Article Alert

May  2006

ALERT, a monthly publication of the Information Resource Center at Public Affairs Section of American Consulate General Shenyang, offers abstracts of current articles in major areas of U.S. domestic or international affairs. Full-text articles are available to you upon request. To request articles, please contact the Information Resource Center by telephone , fax, e-mail xiaob@state.gov, or by mail. To request mail, please circle the articles you wish to receive, include your name, address, and telephone number and return this list to us.  DISCLAIMER: articles and links to non-U.S. government Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein.

The Rule of Law

1.    CHASING HILLARY

       Ambinder, Marc

       National Journal, Vol. 38, no. 16, April 22, 2006, pp. 20-25

 

Democratic Presidential hopefuls are already clamoring to finance their primary campaigns, with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton leading the charge. The former first lady has raised $39.3 million as of March 31, 2006, just shy of the $40 million experts say a candidate needs to be politically viable for the Iowa caucus in 2008. With Sen. Clinton winning the support of mega-financiers, other hopefuls are seeking alternative fundraising venues, including the Internet and local grassroots efforts. Some of the usual fundraising competition has been relieved by Clinton's commanding lead, leaving other candidates to vie just for a chance to compete in 2008.

 

2.    CSI EFFECT

       Allsup, Dan

       American Legion Magazine, Vol. 160, No. 5, May 2006, pp. 26-32

 

The author notes that the unrealistically quick way of solving crimes by forensic experts on fictional television shows is influencing the minds of real-world jurors, known as the "CSI effect". After seeing forensic methods on television shows like "CSI," "Cold Case," and others, jurors are demanding DNA, fingerprints, and other scientific evidence. The author interviews prosecutors, defense attorneys, CSI experts and others in the unglamorous world of criminal investigation, who describe the lack of the high-tech labs portrayed on television and the backlogs even when they are available.

 

3.    THE FIRST LAW OF PETROPOLITICS

       Friedman, Thomas L.

       Foreign Policy, no. 154, May/June 2006, pp. 28-36

 

The author, a New York Times columnist, asserts that there is a strong inverse correlation between the price of crude oil and the level of freedoms in oil-producing countries. Friedman maps out the political and economic histories of nations he defines as "petrolist" states, countries with weak institutions where oil production accounts for the majority of GNP. As the price of crude oil rises, civil rights and democracy are eroded; these nations are flooded with so much oil revenue that the leadership can ignore the views of its citizens and foreign bodies with no economic consequences. In contrast, as oil dries up, nations move toward democracy and capitalism to diversify the economy and foster trade, as has been the case in Bahrain. Friedman concludes that oil-dependent nations need to seek alternative fuels not purely for environmental reasons, but also as a way to advance democracy and national security.

 

4.    FLOATERS

       Crowley, Michael

       New Republic, Vol. 234, No. 4765, May 15, 2006, pp. 12-13

 

This piece asserts that some politicians use rumors of a presidential run as a means of personal gain. Crowley points to cases of senators 'floating' their names as possible presidential candidates to increase their power on Capitol Hill. Politicians involved in scandals may use the rumors of a presidential run to prove their competence and return to the good graces of their constituents. Finally, politicians on the speaker circuit or on book tours float a possible race to capitalize on the instant fame of the White House, hoping audiences will open their wallets to read the thoughts of a future president. Crowley worries that the practice of floating may trivialize presidential campaigns and undermine the efforts of well-meaning fringe candidates with a serious message to convey.

 

5.    HOW REPUBLICANS CAN GET THEIR GROOVE BACK

       Cannon, Carl M.

       National Journal, May 13, 2006, pp. 24-30

 

As the November election gets near, the Republicans are feeling the lack of support even from traditionally Republican districts, according to Cannon. GOP political consultant Roger Stone agrees, noting that "parties are always defined by their leaders...that means this is going to be a tough midterm." Possible remedies, such as developing culture of ethics to gain trust back from the people, showing fiscal restraint, and taking care of Iraq, even if it means seeking help from other countries are discussed. Overall, none of these can be accomplished in a short period of time. Cannon concludes that perhaps after 12 years of GOP congressional rule, people are ready for change.

 

6.    IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL SPEAK: PUBLIC STADIUMS, PUBLIC FORUMS,   
       and FREE SPEECH

       Wasserman, Howard

       Nine: A Journal of Baseball History and Culture, Vol. 14, No. 2, Spring 2006, pp. 15-26

 

In this often humorous article, the author discusses the importance of freedom of speech to the game of baseball and traces the protection of "cheering speech" -- cheers, jeers, praises, criticisms, heckles, and taunts -- to the Constitution's First-Amendment protection of free speech and American culture. "Cheering speech includes [speech that] may question the target's talent... and any other characteristic whether relevant or irrelevant to on-field performance," writes the author. "No one intends or expects 'kill the umpire' to be taken literally as a call to arms." But cheering speech does have its limits, Wasserman writes; actions which interfere with the game, like streaking the field, are prohibited, he says.

 

Economics and Trade

 

7.    DOES FOREIGN AID HELP?

       Djankov, Simeon; Montalvo, Jose G.; Reynal-Querol, Marta

       Cato Journal, vol. 26, no. 1, Winter 2006, pp. 1-28

 

The authors believe that foreign aid has a negative impact on the democratic stance of developing countries, and on economic growth, by reducing investment, increasing government consumption, and reducing the level of democracy of the recipient countries. Alternatives exist, for example, in the manner in which aid is disbursed. However, there is very little documented evidence on the effectiveness of foreign aid that aid has much of an impact on economic development. Loans induce a more effective use of the funds because they have to be returned while remittances and private assistance have also proven to be positive steps in fostering growth and investment, but the increasing number of participants to the aid market and the potentially conflicting goals of donors further contributes to the ineffectiveness of aid. They note that the effectiveness of foreign aid can be improved by increasing the responsibility of recipient countries, reducing the cost of remittances to developing countries, and improving the coordination of donors.

 

8.    DOHA ROUND DEATH SPIRAL

       Stokes, Bruce

       National Journal, Vol. 38, No. 18, May 6, 2006, p. 62

 

National Journal columnist Stokes presents a pessimistic analysis of the status of the Doha Round of trade talks. The U.S. is demanding a 66-percent reduction in the European Union's agricultural tariffs, but Brussels insists that it can offer only 40 percent. The Americans and Europeans are looking for duties on most manufactured goods to be no higher than 15 percent, but Brazil and other developing countries insist on 22-25 percent. If this stalemate cannot be resolved, the expectation is that the round will be extended again to get past the French and American elections in 2007 and 2008. With the Doha Round thus "in the freezer," emphasis will shift to bilateral agreements and both American and European businesses will lose interest in restarting the Doha Round. Stokes notes that there are plans to complete the Doha Round by midsummer, but that "it seems implausible... the more worrisome question is what will happen next."

 

9.    FASHION AND FOREIGN AID: A REALISTIC LOOK AT THE "DIGITAL
       DIVIDE"

       Van Gelder, Alec

       Review - Institute of Public Affairs, Vol. 58, No. 1, April 2006, p. 31-34

 

The hype and the attention devoted to the digital divide risks diverting scarce resources away from efforts that really matter to improving the lot of the poor, writes van Gelder. It is true that information and communications technology (ICT) remain inaccessible for the vast majority of the poor, he says, but other development indicators -- necessary predecessors to productive use of ICT -- such as clean water and air, reliable sources of energy, high-quality education, and rule of law are also lacking in these countries. There are successful examples of ICT use in poor countries, but he questions the wisdom of placing too much emphasis on the digital divide in places that lack free institutions and basic living standards.

 

10.    FIXING THE WORLD ECONOMY, PART 97

         Crook, Clive

         National Journal, vol. 38, no. 17, April 29, 2006

 

The author, senior writer for National Journal, discusses the recent agreement to enlarge the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and to equip it to "help resolve global 'economic imbalances.'" He contends that the deal was not the transformation of the institution that many claimed. The international imbalances, principally the U.S. current-account deficit and China's surplus, have been around for several years, and economists have warned of impending disaster, which has not happened. The author warns against being reassured by the familiarity of the issue, asserting, "imbalances in global trade and finances are exposing the United States and the world to some serious economic hazards" and pointing out that "the willingness of foreigners to continue to lend to America is visibly under strain..." He points out that the upcoming IMF report will advise the United States to increase its domestic savings and China to allow its currency to appreciate, but expresses doubt that either will take place because of a lack of political will.

 

11.    IN WORLD BANK CORRUPTION FIGHT, INDEPENDENT EVALUATION IS
         KEY

         Levine, Ruth

         CGD Notes, April 2006, 2 pp.

 

Levine, Director of Programs at the Center for Global Development, says World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz has set out his plans for fighting corruption in the developing world. She says his anti-corruption crusade is both positive and ambitious. However, she asks, how will we know whether the anti-corruption programs actually work? Evaluation should be emphasized from the start, she asserts; development agencies have consistently failed to measure the impact of their aid programs. Levine states that donor and recipient countries should request and fund careful, credible and independent third-party evaluation of World Bank and other agencies' programs. Only through evaluation, she explains, can we document a program's impact on transparency and development.

 

12.    POCKETBOOK POLICING

         Caryl, Christian

         Newsweek, international edition, April 10, 2006

 

The author writes that the U.S. is going after North Korea's sources of illicit cash worldwide, and the efforts are putting serious pressure on the regime. An intense three-year effort by numerous U.S. government agencies has resulted in the confiscation of some $48 million in fake $100 bills and effectively curtailed North Korea's dealings with international financial institutions, he notes. For example, a warning from the U.S. Treasury that designated a Chinese bank as a "primary money laundering concern" for North Korea, brought on a run on the bank, which subsequently cut all its ties with Pyongyang and froze nearly 50 accounts linked to North Korean companies and institutions. Other banks around the world have also begun to cut ties with North Korea for fear of similar U.S. actions. In February a North Korean spokesman complained that the U.S. had effectively banned North Korea from having normal international financial transactions, and recently Pyongyang has claimed that it, too, has been a "victim" of counterfeiting and promised to punish any North Koreans involved! Fears that North Korea may collapse are worrisome to its neighbors, he writes, but the U.S. insists it is simply trying to force the regime to give up its nuclear program rather than foment regime change.

 

13.    THE THREAT OF GLOBAL POVERTY

         Rice, Susan E.

         National Interest, No. 83, Spring 2006, pp. 76-82

 

The author, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, believes that global poverty is not just a humanitarian concern but a threat to U.S. national security. Poverty erodes weak states' capacity to prevent the spread of disease and protect the world's forests and watersheds, creates conditions that are conducive to transnational criminal enterprises and terrorist activity, and enhances tensions that erupt in civil conflict, she explains. Poor countries with limited institutional capacity to control their territory, borders and coastlines provide safe havens and training grounds for terrorist networks; terrorists, in turn, exploit the natural resources and financial institutions of these low-income countries. By some estimates, 25 percent of the foreign terrorists recruited by Al-Qaeda to Iraq came from North and sub-Saharan Africa. Most important, Rice states, poverty undercuts U.S. security by inflicting major damage through new drug-resistant strains of microbial pathogens that have spread to the U.S. from developing countries, as more Americans travel to these areas.

 

14.    TWO CHEERS FOR EXPENSIVE OIL

         Maugeri, Leonardo

         Foreign Affairs, vol. 85, no. 2, March 2006, pp. 149-163

 

Maugeri, economist and oil industry analyst, says the current "oil crisis" is driven by reduced availability of crude on the world market and the inadequacy of the oil industry's refining capacity. Years of low prices, inadequate investment in infrastructure, and producer's fears of surpluses created this situation, he explains -- and it has recently been exacerbated by an unexpected jump in the global consumption of crude. Despite all the doomsday predictions of oil shortages, he asserts the world still possesses immense oil resources. New technologies are already enabling greater exploitation of existing oil reserves, he says, and vast territories of oil-rich lands have never even been explored. Refining has been the weak link in the oil production chain for 20 years, he states, and since only 20 percent of crude oil falls into the light or low-sulfur categories, failure to develop refining capacity for lesser-grade crude produced shortfalls of the finished product. Ideally, says Maugeri, oil prices will stay high long enough to achieve necessary investment in exploration, production and refining capacity; to encourage greater development of alternative energy technologies; and to reduce irresponsible energy consumption.

 

15.    WILL CHINA GO TO WAR OVER OIL?

         Lei, Wu; Qinyu, Shen

         Far Eastern Economic Review, vol. 169, no. 3, April 2006, p. 38-40

 

China's quest for energy security, conducted through aggressive "bilateral energy diplomacy" has attracted worldwide attention, write the authors. Energy security is playing an increasingly important role in Sino-U.S. relations, they note, as China makes oil deals with "rogue states" such as the Sudan and Iran, and seeks deals in Latin America. However, the U.S. and China are not really in direct competition on many energy issues, they write, and common interest in stabilizing energy supply and price provides a strong incentive to exercise strategic cooperation. China is more concerned about the Taiwan issue and fears the U.S. could cut off "oil lifelines" should there ever be a showdown over Taiwan independence, they explain. China needs to remember that energy security is a global issue and no single oil-importing country is immune from an oil crisis, they advise. Further, they recommend that the U.S. and its allies should gradually lead Beijing onto the right path by bringing China into the International Energy Agency in order to turn China's unilateral energy policy into a multilateral one which would help prevent future oil crises and minimize energy security risks.

 

Global Issues

 

16.    RELATIVELY DEPRIVED: HOW POOR IS POOR?

         Cassidy, John

         New Yorker, April 3, 2006

 

Until the 1960s, the federal government had never attempted to estimate the number of American households living in poverty. Many of the anti-poverty programs started during Pres. Lyndon Johnson's "Great Society" initiative were based on the work of a pioneering statistician at the U.S. Social Security Administration, who had done studies of how much it would cost for a family to eat a nutritious diet at minimal cost, and then calculated poverty rates based on income data. The author notes that despite substantial growth in the U.S. economy in the ensuing decades, the poverty rates have remained basically unchanged. The poor in the U.S. may have more material possessions and may have income that is very high compared with the developing world -- but the American poor have chronic health problems unseen in many much poorer parts of the world. Cassidy notes that the notion of relative deprivation has been known since the time of Adam Smith, and the physiological stress induced by unequal income has been documented in many studies in multiple countries. He argues for the relative-deprivation factor to be taken into account in the federal government's assistance programs, but doubts that there is much enthusiasm for it at the policymaking level.

 

17.    SCAN THIS BOOK!

         Kelly, Kevin

         New York Times Magazine, May 14, 2006, pp. 43 // 71

 

The idea for a "universal library" of all the world's knowledge dates back at least to the legendary library at Alexandria, Egypt, in 300 B.C. Today that idea is being revived by the search engine company Google, which is currently scanning all the several million books in five major research libraries. These books eventually will be linked in the same manner as articles and web pages now accessible through Internet search engines. Author Kevin Kelly, the "senior maverick" for Wired magazine, looks at the implications of this astonishing project. "The static world of book knowledge is about to be transformed by the same elevation of relationships [as on linked web pages], as each page in a book discovers other pages and other books. Once text is digital, books seep out of their bindings and weave themselves together. The collective intelligence of a library allows us to see things we can't see in a single, isolated book." The new universal library will not be limited to books, the article explains, and Google is not the only company scanning books. Copyright restrictions, and the the fact that ownership of many books is unclear, are obstacles that may slow but will not stop the move from static printed pages in books to the fluid, interlinked World Wide Web.

 

18.    THIS LEAKY WORLD

         Powers, William

         National Journal, Vol. 38, No. 18, May 6, 2006, p. 60

 

Powers, a National Journal columnist, describes how democracies in various parts of the world are dealing with questions about anonymous sources, the law, and the press. While Americans tend to see the problem as peculiar to the U.S., he points out that Australia has recently enacted anti-terrorism legislation that some observers see as already having a "chilling effect on the news." In Mexico, the government has passed a law which allows journalists to protect their sources because of the danger from drug cartels and gangs. A recent court case in Japan allowed some journalists to protect their sources. Powers concludes, "Freedom of the press is a delicate dance, a never-ending series of judgment calls. The more tightly a society ... tries to define that freedom, the harder it becomes for journalists to do their jobs."

 

19.    TRACKING U.S. GROUNDWATER: RESERVES FOR THE FUTURE?

         Alley, William

         Environment, vol. 48, no. 3, April 2006, pp. 10-25

 

The author, chief of the Office of Ground Water at the U.S. Geological Survey, notes that because groundwater is invisible, it is taken for granted. In recent decades, as the human population and its demands on water supplies has increased, so has groundwater depletion, spreading from isolated pockets to large regions in many countries around the world. The growing awareness of groundwater supplies as a critical natural resource has raised concerns about better monitoring and management. Alley notes that in the U.S., groundwater management decisions are usually made at a local or state level; however, underground aquifers often cross jurisdictional lines, which drives the need for a national or multi-jurisdictional effort. He notes that the general location and size of the aquifers is known, but that insufficient data has been collected, which hampers the decision-making process after problems have materialized. He argues that long-term monitoring of groundwater supplies is essential to ensure that problems can be addressed before they reach the crisis stage.

 

Regional Security

 

20.    ATTACKING AGRICULTURE WITH RADIOLOGICAL MATERIALS - A     
         POSSIBILITY?

         Allan, Shannon Michel; Leitner, Peter

         World Affairs, vol. 168, no. 3, Winter 2006, pp. 99-112

 

The authors disagree with the conventional wisdom that terrorists planning a radiological attack would exclusively target urban population centers instead of rural agricultural targets. Allan and Leitner argue that dispersing radiological agents into the food supply is possible, considering the history of such attacks, the relative ease of procuring radiological agents on the open market, as well as terrorists' preference to maximize the symbolic nature, psychological impact, and elements of surprise of their attacks. Given the potential impacts of food contamination on the public, the domestic and international economy, U.S. humanitarian aid, even America's allies who may face further attacks, the authors agree that radiological attacks on agriculture is a risk that we ignore at our peril.

 

21.    BACK TO BASICS: STEERING CONSTRUCTIVE EVOLUTION OF THE BWC

         Sims, Nicholas

         Arms Control Today, vol. 36, no. 3, April 2006, pp. 13-17

 

The author points to the opportunity in November 2006 for the first full review of the 1975 Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) since 1991. The 155-member convention bans the development, acquisition or stockpiling of bacteriological or toxin weapons. Sims says that efforts to encourage states to sign and ratify the BWC have so far been "diffuse and spasmodic." Sims, who authored "The Evolution of Biological Disarmament" in 2001, notes that only 16 states have ratified the convention even though they signed it 30 years ago and more than 20 haven't even signed it yet. The writer says a scientific advisory body needs to be created to provide states that are party to the convention with expert information on scientific and technological developments relevant to the treaty. He also says it is important to build confidence in this still-vital treaty and in states' compliance with associated treaty obligations. He says it is essential for the sixth BWC Review Conference to produce a final declaration.

 

22.    BEIJING'S PRAGMATISM MEETS HUGO CHAVEZ

         Ratliff, William

         Brown Journal of World Affairs, vol. 12, no. 2, Winter/Spring 2006

 

The author notes that China's pragmatic outlook leads it to strike deals with governments that clash with the U.S. and the international community. Ratliff explores China's relations with Venezuela and its president, Hugo Chavez. Chavez sees China as an example of how to "be a world power without being an empire" and claims to have a special relationship with China. China's main interest in Venezuela is due to its oil reserves; Beijing seeks to improve its relationships with Caribbean countries, but the violence suffered by some Chinese living in Venezuela has been an obstacle. Ultimately China would like to establish a commercial relationship with Venezuela, but it is not certain that Venezuela will ultimately be able to deliver large quantities of petroleum.

 

23.    BEWARE OF BOLDNESS

         Conrad C. Crane

         Parameters, Vol. 36, No. 2, Summer 2006, pp. 88-97

 

The author, Director of the U.S. Army Military History Institute at Carlisle Barracks, PA, and former history professor at West Point, argues against the recent emphasis on bold and innovative leaders in the military, saying, "Leaders, especially at higher levels, rarely need to be innovative themselves; instead, they must be prepared to recognize valuable contributions from others and incorporate them into the practices of the larger organization." He suggests "We may already be paying a price in Iraq for this new emphasis on boldness ... Instead of promoting boldness, we should be advocating the aggressive exploitation of opportunities, with due concern to mitigate risks." He proposes George Patton as a "fine role model for future leaders." In contrast, he says, "There has been no military leader in American history bolder than George Armstrong Custer, and his fate emphasizes the common eventual cost of boldness ... In the end, there is no substitute for decision-making based on a thorough evaluation of intelligence, comprehensive situational awareness, and sound judgment. Destiny is not a method."

 

24.    CRUISE CONTROL

         Gormley, Dennis M.

         Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, vol. 62, no. 2, March/April 2006, pp. 27-33

 

Gormley calls attention to recent advances in cruise missiles, which he argues is a considerably greater strategic threat than ballistic missiles. Cruise missiles are cheaper, faster, and better at evading enemy defenses than ever before, says Gormley, as illustrated in recent progress by Pakistan, Taiwan, and Japan in upgrading their arsenals. By overlooking cruise missiles, strategic planners risk developing insufficient missile defense systems, incomplete export control regimes for on weapons components, and in an age where "doctrines of preemption" are becoming more widely accepted, a greater likelihood that adversaries may give into the temptation of using cruise missiles in hopes of rapidly resolving future conflicts.

 

25.     GETTING INDIA RIGHT

          Khanna, Parag; Mohan, C. Raja

          Policy Review, No. 135, February/March 2006, pp. 43-61

 

The authors highlight the possible benefits and regional and global complications that a blossoming U.S.-India relationship portends. They sketch India's transition from nonalignment to proponent of "democracy promotion, secular governance, pluralism, and the rule of law" with the United States. The authors briefly illuminate the interlocking factors by which China, India and the United States must calculate their attitudes and approaches toward each other. They also see the United States causing problems in South Asia by giving Pakistan too much military aid, and not receiving much assistance in return on nonproliferation and counterterrorism. They also touch on India's demographic advantage over China and the economic success of Indian-Americans.

 

26.    MAKING A KILLING

         Marshall, Andrew K.

         Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, vol. 62, no. 2, March/April 2006, pp. 36-42

 

Marshall provides an expose on international illegal wildlife trafficking. Estimated at $7-10 billion annually by INTERPOL, illicit trade in exotic pets, pelts, and animal parts (used in traditional medicines) not only places animals and their habitats at risk, it also reveals extensive networks of corruption among police and customs officials who facilitate the trade, as well as criminal smuggling networks who use the routes to smuggle other illicit commodities, including narcotics and weapons.

 

27.    MANAGING CIVIL WARS: AN EVALUATION OF CONFLICT PREVENTION      
         STRATEGIES IN AFRICA

         De Maio, Jennifer

         World Affairs, vol. 168, no. 3, Winter 2006, pp. 131-144

 

In a preliminary study, the author seeks to critically assess successes and failures in "preventative diplomacy" as applied by the international community in to Somalia (failure, 1988-91), Rwanda (failure, 1994), and South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal (success, 1994). De Maio concludes that in addition to the need for an "early warning system," to identify impending civil conflicts, nations need an effective analytical framework adapted to local conditions in order to correctly interpret the situation and form a winning mediation strategy. Domestic actors must be drawn into the preventive diplomacy proceedings and given incentives to stay engaged, typically the clear impression that violence will prove too costly to their long-term aims.

 

28.    REALISM AND IDEALISM: US POLICY TOWARD SAUDI ARABIA, FROM THE
         COLD WAR TO THE PRESENT DAY

         Bowman, Bradley L.

         Parameters, vol. 35, no. 4, Winter 2005-06, pp. 91-105

 

In this examination of U.S.-Saudi relations, Bowman acknowledges that it is easier to critique existing American policy than it is to implement change. However, he proposes a new U.S. approach to the Middle East, that would require balancing American idealist values and realist interests. If the U.S. can pursue this grand strategy, we will simultaneously foster Middle Eastern stability, protect American national interests and promote the transition to a more democratic Middle East.

 

29.    THE SHADOW OF THE BOMB, 2006

         Drell, Sidney D.

         Policy Review, No. 136, April/May 2006, pp. 55-68

 

The author fears that terrorists or rogue states are acquiring nuclear weapons, and wants the U.S. to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, and also wants universal adherence to the International Atomic Energy Agency's Additional Protocol. However, some details are faulty, he asserts -- the number of nuclear weapon states hasn't grown in two decades, though Pakistan did not test a nuclear weapon until 1998. He labels the Proliferation Security Initiative, now nearly three years old, to be a mere proposal; he argues against a U.S. development of a nuclear earth-penetrating weapon, a program that the Bush administration dropped in October 2005. He argues that North Korea is currently violating the Agreed Framework, which in fact ended with Pyongyang's 2002 assertion that it had secretly been building nuclear weapons for years.

 

U.S. Society and Values

 

30.    AMERICAN PIE

         Miller, Hanna

         American Heritage, vol. 57, no. 2, April/May 2006, pp. 30-38

 

Pizza has become "the most successful immigrant of all" to the U.S., notes the author. Although it arrived in the U.S. relatively late compared with long-standing favorites such as the hamburger and hot dog, pizza "has secured a special place on the American table." Pizza first came across the Atlantic with the millions of Italian immigrants in the 1920s, and while there were regional variations, it soon coalesced into a version of the traditional Neapolitan pie. Pizza boomed in popularity after World War II, as Americans sought quick and easy food; the article chronicles the growth of the modern pizza industry. Notes the author, "pizza, like teenagedom and rock 'n' roll, is a lasting relic of America's mid-century embrace of good times."

 

31.    THE DAY AFTER ROE

         Rosen, Jeffrey

         Atlantic Monthly, vol. 297, no. 5, June 2006, pp. 56-66

 

With two newly-appointed Supreme Court justices and the possibility of a third, the author notes that there is a real possibility that ROE V. WADE, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that struck down abortion laws in forty-six states and the District of Columbia, may be overturned. In this article, Rosen, a law professor at George Washington University, reviews the repercussions that would result from such a ruling in the states, Congress, the White House, and the courts. The author of the forthcoming book, THE MOST DEMOCRATIC BRANCH: HOW THE COURTS SERVE AMERICA, Rosen maintains that the court functions best when it generally follows public opinion and that, if ROE is overturned, the group that seizes the "vital center in a post-ROE world would be likely to dominate American politics for a generation to come."

 

32.    THE FOUR: HOW CIRCUIT COURT JUSTICES FIRED AT JIM CROW FROM  
         THE BENCH

         Zeitz, Joshua

        American Legacy, vol. 12, no. 2, Summer 2006, pp. 61-70

 

Zeitz profiles the lives and work of four justices of the Deep South's Federal Circuit Court: Richard Rives, John R. Brown, John Wisdom, and Elbert P. Tuttle. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, these four justices, "both individually and in various combinations," struck down many of the "Jim Crow" laws that had established mandatory segregation dating back to the mid-1870s. Despite being subjected to ostracism, late night calls, and death threats, they integrated universities and school districts, enforced legal protection for black voters, and opened up access to public places for African-Americans. These rulings, the author asserts, were responsible for "vastly broadening the freedoms enjoyed by black and white Americans alike and forcibly dragging the Deep South into the twentieth century."

 

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