Room for Debate: A Changing World Order?

Introduction

Finance Minister Lou Jiwei of China, right, toasts the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank at its signing ceremony in Beijing on Oct. 24, 2014. Takaki Yajima/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Last week, Australia became the latest American ally to join the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, reversing an earlier rejection of membership that was made under pressure from the United States. Britain, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Russia and Brazil have also rejected U.S. opposition to join the bank.

What effect will the creation of this bank have on the world economy and world politics?

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Room for Debate: Is Yemen America's Fight?

The United States, Saudis and Yemeni leaders have coordinated airstrikes on Al Qaeda targets in Yemen for years. But when another foe of Al Qaeda, Houthi militias, allied with Iran, swept the Yemeni government out of power, the Saudis organized a military operation against them with fellow Sunni Arab nations. The United States has backed its Saudi allies with logistical and intelligence support. But could that only make the region more unstable and cost more civilian lives?

Should the United States avoid getting involved — even indirectly — in regional military efforts to fight the Houthis in Yemen?

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Room for Debate: Is Yemen America's Fight?

The United States, Saudis and Yemeni leaders have coordinated airstrikes on Al Qaeda targets in Yemen for years. But when another foe of Al Qaeda, Houthi militias, allied with Iran, swept the Yemeni government out of power, the Saudis organized a military operation against them with fellow Sunni Arab nations. The United States has backed its Saudi allies with logistical and intelligence support. But could that only make the region more unstable and cost more civilian lives?

Should the United States avoid getting involved — even indirectly — in regional military efforts to fight the Houthis in Yemen?

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Room for Debate: The Pulpit and the Ballot Box

Caring in All the Wrong Ways

Randy Boyagoda, author, "Richard John Neuhaus"

The identity politicking God talk crowds out a a more substantive involvement of religion in debates about public policy and the future direction of the nation.

Insight Into a Candidate's Worldveiw

Colleen Carroll Campbell, author "My Sisters the Saints"

The real question voters should be asking when they ponder a politician's faith: Does he actually mean it? Does it influence her public and private choices?

An 'American Religion' Transcends Sectarianism

Yehudah Mirsky, Theologian and rabbi

The foundation of our civic life lies in our adherence to universal moral truths because of individual conscience and communal affiliation.

Religious Groups Encourage Religious Campaigns

Anthea Butler, Professor of religious studies

Iowa's Republican caucus season resembles a revival more than a campaign because of the power of conservative Christian organizations.

Have Faith, We'll Have an Atheist President

Penn Jillette, author, "God, No!"

Some day there will be a candidate America loves, and the fact that she or he is atheist will matter as much as Kennedy being Catholic.

Religious Convictions Are Deep and Abiding

Michael Novak, theologian

Like it or not, Americans have always been concerned about freedom of religion, and scrutinized campaigning politicians carefully. They should.

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Room for Debate: Paying for Workers' Training

A recent article about the demand for welders in Texas and the Gulf Coast region highlighted a growing partnership between the energy industry and community colleges. As the economy still struggles, and a so-called skills gap persists, who should pay for workers' training?

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Room for Debate: If a Woman's Place Is on the 20

Introduction

Joe Mortis

A campaign has begun to put a woman on the $20 bill by 2020, the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote in the United States.

Who better to make room for a new honoree than the current resident, Andrew Jackson? Even if you don't think he's a genocidal racist, he opposed paper currency. So if we wave bye-bye to Jackson, what woman should we welcome?

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Room for Debate: Deciding an Institution's Future

Without congressional reauthorization, the Export-Import Bank, which guarantees loans to the overseas customers of thousands of American companies, is slated to close this summer. The future of the institution is driving a wedge between free-market and pro-business Republican lawmakers.

Should Congress save the Export-Import Bank, or let it expire?

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Room for Debate: What Happens as More States Curtail Labor's Rights?

Income Rises When These Laws Are Passed

Richard Vedder, Economics professor

Capital moves to right-to-work states with a more stable labor environment, and that increases labor demand and, ultimately, income and wages.

Wages Are Lower in States With These Laws

Elise Gould, Economic Policy Institute

Unions bargain for better wages and benefits, and workers in "right-to-work" states have lower wages and fewer benefits.

A Key to Economic Growth

Scott Manley, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce

Business leaders say that they look for "right to work" states when they're seeking a place to locate or expand.

Call It 'Right-to-Work-for-Less'

George Gresham, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East

Its aim is to deprive unions of dues money essential to their ability to represent workers and enforce contracts.

Both Sides Exaggerate Its Effects

Barry Hirsch, economics professor

It can strengthen unions by forcing them to be responsive to workers. And they might not encourage growth as much as supporters say.

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Room for Debate: Are Same-Sex Colleges Still Relevant?

Last week, the board of Sweet Briar College, an all-women's school in Virginia, announced that it would be permanently shuttered in August due to "insurmountable financial challenges." The school's president, James Jones, Jr., attributed the close, in part, to the declining number of "young women willing to consider a single-sex education."

Is there still a place for same-sex colleges? Do they play an important role in education, or are they outdated?

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Room for Debate: When the Elephants Exit the Big Top

Now Let the Tigers and Camels Go, Too

Katherine Applegate, author, "The One and Only Ivan"

When I was a child, going to a circus with wild animal acts was a rite of passage. These days, it's an act of complicit cruelty.

This Is Not a Victory for All Elephants

Grey Stafford, zoo animal trainer

A picture in a book or a video doesn't begin to have the same lasting impact on a person as experiencing a real, living creature.

Take Your Kids to an Elephant Sanctuary!

Virginia Morell, author, "Animal Wise"

What does dressing up elephants as if they are show-girls and making them perform tricks teach our children?

Traveling Circuses Are Easy Targets

Dominique Jando, circus historian

PETA and politicians trying to win votes and praise have blindly and unfairly attacked circuses in a way that has become hurtful to the industry and the performers.

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