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How business links Pittsburgh to the world

COVER STORY: The Group of Twenty gathering this week in Pittsburgh brings together financial ministers and central bankers from 19 countries and the European Union. Member countries range from those who generally called the shots -- the United States and its major allies -- to those whose growing economic might will reshape the way government leaders fashion global economic policy in the future -- China, India, Brazil and Russia.

The meeting occurs as enthusiasm wanes for the free market enterprise championed by former President Ronald Reagan and former English Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

More coverage

• Is globalization's day in the sun over?
  The first seven months of his presidency having been dominated by domestic issues, President Obama has yet to enunciate his worldwide economic vision.
   
• What does it mean for our personal finances?
  The uncertain future of the U.S. dollar as the world's reserve currency is bound to be a top item on the agenda when world leaders meet here for the Group of Twenty summit.
   
• The selling of the G-20 summit's message
  In some ways, the Obama administration already has pulled off a marketing coup in hosting its first G-20 summit of key world financial leaders.
   
• What a difference 25 years made in Pittsburgh
  Twenty-five years ago, the shell of a Jones & Laughlin steel mill greeted visitors driving into Pittsburgh through the Squirrel Hill tunnels.
   
• Once hoopla ends, building security shouldn't drop guard
  In a few days, the heads of state, crush of journalists and G-20 protesters will all be gone along with the boarded-up windows, road blocks, detours and checkpoints associated with heightened security.
   
• Protectionist practices can hurt global and regional economy
  With the global economy still very much a pressing concern before world leaders, international trade issues probably won't be at the forefront of the G-20 summit.
   
• Foreign firms call Pittsburgh home
  As German Chancellor Angela Merkel makes her way home after the G-20 summit wraps up later this week, Randy Dearth would like nothing more than for her to visit his office for 10 minutes on her way to Pittsburgh International Airport.
   
• Labor takes a world view
  What a difference a decade makes. In 1999, organized labor working with environmentalists shut down the World Trade Organization's meetings in Seattle in what came to be known as the Battle in Seattle.
   
• Envisioning the possible future of climate change
  The irony of lunch-bucket-turned-high-tech Pittsburgh hosting a global financial summit scheduled to tackle the daunting challenge of paying for a less carbon intensive energy future is rich on so many levels.
   
• Education, medicine, research strut their stuff
  Terry Collins, a Carnegie Mellon University researcher, is more than a bit bullish on ways green chemistry can protect the environment by obliterating harmful substances.
   
• Globalization brings flexibility to auto industry
  If you want the world at your doorstep, buy a new car. These days, just about every car and truck has parts from companies in other countries, or even is built in other countries.
   
• Commentary: China's stimulus could give a boost to businesses based in Pittsburgh
  When the world's finance ministers gather in Pittsburgh for the G-20 Summit, don't be surprised if local officials extend an especially warm greeting to the Chinese delegation.