The Optimist

The biggest hurdle to eradicating disease isn't access to vaccines -- it's getting people to take them.

Citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo believe there's hope for their war-torn country even if no one else does -- and their optimism is starting to get results.

Poor vision is a major hurdle to getting ahead in the developing world. Fortunately, remedies are cheaper and easier -- and more profitable -- than they've ever been before.

Can we just buy security in Afghanistan?

How do you solve America's health-care woes? Outsource them.

Don't worry about the booming global population -- celebrate it.

Save your money, United Nations -- the developing world doesn't need broadband Internet to get ahead.

Apocalypse buffs and international development types have one thing in common: They're both wrong.

Why we should spend less time worrying about what people in developing countries think about government corruption, and more time looking at everything else.

Pre-modern lifestyles were fraught with violence, disease, and uncertainty. We should be happy that indigenous societies are increasingly leaving them behind.

Forget about the stalled Doha round negotiations -- developing countries can do plenty to fix their trade restrictions without the World Trade Organization's help.

Money may not buy happiness, but can happiness buy money?