Status of the Lattice and Tau Decay Determinations of alpha_s

Abstract

The two highest precision determinations of alpha_s(M_Z^2), that based on the analysis of short-distance-sensitive lattice observables, and that based on an analysis of hadronic tau decay data, have, until very recently, given results which are not in good agreement. I review new versions of these analyses which bring the two determinations into excellent agreement, and discuss prospects for additional future improvements.

Comments: Prepared for the Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Quarks and Nuclear Physics, Beijing, China, Sept. 21-26, 2009