Op-Eds/Commentary

BBrief - Non-Profiting from Better Sovereign Ratings (15Apr13).pdf

In this B|Brief, Bertelsmann Foundation Executive Director Annette Heuser puts forward the case for a new type of credit-rating agency, one that is international and non-profit - and one that would be more transparent and use more comprehensive data in its analyses.

BBrief - Post-Chavez Venezuela - A Country on the Edge.pdf

In this B|Brief, Bertelsmann Foundation Project Manager Samuel George writes that an end to the Chavez presidency is likely to herald turbulent political, economic and social times for Venezuela.

Reality Check - Fair Observer (4Nov2012).pdf

In this commentary for Fair Observer, Bertelsmann Foundation Executive Director Annette Heuser writes that a Romney presidency will signal a re-evaluation of the relationship between Moscow and Washington, a strong commitment to Israel and a continuing push for the European powers to increase defense spending.

Why The World Doesn't Care About The U.S. Election (RCW, 28 Aug 2012).pdf

In this op-ed for RealClearWorld.com, Bertelsmann Foundation Executive Director Annette Heuser says President Barack Obama's mixed record has dissolved abroad any enthusiasm for this year's presidential election. Non-Americans are disappointed that the president could not be as transformative as they had hoped, and they believe the US system prevents any occupant of the Oval Office from implementing fundamental reform of economic and social policy.

B Brief US-UK Relationship 14Mar2012.pdf

In this Bertelsmann Foundation B|Brief, Transatlantic Relations Director Tyson Barker shows how the Obama administration is using Prime Minister David Cameron's US visit to highlight the importance of the relationship between Washington and London. That relationship centers on three priority issues for both capitals: security, global economic governance and the wider trans-Atlantic link between the US and all of Europe.

In this commentary for Fair Observer, Bertelsmann Foundation Senior Project Manager Ting Xu says that Europe's search for financial support from China will be a fruitless effort. The move shows only Europe's lack of understanding of China and Chinese society. Europe is looking for a no-strings-attached deal, but this is a fantasy. Assuming China came to Europe's assistance, Beijing would demand something in return. That would stoke US opposition.

In this commentary on foreignpolicy.com, Bertelsmann Foundation Transatlantic Relations Director Tyson Barker explains how German Chancellor Angela Merkel emerged victorious from the Bundestag debate on and approval of an expanded European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF).

In this article published by foreignpolicy.com, Bertelsmann Foundation Director for Transatlantic Relations Tyson Barker notes that most of Europe is governed by a center-right that cannot agree on steps to rescue the region's economies.

In this article published in The Diplomat, Bertelsmann Foundation Senior Project Manager Ting Xu argues that the US needs to develop a coherent strategy for accepting Chinese investement, especially in the high-tech sector.

An oped by Bertelsmann Foundation Executive Director Annette Heuser on the US and German reactions to the death of Osama bin Laden. The piece appeared in the Neue Westfaelische Zeitung on 7 May 2011.