Russia Renewed? Most observers think Vladimir Putin is remaking Russia. In fact, although the faces may have changed, Putin´s Russia in more like Yeltsdin´s than is generally recognized. Oligarchs still reign, war in Chechnya rages on, and most of Putin´s innovation is superficial. Meanwhile, most of what is new in Russia-the growing economy and Putin´s popularity-owes little to the president’s policies

Renaissance for U.S. Trade Policy? The Bush administration’s recent protectionist measure has attracted intense international criticism. U.S. backtracking on free trade could give other countries an excuse to do likewise. But critics should note that those measures also made in easier for Bush to win “fast-track” negotiating authority from Congress, providing the political base necessary for further liberalization

Humanitarianism in Crisis Humanitarian organization have moved to incorporate human rights and development their increasingly politicized agendas. yet in the process, they have abandoned the neutrality and independence that were the original hallmarks of the movement. Few seen to notice what is being lost