World

Big questions behind G8 summit

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:05:50 GMT

The FT's US diplomatic correspondent Geoff Dyer reflects on the the conclusion of this year's G8 summit in Northern Ireland. Despite two major agreements, there are looming questions about what the actual impact will be.

Protests spread across Brazil

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:48:59 GMT

It started as a student protest in São Paulo over rising bus fares, but after police cracked down hard on violent outbursts, the uprising spread. Brazil now faces large uprisings in major cities from Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia. The FT's Joe Leahy reports from Rio.

Hong Kongers march in support of Snowden

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 13:08:40 GMT

As well as revealing alleged abuses by the US security services, Edward Snowden has become an unlikely fulcrum in the debate about civil rights and freedom in the Chinese city of Hong Kong. Paul Davies reports.

Syria crosses the red line

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 23:34:11 GMT

President Barack Obama has authorised his administration to provide arms to Syrian rebel groups says the FT's Geoff Dyer, US diplomatic correspondent, after the White House found evidence that Syrian government forces had used chemical weapons against opposition forces.

The new Greek reality TV

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 20:58:30 GMT

Thousands gathered outside the headquarters of state broadcaster ERT to protest the Greek government’s decision to shut it to meet the country’s bailout requirements. Kerin Hope, the FT’s Athens correspondent, reports on the latest events shaking the Hellenic capital.

Sherrod Brown on cutting back the US banks

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 00:48:00 GMT

Democratic senator Sherrod Brown talks to Richard McGregor, the FT's Washington bureau chief about his bills to make US banks hold more capital and to break up the larger institutions.

Obama, Prism and the 'complex'

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:46:34 GMT

After leaks about US security access to foreign internet accounts via Prism, the FT's senior US columnist Edward Luce assesses from Washington if President Barack Obama can rein in the 'data intelligence complex'.

China launches rocket

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 05:57:07 GMT

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The cost of Scottish independence

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 05:06:00 GMT

Next year Scotland will vote on becoming an independent country, but what might it mean for its economy and currency? LSE visiting professor and FT columnist John Kay discusses the options with senior investment columnist John Authers.

Taiwan's energy conundrum

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 03:15:59 GMT

After Fukushima, most countries re-examined their attitude towards nuclear power. Like Japan, Taiwan's location on the edge of the Pacific makes it vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis. But with no oil and gas of its own, the island state lacks any kind of energy security. The FT's Sarah Mishkin visits a nuclear power station under construction and talks to exponents of renewable energy about the country's energy prospects.

London Gateway: super-port prepares to open

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 06:24:00 GMT

The vast port and logistics park is under way in the Thames estuary which supporters say will transform Britain's exports. But the project has taken a decade to come to fruition, as James Pickford reports.

NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:18:19 GMT

Reuters: Guardian interview by Glen Greenwald of NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden in Hong Kong

China's gold miners living in fear

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 10:16:27 GMT

Violent reprisals against Chinese miners in Ghana have shocked China. The FT's Kathrin Hille visits the rural village of Shuitai in Guangxi province to talk to the families of those stuck in Ghana and sees the effect of the trouble on the traditional mining village.

Ethiopia entices foreign investors

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 11:23:00 GMT

Once known for its closed economy, Ethiopia is now an enticing prospect, with investors moving their money into many sectors. Katrina Manson, The FT’s East Africa correspondent, reports on Ethiopia’s growth and challenges facing foreign businesses

Cyber security dominates Obama and Xi talks

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 17:04:27 GMT

From Beijing, the FT's Kathrin Hille examines the talks between President Obama and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. During the summit, Mr Obama and Mr Xi discussed cyber hacking, North Korea and China's core interests in the Asian region.

Global output pivots to Asia

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 15:41:23 GMT

In 2013, emerging economies will produce the majority of the world’s goods and services, the first time since the UK’s industrial revolution. Comment and analysis editor Frederick Studemann, economics editor Chris Giles and leader writer Martin Sandbu discuss.

Huaxi: China's Potemkin village?

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 10:34:51 GMT

For years, the village of Huaxi has been held up as a model of 'socialism with Chinese characteristics’ but just like much of China, Huaxi is facing a host of new challenges as the traditional growth drivers that have made its villagers wealthy begin to run out of steam. The FT's Jamil Anderlini reports.

US-China summit

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 03:27:00 GMT

China's President Xi Jinping will be meeting US President Barack Obama during a two-day visit. Cui Tiankai, China’s ambassador to the US, discusses his hopes for US-China relations.

Tiananmen: Voices of June 4 in Hong Kong

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 10:22:06 GMT

In torrential rain, up to 150,000 people turned out in Hong Kong's Victoria Park to commemorate the students who died in 1989 in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. The FT talked to some of the attendees about why the event is still so important 24 years later.

Turkey takes a battering

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 04:56:00 GMT

Thousands took to the streets of Turkey's cities over the weekend to protest against Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government. Daniel Dombey reports on the past few days of unrest from the damaged streets of Istanbul.

What EU-US trade deal needs

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 10:58:13 GMT

The EU is set for talks over a free trade deal with the US. From the FT Business of Luxury summit in Vienna, Karel De Gucht, EU trade commissioner, talks to the FT’s editor Lionel Barber about whether an agreement can be reached by the end of 2014.

Indian summer means power cuts

Thu, 30 May 2013 12:59:48 GMT

As temperatures rise, so does demand for power. Last year, a blackout in north India left 600m people without power for two days. This year, factories in Noida, an industrial town near Delhi, say the situation may be even worse. The FT's Victor Mallet reports on the effect an unreliable power supply has on business.

Fear spreads in north Myanmar

Thu, 30 May 2013 01:08:00 GMT

Buddhist mobs armed with sticks and machetes arrived at the northern city of Lashio as Myanmar suffers a second day of violence. A local store owner tells of his experience of the violence and day of burning

China warns of EU trade war

Thu, 30 May 2013 12:01:30 GMT

China and the EU are once again on verge of a trade war. This time the dispute centres on Chinese-made solar products. The FT's Ben Marino talks to Leslie Hook in Beijing about the ramifications of a possible dispute between the two trading partners.

US condemns Russia's arming of Syria

Wed, 29 May 2013 01:41:00 GMT

Patrick Ventrell, US state department spokesman, supports the EU's decision to not renew the arms embargo on Syria and condemns Russia for planning to go ahead with deliveries of anti-aircraft missiles to Damascus

Abenomics: an uncertain future for most

Wed, 29 May 2013 12:05:07 GMT

From Tsukiji fish market to rural Gifu, businesses and consumers are worried about rising prices. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's reforms have reignited investor interest in Japan and caused a spectacular rise in the stock market. But for Japanese people who do not own stocks or live and work in Tokyo, the effects are more prosaic – a future of rising prices and uncertain benefits. Ben McLannahan reports.

China rejects hacking allegations

Tue, 28 May 2013 16:44:13 GMT

An investigation by Australian broadcaster ABC claims Chinese hackers stole the blueprint for the Australian spy agency’s new headquarters. China has questioned the reliability of the report and Australia says the development will not affect ties.

Riots shatter Sweden's image

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:13:32 GMT

A week of rioting in Stockholm has shattered Sweden's image as a country at peace with itself. Martin Sandbu, leader writer, reports on the troubles on the ground in the country.

London killing 'terror related'

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:06:39 GMT

Reuters: British Prime Minister David Cameron says the murder of a member of the military in Woolwich was probably 'terror related' as police chiefs appeal for calm

Gideon Rachman on UK and Europe

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:18:44 GMT

Gideon Rachman has not changed his view of the UK's relationship with the EU but where 20 years ago he was regarded as eurosceptic, today his ideas are seen as pro-European. The FT's chief political commentator examines this shifting debate.

Oklahoma tornado aftermath

Tue, 21 May 2013 07:16:14 GMT

Reuters: At least 51 people are killed and 40 more are feared dead as a massive tornado devastates Moore, Oklahoma City, prompting US President Barack Obama to declare a state of emergency.

Qatar seeks bigger role on global stage

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:08:15 GMT

Qatar has emerged as a leading backer of the rebel forces trying to topple the Assad regime in Syria. Roula Khalaf, Middle East editor, tells the FT's Daniel Garrahan why the Gulf state has been accused of dividing as well as supporting rebels.

Indonesia's infrastructure deficit

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:01:31 GMT

From outdated, overcapacity ports to stalled road and rail projects, Indonesia's infrastructure is in a sorry state. The resulting traffic jams and transportation delays affect everyone from local commuters to international investors. The government has grand designs to build new roads, airports and metro systems but endemic corruption and red tape stand in the way. Indonesia will have to up its game if it is to fulfil its potential as one of the world's hottest emerging markets. Ben Bland reports.

Ambitious Turkey

Wed, 15 May 2013 03:29:00 GMT

With President Barack Obama due to meet Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the FT’s Daniel Dombey reports from Istanbul on the Turkish leader’s decade-long record, his grand ambitions and his vocal detractors.

A challenge to Iran's 'political theatre'

Wed, 15 May 2013 04:06:00 GMT

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was hoping Iran’s next president would be a loyal fundamentalist, but two candidates have given cause for concern. Daniel Garrahan discusses the development with FT Middle East editor Roula Khalaf and Ali Ansari, Middle East expert at St Andrews University.

Russia expels US diplomat in spy scandal

Tue, 14 May 2013 20:08:14 GMT

Reuters: Russian officials have expelled an American they say they caught red-handed trying to recruit a spy in Moscow. Overnight, they detained Ryan Fogle, a US diplomat who they claim targeted a Russian intelligence officer.

Water security threatens China

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:00:39 GMT

China’s water resources are running scarce. Farming and other human activities are turning large parts of the country into deserts and forcing residents to migrate. The FT's Leslie Hook reports from Gansu province.

Wildcat strikes at Lonmin, South Africa

Tue, 14 May 2013 05:46:00 GMT

Tensions ran high again after the death of an Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union organiser in South Africa's platinum belt. The region was the scene of clashes between workers and police last year, which killed 34 protesters.

Obama backs Syrian opposition

Tue, 14 May 2013 16:32:19 GMT

At a joint press conference in Washington, Barack Obama, US president, and David Cameron, UK prime minister, say they will continue to support the people of Syria with humanitarian aid.

Obama warns IRS on tax targeting

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:21:27 GMT

President Barack Obama says it would be 'outrageous' if Internal Revenue Service staff targeted conservative groups for extra scrutiny, saying anyone found to have done so must be held fully accountable.

Russia concern over investor confidence

Mon, 13 May 2013 02:12:00 GMT

Sergei Storchak, Russia's deputy finance minister, says a lack of trust between foreign investors and Russian business is the biggest obstacle facing his country. He tells capital markets editor Ralph Atkins that improved investor confidence will provide the necessary boost to Russia's slowing economy.

EBRD examines SME funding

Sat, 11 May 2013 06:20:32 GMT

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development plans to review the funding it directs towards SMEs says its president, Suma Chakrabarti. He assures Ralph Atkins, capital markets editor, that their move in to North Africa is close to being fully operational.

EBRD: Growth to come

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:54:15 GMT

Central and eastern Europe can look forward to more growth long term, according to Erik Berglöf, chief economist at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. He tells Ralph Atkins, capital markets editor, that although the EBRD's forecast for the region has turned gloomy – in large part due to eurozone fallout – he thinks there is still much convergence growth to be had in this part of the world.

Indonesia: Big tobacco's last stand

Thu, 09 May 2013 05:35:42 GMT

Around two-thirds of adult men smoke in Indonesia, one of the world's largest and least regulated tobacco markets. The government in Jakarta has tried to introduce legislation to restrict advertising but the proposals have been watered down after industry lobbying. The FT's Ben Bland talks to smokers, lobbyists and health campaigners about why smoking is still so popular.

After dramatic rally fall, Khan urges Pakistanis to vote

Wed, 08 May 2013 17:31:25 GMT

Victor Mallet, South Asia bureau chief, reports on the increasingly eventful build up to Pakistan's elections on May 11. If successful, it will bring the first democratic power change in Pakistan's history.

Khan injured while campaigning

Wed, 08 May 2013 07:23:07 GMT

Reuters: Imran Khan, the Pakistani cricketer turned reformist politician, was injured in a fall at an election rally on Tuesday night, four days before a vote that will mark Pakistan’s first transfer of power between one democratically elected government and another.

Umno wins tight election in Malaysia

Mon, 06 May 2013 12:10:09 GMT

Market jitters have calmed and middle class optimism has been dampened as Umno, Malaysia's ruling coalition since independence, is again elected. But David Pilling, the FT's Asia editor, says the election marks an important shift in the country's politics

Booming Bollywood turns 100

Sun, 05 May 2013 10:27:40 GMT

India boasts a $2bn film industry with cinema screenings still accounting for more than 72 per cent of a film's revenue. The FT's Jyotsna Singh looks at the future of film in the country.

Prosecutor shot dead in Islamabad

Fri, 03 May 2013 14:40:56 GMT

The main prosecutor investigating the 2007 assassination of Pakistan’s former prime minister Benazir Bhutto was killed on Friday

Brawl in Venezuela's parliament

Wed, 01 May 2013 07:44:19 GMT

Reuters: Fistfights broke out in Venezuela’s parliament leaving a number of legislators bloodied and injured during an angry session linked to the South American nation’s election.