Gargantuan Global Gathering: G-20
The G-20 met this week, in what the Plaid Avenger predicts will be looked back upon as a hugely historic event. This meeting is the first time a truly representative group of the biggest movers and shakers has gotten together to truly try and solve some global problems. Unlike the UN, this tight 20-entity group has the capacity to actually get stuff done without the bloated bureaucracy bogging it down. It represents big changes in the global outlook of how to solve global problems…perhaps for the first time in history. The G-20 is now the premier institutions for problem solving on the global scale. How exciting!
The G-20: saying farewell to the 'blue-eyed blond men'?
G-20 Meeting May Give Impetus to WTO Accord
Sarkozy: G20 Results "Beyond His Expectations"
Take heed from the G20's emerging focus
Keywords: G-20, G-7, G-8, global economy, global issues, UN
Chi Slamma’ Lama
Synopsis: His Holiness the Dalai Lama is an internationally recognized figure that is respected and venerated by most folks in the world…but not all. Who is this guy, what is the deal with this place called Tibet, and why do the Chinese hate him so damn much? The Plaid Avenger tries to tackle these sticky Tibetan issues, and relates them to current events as the Lama's 50th anniversary of fleeing from China goes down.
Dalai Lama assails China one year after uprising
China's Hu demands wall of stability in Tibet
U.S. interferes in China's internal affairs with Tibet resolution (a Chinese source story)
China objects to U.S. resolution on Tibet (a US source story)
Key words: Dalai Lama, Tibet, China, Hu Jintao, Wen Jiabao, sovereignty
An EU of Asian Persuasion: ASEAN
Synopsis: Watch out! ASEAN stands for the Association of South East Asian Nations, a rapidly up-and-coming trade block in Asia which may very well become the foundation stone of the largest free trade zone on the planet. The ten-nation group, while still very young, is set to fashion itself as the EU of Asia…with perhaps even more potential for growth and integration. With associate members like China, India and Australia already aligning itself with the group, this is one to keep your eye on if you want to understand the rapid evolution of Asia as the center for 21st century growth.
ASEAN to strengthen ties with China and rest of Asia
ASEAN Leaders Call for Freer Trade
In midst of financial crisis, leaders join together
At ASEAN, reaching out to regular people
Keywords: ASEAN, Southeast Asia, China, India, free trade, EU
Obamafication of US Foreign Policy: Diplomacy Trumps Military
Watch Obamafication of US Foriegn Policy: Diplomacy Trumps Military in HD from Plaid Avenger
As the Obama administration begins the task of taking the helm of the US superpower state, they have been making it very clear that they want to break strongly with the past Bush administration's foreign policy tactics and targets. Thus, a huge shift is underway to make the US approach to international matters a more open and multilateral process…but not necessarily suggesting that they will be entirely dovish. While this is certainly a more diplomatic approach, the Plaid Avenger wants you to be aware that there are many international issues which may not be substantially changed (if at all) by this shift in administrative policy.
As Obama Visits State Dept., Clinton Announces Two Special Envoys
Obama marks 'new era' at State Dept
Biden to signal new era in US foreign policy at security talks
Biden moves to heal rift with Europe
Keywords: US, Barack Obama, foreign policy, dovish, hawkish, unilateralism, multilateralism
China, US happy with their new Ma.
A few Taiwan tidbits to tinker with…
Promoting social harmony a priority for new President
US presidential rivals congratulate Ma
