A roundup of some of the content published today by Brookings.
- Kyiv trip report. Recently returned from a trip to Ukraine’s capital, Steven Pifer reports on that country’s political turmoil, lack of movement in rooting out corruption, and its hopes for peace in eastern regions that have been seized by pro-Russian fighters.
- Global billionaires political power index. Darrell West ranks the top global billionaires in terms of overall political power.
- How the mobile economy will change the world. The global mobile economy stands at $1.6 trillion now and will reach $2 trillion by 2017. But Joshua Bleiberg and Darrell West explain how governments must address the technological, legal, and other barriers created by this explosive growth.
- A curious communications strategy for the Obama administration’s final stretch. Last week, the Obama administration announced it would cut back on regular communications with cabinet chiefs of staff. Kathryn Dunn Tenpas argues that the administration is reducing these communications precisely when the White House needs political appointees the most.
- Why D.C. statehood makes sense, now. Alice Rivlin makes the case for D.C. statehood to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- The case for a federal robotics commission. In another paper for the continuing civilian robotics series, Ryan Calo explores whether advances in robotics also call for a stand alone body within the federal government, tentatively concluding that the United States would benefit from an agency dedicated to the responsible integration of robotics technologies into American society.
- Return of the currency wars. David Wessel says that we may be on the verge of another currency war.
Charmaine Crutchfield contributed to this post.
Commentary
Brookings Today, 9/15/14
September 15, 2014