Free Republic

Bringing China In From the Cold By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF [T] he loopiest aspect of the Group of 8 conclave in Évian is the notion that global leaders are confronting the challenges of the 21st century in the absence of the nation that may well dominate the century. That's right: China. Even if China's gross domestic product is measured using its official, undervalued exchange rate, its economy is far bigger than those of G-8 members like Canada or Italy ? and almost three times the size of Russia's. If one values China's economy using another approach, purchasing power parity, then...

PARIS - European integrationists have a cherished dream: that one day the European Union will stride the world stage speaking with a political voice every bit as powerful as its economic might. This EU would no longer be cowed by the United States. It would look Washington squarely in the eye. And the new power would be no brash, selfish American adolescent. No: it would be wise old Europe, enriched by its cultures and the lessons of its own dark history. It would tackle world crises with sensitivity, generosity and an eye to the long term. Now for the reality...