Governance

A flourishing economy has enabled many Chinese citizens to climb the socio-economic ranks. Photo:<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3054/2928911826_e8754e82e2_s.jpg">xiaming (flickr)</a>

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As China's middle class rises, so does social discontent

The spirit of 1989’s Tiananmen Square is alive in China, except the swarm of charged students has been replaced by a disgruntled, expanding middle class.

Inadvertently, an economic boom has resounded with cries for change.

The European Central Bank looms large over the Euro debt crisis. Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/soumit/928182271/">soumit (flickr)</a>

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Europe's Financial Troubles Worry Neighbors

As Europe attempts to thwart a broader global recession, it is facing what many economists refer to as a trilemma, and poorer countries could be the victims.

Managing Director of the IMF Christine Lagarde meets China's Vice Premier Wang Qishan, Beijing, China. Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imfphoto/6329172810/in/photostream/">International Monetary Fund (flickr)</a>

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For China, flush with cash, financial crisis may mean political opportunity

The global financial crisis has shaken up the international seating chart, and China may be vying for a better spot.

Women in Ghana conduct business. Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/iita-media-library/6116489312/sizes/z/in/photostream/">IITA Image Library (flickr)</a>

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Leaders of the pack: Women in Ghana add entrepreneurship to their resumes

This article was republished in The Christian Science Monitor.

The Continental Illinois National Bank and Trust Company. Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paolo_rosa/5041347037/sizes/z/in/photostream/">Paola Rosa (flickr) </a>

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Act Two: The first bailout leads to the next, and the next

"Too big to fail." We’ve all heard it. It’s why the U.S. government bailed out some the world’s largest banks in 2008. And the largest U.S. automakers in 2009. But where did we get this idea that our governments can and should bail out private companies in a free market?

Citibank's merger with Traveler's Insurance in 1998 made it the first financial 'supermarket.' Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hboinay/3226478108/sizes/z/in/photostream/"> Herve Boinay (flickr)</a>

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Act Three: The values and perils of deregulation

"Too big to fail." We’ve all heard it. It’s why the U.S. government bailed out some the world’s largest banks in 2008. And the largest U.S. automakers in 2009. But where did we get this idea that our governments can and should bail out private companies in a free market?

The Asian bond market crisis halved the value of the South Korean won on the dollar. Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/globevisions/6336724077/sizes/z/in/photostream/"> micmol (flickr)</a>

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Act Four: Banking crises go global

"Too big to fail." We’ve all heard it. It’s why the U.S. government bailed out some the world’s largest banks in 2008. And the largest U.S. automakers in 2009. But where did we get this idea that our governments can and should bail out private companies in a free market?

A golden parachute for all. Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jkannenberg/3451782319/sizes/z/in/photostream/">John Kannenberg (flickr)</a>

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A historical look at "Too big to fail"

"Too big to fail." We’ve all heard it. It’s why the U.S. government bailed out some the world’s largest banks in 2008. And the largest U.S. automakers in 2009. But where did we get this idea that our governments can and should bail out private companies in a free market?

Cafes in Tunisia have become a common hangout for unemployed college graduates, but now that educated youth may be able to get back to work. Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/clurross/4543646129/sizes/m/in/photostream/">Flickr (clurross)</a>

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A new model for Middle East economic practices starts with Tunisia, Libya

Sitting in cafes all over Tunisia are unemployed youth with college degrees and nothing better to do.

Calls to make changes to our international financial system are being heard. Will they be listened to? Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/itspaulkelly/3052867848/">itspaulkelly (Flickr)</a>

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The global financial crisis examined: A Global Envision mini-series

Mass unemployment, an overwhelming sense of unfairness and a loss of hope need no translation. Even without written demands, the sentiments of Occupy Wall Street have been interpreted through similar protests in 941 cities in 82 countries - and counting.

Well-maintained cars like these are now private reserves of wealth for their owners. Photo: Ben Osborn for Mercy Corps

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As Cuba reforms, the invisible hand is bearing gifts - and new problems

Starting today, Cubans can buy and sell property for the first time in over 50 years.

A Victorian stained glass window depiction of the "Good Samaritan" story from the Gospel of Luke. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paullew/2566602101/">Photo: Lawrence OP (flickr)</a>

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Could a 'Good Samaritan' law bridge China's growing wealth gap?

This article was republished by The Christian Science Monitor.

Much needed food aid being distributed in Sukkur, Pakistan. Photo: <a href= "http://www.flickr.com/photos/14214150@N02/4973650367/"> Rob Holden, UK Department for International Development (Flickr)</a>

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The politics of hunger: Good governance effective at fighting malnutrition

Malnutrition, which prevents children from reaching their physical and intellectual potential, is falling. The most significant cause? It's becoming a politically important issue in its own right.