Category: International Organizations

IMF Governance Reforms: Finally, Maybe?


The refusal of the US Congress to accept a new and higher quota (money) to the IMF stymied governance reforms for five years.  This has frustrated efforts to integrate the developing countries, especially the large ones, like China, better into the global economy.  It may have also helped spur China to develop parallel organizations, like the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

The omnibus spending and tax bill that looks likely to be approved by Congress and signed by Obama in the coming days includes a provision to accept the IMF reforms.

Analysts Question Relevance, Adaptability of the WTO


The World Trade Organization contains 162 member states and has existed for 20 years. While it is certainly not the oldest trade organization in existence, many have begun to question its viability in the modern age. 

The most recent doubts come in the wake of a number of unpopular decisions that appear as anachronisms to some analysts. One example lies in the recent decision against the United States’ practice of allowing companies selling canned tuna to identify, voluntarily, if they used dolphin-safe fishing practices.

Promoting an ‘Inclusive Economy’


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Malaysia as ASEAN Chair Comes to an End


Malaysia ended its chairmanship of ASEAN as the grouping announced the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in November 2015. The AEC intends to create a single market across the ASEAN region by standardising economic regulations including those on trade, flows of financial capital and labour migration. Malaysia is one of a few ASEAN countries that have pushed most strongly for initiatives to enhance intraregional economic cooperation. However, there may be cause for disappointment in what Malaysia has achieved as ASEAN’s chair.

Hopes Remain High for the AEC


This year has been one of high expectations and of disappointment in Southeast Asia. Rarely has the economic and strategic importance of the region been as apparent. As China’s economy is transitioning towards ‘a new normal’ marked by lower growth, investors have looked to ASEAN as both an alternative and a complementary market to China.

ASEAN after the Smoke Clears


The smoke haze crisis that battered a major part of the southern ASEAN region in mid-2015 is showing signs of abating. Along with the disappearing haze, it is crucial that the resolve demonstrated by all parties — especially governments — to solve the issue doesn’t vanish as well.

Southeast Asian Cities Critical to the AEC


As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) takes steps toward implementing the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by the end of 2015, they should be cognisant that the paths towards economic integration and sustainable urbanisation are closely intertwined. Southeast Asian cities will play a critical role in the unfolding of the AEC.

Nothing TPP-ish is Happening with the Doha Development Agenda


At the beginning of October, 12 Pacific Rim countries agreed on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. The TPP agreement has been hailed as a landmark trade pact, as it includes many issues that have so far not found their way into the rule of law in the multilateral trading system.

We’ve Got High Hopes…from the APEC Summit


Despite diplomatic missteps, APEC 2015 could pave way to regional peace and development. The triangular perspectives of Washington, Beijing, and Manila tell the story.

Washington’s exclusive policies

South China Sea Tensions Disrupt ASEAN Plans


After months of speculation, the USS Lassen sailed within 12 nautical miles of an artificial Chinese island on 27 October 2015. In doing so, it completed the first in a series of planned freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea (SCS). The operation is the strongest assertion yet by the US Navy that it rejects Chinese reclamation projects, which could escalate tensions in the region.