Multilateralism
‘Austerians’ are reeling as G20 avoids mention of hard fiscal targets
“Hard [fiscal] targets lead to silly decisions,” says CIGI Senior Fellow Susan Schadler, commenting on the legacy of the debt and deficit targets the G20 laid out in 2010.
What to Expect from the 2013 NPT Preparatory Committee
Beginning this month, Geneva will host the second session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2015 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference. Given North Korea’s threats of nuclear war and the ongoing standoff with Iran over its non-compliance and nuclear ambitions, much is left on the table for participants to discuss. To learn more about the NPT, Review Conference and Preparatory Committee, we spoke to CIGI research assistant Simon Palamar.
US-EU free trade agreement could lead to Atlantic hegemony or resumption of WTO talks
If the long-rumoured trans-Atlantic free trade agreement (FTA) between the United States and the European Union becomes a reality, it could have the ironic effect of bringing about a resumption of World Trade Organization (WTO) talks. This is the conclusion of new policy brief from The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) and the Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA).
Asia-Pacific on a knife’s edge — what Canada should do
"Unlike the former Soviet Union, China is far too important an economic player in the global economy, including the public finances of the United States, to be contained or treated as an enemy," write CIGI Distinguished Fellow Fen Osler Hampson and Derek Burney, commenting on the intersection between Canada's economic and security policy toward the Asia-Pacific region.
Post-Doha Trade Governance: Atlantic Hegemony or WTO Resurgence?
A free trade agreement between the United States and the European Union is finally moving closer to reality. While significant challenges remain, strong support in both markets has dramatically improved the likelihood of the deal’s success, shaking the lull created by the demise of the Doha Development Round.
Why Canada Said No to the Iraq War
CIGI Distinguished Fellow Paul Heinbecker discusses Canada’s decision to stay out of the US-led invasion of Iraq in March 2003.
Is Russian Peter being used to pay the Cypriot's Paul?
Cyprus, a small island of one million people, has very large banks. In fact, the banks have the wealth of eight times the entire Cypriot economy.
Obviously, this doesn’t add up and that’s because Cyprus has become an offshore financial centre, offering a haven for money transfers, money laundering, and Internet banks. Foreigners from Russia, worth nearly €20 billion, have been attracted to these lax rules in setting up bank accounts that accompany low corporate tax rates.
Heed the lessons of Iraq
"Canada was on the right side of history in refusing to go to war in Iraq a decade ago," writes CIGI Distinguished Fellow Paul Heinbecker, as he offers three lessons from the Iraq experience.
Foreign expert warns about diplomatic postings
CIGI Distinguished Fellow Jorge Heine refers to political appointments to a country's foreign service as "long-standing issue" with "strong arguments on both sides."
US-EU trade deal?
CIGI Distinguished Fellow Jorge Heine discusses the prospects of US-EU free trade agreement.