Barack Obama’s administration, despite eight years of relative neglect, is Latin America, which provides 30% of U.S. imports and is a nexus of critical allies. Obama stated his intention to increase the presence of the Foreign Service and Peace Corps, combat drugs via economic and social aid, and to meet face to face with Latin American leaders regarded as 'hard-line leftists.'

January 30, 2009

Jaclyn Selby

Outlook on 2009 - January 2009

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China's Slow Growth Challenge

China has not been immune to the global economic downturn, but an influential report by the World Economic Forum now proclaims that China’s economic downturn may pose one of the biggest threats to the crippled world economy. China now boasts the third largest economy in the world but is suddenly suffering from its lowest economic growth rates after five straight years of heated economic growth. Its leaders worry that the sudden economic downturn may undermine their political legitimacy, which has hinged on China’s extraordinary economic growth. Rising unemployment in the millions is stoking some of the greatest social unrest the country has seen since the Tiananmen protests in 1989. In 2009, the Chinese government will focus on fixing its economy by stimulating domestic demand and growth, while ensuring employment to keep up with its growing population and maintain political stability.

January 30, 2009

Jung Hwa Song

Outlook on 2009 - January 2009

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Something Old, Something New: Security Issues to Watch in 2009

European leaders face a burgeoning inbox of new strategic challenges as 2009 begins. Addressing the fallout from the global economic crisis, working with the incoming Obama administration, and determining the future of NATO operations in Afghanistan are likely to be at the forefront of their collective consciousness. This year may also realize crucial opportunities for newly recognized threats to international security. In December, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will meet in Copenhagen to attempt to forge a new international agreement on climate change, as making headway on this issue likely to be high on European leaders’ agendas.

January 30, 2009

Paul Flach

Outlook on 2009 - January 2009

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Engaging the Middle East: The View from Washington

The Obama presidency begins at a time of great challenge and great opportunity in the Middle East. Iran continues to pursue nuclear weapons, U.S. relations with Syria have deteriorated, the Lebanese government is weak and fractured, and the conflict between Israel and Hamas threatens to exacerbate regional instability. However, the governments of Iraq and Afghanistan have become U.S. allies, the Persian Gulf states have deepened their ties with the U.S., and have committed to fighting terrorism and developing, democratic institutions—all of which makes possible a major strategic realignment in the region that would favor U.S. interests.

January 30, 2009

Alexander Bernard

Outlook on 2009 - January 2009

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Justice Threatens Peace in Congo, Rwanda and Uganda

On January 23rd, justice caught up to Congolese warlord General Laurent Nkunda. The leader of the Tutsi militia which caused nearly 200,000 deaths in the North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was arrested by Rwandan soldiers, some of which were former allies. Nkunda joins other African warlords including Charles Taylor, Thomas Lubanga and Jean-Pierre Bemba, now in custody. The United Nations and Western countries request that these and other war criminals face justice at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

January 30, 2009

Olivier Kamanda

Outlook on 2009 - January 2009