The national security implications of climate change are difficult to assess. It does seem, however, that many nations are preparing for political and military competition in the Arctic as the evidence mounts that the polar seas are melting. One would hope that with the likely lead time before any real competition can be established the nations of the world could come up with a cooperative approach to sharing the likely resources of the Arctic. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear as if an enlightened approach is forthcoming.
The US candidate for President of the World bank, Dr. Jim Yong Kim, has been elected to the position, pushing back challenges from candidates from Nigeria and Colombia. I am conflicted about the appointment. I would have liked a non-American to have been selected. On the other hand, Kim is not an economist, but rather a public health expert. Such a shift in emphasis on the Bank’s activities might be a salutary corrective to traditional aid patterns. We should hope for Kim’s success.
The economic signals from Europe suggest that the calm after the Greek storm is abating. Spanish bonds are selling at very high interest rates–close to the 7% level that would likely suggest a high chance of default. The economic conditions in Europe seem to be worsening and, if Europe slips back into a recession, could quickly infect other parts of the world.
World Politics News 
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