On July 16, 1969, at 9:32 in the morning, a Saturn V rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida. This mission, known as Apollo 11, would prove to be arguably the most successful space mission in history, carrying three astronauts safely to the moon and back. Throughout the mission, news outlets, newspapers, reporters, and other
The European Union is in the midst of a crisis of conscience. From their headquarters in Brussels, EU leaders have spent years promoting a brand of acceptance, morally driven policies and socially responsible approaches to challenges throughout the world. And yet, in recent months, these policies have been leaving behind thousands of people, often at
Given that China will become the largest economy in the world soon, if it is not already, now might be a good time to learn something more about the leader of this nation of 1.3 billion people. Xi Jinping is general secretary of the Communist Party of China, the president of the People’s Republic of
In a barber’s chair, you can get an earful from your neighbor. On a Saturday on a recent visit to the states, I got a rather bleak state of the union address as told by Bob, a Chicago native in his fifties, to his haircutter, Afif, a recent immigrant from Dubai. Afif, I noticed, visibly
The Global Corruption Barometer survey across 107 countries found that, in 2013, in 51 of these nations, people perceived political parties to be among the institutions most affected by corruption. Bribery, corruption, theft and tax evasion cost developing countries $1.26 trillion per year, sufficient to lift the 1.4 billion people living on less than $1.25
America has always been a land of opportunity. Part of the American dream has been the possibility of social mobility and the creation of wealth for every individual. Since education and skills-based training are key components in helping people achieve a higher standard of living, it is no surprise that these are important topics when
We live in busy world, and we seem to be proud of our busy-ness. How often, when we run into a friend, do we answer “How are you?” with “Really busy!” and a litany of all the things we have to do. And then our friend lists all the things he or she has to
With the release of economic data from China showing that the rate of growth of its gross domestic product decreased to 7.3 percent when compared to last year’s fourth quarter number, it is a good time to reflect on the basic direction of China’s reforms over the last 38 years.
The Chinese economic reform, literally called
Founded by Edward Said and Daniel Barenboim in 1999 as an experiment in coexistence, the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra is a unique enterprise. Since its inception, it has given about 176 public performances across a range of impressive venues such as Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall, and the General Assembly Hall at the United Nations, among
To learn more about Rotary International and microcredit initiatives: Act Now
Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammed Yunus (Banker to the Poor) once said that for each problem of society there is a social business to combat it. He also said that a social
The world we live in is full of situations where evidence is created to support policies. Of course, it should be the other way around. Policy should grow out of evidence. Take, for example, attempts to address poverty. There are those who support aid to developing nations. Others state that such aid will more likely
With the decline of confidence in big business and big government, a new opportunity may be appearing which spotlights the hope and trust of the people in small entities: small business, local government and local financial institutions.
Americans, increasingly alienated by national politics and the influence of big corporations, are looking for solutions and finding unique
“Now, what I want is, Facts. Teach these boys and girls nothing but Facts. Facts alone are wanted in life. Plant nothing else, and root out everything else.”
These are the words with which Charles Dickens began his 1854 novel, “Hard Times.” But the words might sound familiar to anyone who has followed our 21st-century debates
Throughout history, countless wars have been sparked around the globe. The causes of wars range from relatively small disagreements, to more provocative moves, such as an invasion of another country. While many wars end only after one side achieves absolute victory, still other wars end in a compromise long before a clear victor becomes apparent.
In
Trust in others and in our institutions is an essential part of maintaining a just and democratic society. However, according to recent research, trust in others and confidence in societal institutions are at their lowest point in over three decades.
Jean M. Twenge of San Diego State University and colleagues W. Keith
Tax revenues this year will surpass pre-great recession levels for the first time. But has the economy truly healed?
Recently, The Economist published an article entitled “A History of Finance in Five Crises.” The authors argued that financial institutions and fiscal policy evolved in spurts following economic hardship. Our current financial system is a result of
It is no secret that America’s workforce is aging. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2013 figures, approximately one-half of those currently employed are over 40 years of age; approximately one-fifth are over 55. We have an urgent need to bring young people into the workforce to begin acquiring the experience and the specific
In 1857, Charles Dickens completed serial publication of his eleventh novel, Little Dorrit. Among other things, the novel includes a scathing indictment of a government whose main object is to prevent anything from getting done. This mission is embodied in the Circumlocution Office, a bureaucracy dedicated to “How Not To Do It.” Any individual wishing—scandalously!—to
In recent years, an increasing emphasis has been placed on the idea that executives of major companies make an incredible amount of money each year. In the U.S., it is not uncommon to see executives making over 100 times more per year than their entry-level employees, with some firms paying their top-level management over 1000
Inclusive development is gaining momentum on the global agenda, but is the international development sector actually listening to its own advice?
Inclusive development means ensuring that the benefits of economic growth and social progress reach a broad base, generating improvements in the lives of the most vulnerable. Whereas GDP growth was once the primary target of
