(February 9, 2007) If water were a globally traded commodity, with unmet demand in China and India reflected in its price, the world might shed its newfound craze for biofuels.
A Law-and-Economics Analysis of Odious Debts
(February 7, 2007) Much of the debate surrounding odious debts begs the question of whether the ‘odiousness’ of a debt can serve as a qualification for the rule of state succession. The legal and economics rationales of the rule date back to the classical writings on the subject and can be derived from state practice.
A Law-and-Economics Analysis of Odious Debts
(February 7, 2007) Much of the debate surrounding odious debts begs the question of whether the ‘odiousness’ of a debt can serve as a qualification for the rule of state succession. The legal and economics rationales of the rule date back to the classical writings on the subject and can be derived from state practice.
Bank’s graft crusade exaggerated, critics say
(February 7, 2007) Watchdog groups cite conflicts of interest in the Bank’s core mission, and the Washington-based lender’s keenness to brush up its image.
Legal scholars to hold another public debate on odious debt
(February 7, 2007) In an unprecedented run of public debate on the issue of odious debts, North Carolina will again serve as the setting for a second conference on odious debt.
Ecuador may default on foreign debt deemed “illegitimate” debt, economy minister says
(February 7, 2007) Ecuador’s Economy Minister Ricardo Patino said late last month that his country had set up a commission to audit Ecuador’s US$10.3 billion external debt, and that Ecuador would not pay foreign debt that the commission declared "illegitimate."
Anti-corruption efforts
(February 7, 2007) Companies need the incentive of prosecution, fines and reputational risk to tackle bribery more effectively. The abandoning of a probe into BAE Systems’ dealings in Saudi Arabia shows a lack of will to deal with these issues, says Alexandra Wrage.
Water woes plague China’s economy
(February 7, 2007) High in the hills above the sprawling city of Chongqing lies a tiny settlement, whose name translates as Dragon Spring village. It was given that name because its water was so clear and plentiful. But, in a bitter twist of fate, its famous springs have now run dry.
Prosperity or pollution?
(February 5, 2007) Following the release of an authoritative United Nations report that unequivocally links human activities with climate change, the rulers of the world’s most populous country are faced with the quandary of balancing prosperity against pollution.
Dolphin extinction shows river degradation
(February 5, 2007) Sand-dredging and river pollution are threatening the very existence of white fin in the Yangtze River.
Quenching China’s thirst
( February 2, 2007) On January 3, 2007, the level of the Yangtze River was seen to plummet at the point where it passes through the city of Shashi, in central China’s Hubei province, two metres below the average for this time of year.
Renegotiating the odious debt doctrine
(February 1, 2007) Following the United States’ invasion and subsequent occupation of Iraq,1 the U.S. government argued that the successor government in Iraq was not responsible for Iraq’s Saddam-era debt under the purported doctrine of odiousregime debt. This purported doctrine apparently excused—by operation of law—all successor regimes from repaying debts that were incurred by oppressive predecessor regimes.
Green watchdog targets hidden polluters
(February 1, 2007) China’s top environmental watchdog yesterday vowed to expand the tough green measures to more industries and regions to ensure that approvals for projects found wanting are suspended.
Reconstructing the odious debt exception
(January 31, 2007) Sovereign debts are persistent – as financial obligations of a sovereign state, these debts survive the regime which contracted for them and bind future governments until the creditors are satisfied.
China fails to make progess on environment: report
(January 30, 2007) China has failed to make any progress in protecting the environment in the past three years, state media on Monday cited an official report as saying, despite government pledges to put the issue at the top of its agenda.


