The influence of corporations on US foreign policy is very difficult to measure. Steve Coll, who will be publishing a book on the topic in the next few weeks, offers an interesting insight into the behavior of ExxonMobil on Indonesian politics, and how the Bush Administration intervened in the matter.
Gavin Hewitt, the Europe editor for BBC news, has posted an interesting essay worrying about the possibility of spring protests in Europe. The protests will likely be motivated by the austerity programs, but will likely take on different manifestations. The pace of protests is likely to pick up soon–the International Labor Organization has published a report that chronicles the disappointingly small jobs gains worldwide.
A big campaign issue this year is over government spending. Barry Ritholz has posted a very revealing graphic that puts the issue in context.
World Politics News 
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