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* Released December 2008 * Running time: 84 minutes * Description: This is a powerful documentary of the current state of freshwater ownership, privatization and distribution around the world. The film discusses the conflict between "predatory" corporations and engaged citizens over water rights and usage. For example, it discusses how companies like Coke and Pepsi use of water in India and Nestles use of water in Michigan for bottled water. This film also documents water wars in Bolivia, privatization in Africa, and issues of pollution of freshwater around the world. It promotes lively and emotional discussion in class. * Rating: Excellent * 7-Revolutions Section: Resources, Technology, Economics, Conflict.

Thanks to technological advances, in the past few years, vast amounts of natural gas -- particularly shale gas -- have become economically viable. This development is an unmitigated boon for consumers interested in affordable energy and for governments hoping to reduce their countries' dependency on foreign oil.

In the wake of the financial crisis, the United States is no longer the leader of the global economy, and no other nation has the political and economic leverage to replace it. Rather than a forum for compromise, the G-20 is likely to be an arena of conflict.

This is a good article. Got a lot of play at Davos. We have been taking a deep look at the G20 for the New Seven Revs presentation, particularly looking at the top 150 words of G20 Communication. Here are some of the word clouds we generated, 1999-2007: http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/3036182/G20_Communiques_(1999-2007 and 2008-2010: http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/3036001/G20_Communiques_%282008-2010%29 You will notice that the tone has changed considerably. Globalization was not mentioned even once between 2008 and 2010.

Seems to me there are a couple of interrelated ways to approach the governance revolution: (1) challenges to individual states (including discussion of failed states) and to the state as the primary actor on the world stage, and (2) changes and challenges in global governance (e.g., rise of the BRICs, or maybe BICs now that Russia seems to be under-performing).

The Globalist presents highlights from its Reforming Global Finance series.

According to UNICEF, 23.1% of American children under the age of seventeen live in poverty, which makes the United States rank second out of thirty-five economically advanced countries ranked in that category. Romania ranks first, with 25.5% of children living in poverty.

How do the United States and China both stand to gain by pursuing cooperative policies?

Great article about wealth inequality in the US with very nice figures and images that you can download.