Credit is Still Tight
Robert E. Litan, November 19, 2009
Even though parts of the economy have shown improvement, credit is still tight and threatens the viability of new businesses that create so many new jobs. They need access to capital to keep their firms viable, Litan says.
U.S. Economy, U.S. Economic Growth, Banking
Fiscal Challenges Facing Cities: Implications for Economic Recovery
Full Event Audio: Part One
November 19, 2009
The current economic crisis is not only a national crisis; it is also a metropolitan crisis. And soon the downturn will bring a local government fiscal crisis. On November 19, the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program and the National League of Cities co-hosted a forum on city fiscal conditions, the responses being undertaken by creative mayors, and the implications for national economic recovery.
Cities, Global Financial Crisis, Fiscal Policy, U.S. Economy
Fiscal Challenges Facing Cities: Implications for Economic Recovery
Full Event Audio: Part Two
November 19, 2009
The current economic crisis is not only a national crisis; it is also a metropolitan crisis. And soon the downturn will bring a local government fiscal crisis. On November 19, the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program and the National League of Cities co-hosted a forum on city fiscal conditions, the responses being undertaken by creative mayors, and the implications for national economic recovery.
Cities, Global Financial Crisis, Fiscal Policy, U.S. Economy
Evaluating the Economy and the Possibility of a "Double Dip" Recession
Robert E. Litan, November 19, 2009
The economy is showing some bright spots, but rising unemployment, weak consumer spending and the housing market continue to be concerns. Robert Litan examines the state of the economy and offers insights into job creation and entrepreneurship, the possibility of a “double dip” recession and higher capital requirements for lending institutions.
U.S. Economy, U.S. Economic Growth, Banking, U.S. Financial Market Regulation
A Possible Double Dip Recession?
Robert E. Litan, November 19, 2009
Robert Litan says the economy has shown some signs of recovery but notes there's still a possibility of a double dip recession as the stimulus and Fed actions taper off.
U.S. Economy, U.S. Economic Growth, Banking
Local Governments to Face Large-Scale Cuts
Mark Muro, November 16, 2009
Despite reports that the economy is recovering from the recession, there will likely be large-scale city government layoffs, deep cuts to local government services and halted or delayed capital projects in the next year or two. Mark Muro, policy director of the Metropolitan Policy program, explains economic cycles and their impact on city and local governments.
Regions and States, Cities, U.S. Economy
Karen Dynan and Alan Berube Comment on the Second “How We’re Doing” Index
Karen Dynan and Alan Berube, November 15, 2009
Despite the economy’s expansion last quarter, many American workers still lack jobs, the confidence to spend money or a home to call their own. Brookings scholars have been tracking data on various dimensions of national and international well-being since early this year. Karen Dynan and Alan Berube examine the findings in the second Brookings “How We’re Doing” Index.
U.S. Economy, U.S. Economic Growth, Mortgage Market, Cities
The U.S.-Israel Partnership: Can New Governments Overcome Old Challenges?
November 14, 2009
On November 14-16, 2009, the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings brought together top Israeli and American policymakers, journalists, and members of the public and private sectors to Jerusalem for discussions on the most critical issues in the Middle East.
Middle East, Arab-Israeli Relations, Diplomacy, Israel, Islamic World
@ Brookings Podcast: President Obama's Trip to Asia; U.S. Senate Considers New Financial Oversight
November 13, 2009
The global challenges facing President Obama and President Hu Jintao in China; and an assessment of the banking reform legislation in the Senate, all @Brookings.
Previewing President Obama's Trip to Asia and the APEC Forum
Richard C. Bush III, November 12, 2009
As President Obama prepares for his trip to China and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Singapore, Richard Bush says that the APEC meetings will help the United States fortify its relationships with Asian countries.
Asia, Japan, Foreign Policy, The Presidency
Building Bridges between China and the United States
Kenneth G. Lieberthal, November 12, 2009
As part of a multi-nation Asia trip that began last week, President Obama, now in China, met with Chinese Premier Hu Jintao to foster greater understanding and cooperation between the U.S. and China. Kenneth Lieberthal discusses the importance of the meeting between the two leaders.
China, Asia, Global Financial Crisis, Foreign Policy, The Presidency
Building Bridges between China and the United States
Kenneth G. Lieberthal, November 11, 2009
During his China visit, President Obama will seek to build additional bridges between the two nations, rather pursuing any immediate and concrete actions, Kenneth Lieberthal says. However, he mentions one particular area where the U.S. and China might find common ground.
China, Asia, Foreign Policy, The Presidency
The Hidden People of North Korea: Everyday Life in the Hermit Kingdom
November 10, 2009
On November 10, Kongdan Oh and Ralph Hassig will discussed their new book The Hidden People of North Korea: Everyday Life in the Hermit Kingdom (Rowman & Littlefield, 2009). For decades, the people of North Korea have lived in extreme isolation under a closed and repressive regime, where individual rights are restricted and the regime exercises complete control over the political class and legal systems.
North Korea, Human Rights, Civil Liberties, Northeast Asia