In Print With James F. Hoge, Jr.

This series features James F. Hoge, Jr., counselor, Executive Office, Council on Foreign Relations; chairman,
Human Rights Watch; and CGA advisory board member, in conversation with leading journalists and authors.

Third event to be announced.

David Shambaugh—China Goes Global: The Partial Power
Tuesday, February 26, 6:30–7:45 p.m.

Thirty years ago, China's role in global affairs beyond its immediate East Asian periphery was minor, with little geostrategic power. Today, China's expanding economic power has extended its reach—from mineral mines in Africa, currency markets in the West, and oil fields in the Middle East to agribusiness in Latin America and factories of East Asia. In China Goes Global, David Shambaugh examines the manifestations of China's global presence: its commercial footprint, military power, increasing cultural influence, diplomatic activity, and new prominence in global governance institutions. Drawing upon a variety of previously untapped sources, he argues that China's global presence is more broad than deep—what he terms a "partial power."

Mark Blyth—Austerity: The History of a Dangerous Idea
Monday, April 1, 6:30–7:45 p.m.

Conservatives today in both Europe and the United States have succeeded in casting government spending as recklessness that has made the economy worse. In contrast, they have argued for draconian budget cuts—austerity—to solve the financial crisis. The problem, according to political economist Mark Blyth, is that austerity is a very dangerous idea that doesn't work. Blyth argues that the revival of austerity policies has almost always led to low growth along with increases in wealth and income inequality. Austerity questions the conventional wisdom, marshaling an army of facts to demand that we recognize austerity for what it is, and what it costs us.