China commits massive funds to future high-speed rail
High-speed train travel is set to take over in China. New lines linking major cities are providing faster and faster routes. China has committed almost $300 billion over the next decade to build the planet's most expansive high-speed network. The world's fastest train covers the 664-mile Guangzhou-Wuhan trip in just three hours -- an average speed of 217 mph.
Japan’s top airline goes bankrupt, leaving 16,000 jobless
In a new setback for Japan today, Japan Airlines, the country's top carrier, filed for bankruptcy protection. The company is staggering under almost $26 billion in debt. It will cut almost 16,000 jobs, reduce pensions and cut routes. Here's how Deutsche Welle covered the demise of a Japanese giant.
The Top 10 Innovative Global Solutions of the Decade
The Worldfocus newsroom celebrates the end of the decade with a look at some of the smartest ideas worldwide. We produced an eclectic list of ten innovative solutions to social and political problems. View a slideshow of the winners -- from Bangladesh and Bhutan to Guyana and Rwanda.
China extends its commercial reach into Afghanistan
China has spent 3.5 billion dollars to purchase a huge copper mine in Afghanistan -- the largest foreign investment project in that country. Roben Farzad, a senior writer for BusinessWeek, joins Martin Savidge to discuss China's increasingly assertive role on the world stage and the state of the global economy as the year 2009 draws to a close.
Climate change debate pits economy against nature
Finding a solution to climate change will involve a balancing act that addresses human and economic needs and ensures the long-term future of the natural world. The debate is often portrayed as an "either-or" proposition in which economic needs trump nature. For a closer look at the impact of climate change on nature, Daljit Dhaliwal speaks with Steve Sanderson.
The legacy of the ‘Chicago Boys’ lives on in Chile
Chile is among Latin America's most prosperous nations. Some analysts partially attribute the success to a group of economists from Chicago. Worldfocus special correspondent Edie Magnus traveled to Chile earlier this year to explore the lasting legacy of the "Chicago Boys."
Worldfocus Radio: Chile’s Growing Pains
Chile's economic "miracle" has lifted many Chileans from poverty and become a fiscal model for Latin America. Martin Savidge hosts Peter Winn and Victoria Hurtado to discuss the underside of Chile's prosperity, focusing on the middle class, growing inequality and the younger generation.
Investors worry Dubai financial woes may spread
Stocks sank in Asia, Europe and the U.S. this week after reports that the government-owned investment arm of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates cannot pay back its loans to banks in Europe and Asia. Marcus Mabry, international business editor of The New York Times, joins Martin Savidge to discuss the ripple effects on the global economy.
North Korean economy sandwiched by the dragon and tiger
Part 6 of 6 in our Inside the Hermit Kingdom series on the people and culture of North Korea. Worldfocus multimedia producer Ben Piven writes about the stark contrast between the stagnant North Korean economy and the booming economies of China and South Korea to the north and south.
Debating the impact of a new world financial order
Worldfocus regulars Marcus Mabry of The New York Times and Roben Farzad of BusinessWeek join Daljit Dhaliwal to discuss the implications for the Obama administration of the U.S role as a debtor nation to China. They talk about whether the Chinese may influence U.S. policy on issues ranging from Afghanistan to health care because of this new reality.
The Worldfocus broadcast went off the air April 2. Our website will remain online, but we will not be adding new content. Thanks to our many partners, experts and viewers for your generous support.
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