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Atlantic Council blogs provide short-form analyses from Council experts and a wider community of global voices on the world’s most important news stories.
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New Atlanticist

Jun 8, 2020

Where does China really stand on debt relief?

By Jeremy Mark

So far, many developing countries have avoided the worst effects of the virus. But it may be only a matter of time before underdeveloped health systems are overwhelmed. China can make a big difference by accelerating debt relief. But it is not clear whether Beijing is prepared to act under any motivation beyond the bottom-line concerns of its own lending institutions.

China Coronavirus

New Atlanticist

Jun 8, 2020

NATO secretary general unveils his vision for the Alliance’s future

By David A. Wemer

On June 8, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg laid out his plans for a new period of reflection on the Alliance’s mission and structure over the next ten years. At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated certain security threats to member states, including “unabated” Russian military activity, the spread of disinformation and propaganda, and the disruptive ascendance of China, NATO “must stay strong militarily, be more united politically, and take a broader approach globally,” he stated.

Coronavirus NATO

New Atlanticist

Jun 8, 2020

Where the US-Brazil relationship is going next

By Larry Luxner

As Brazil and the United States grapple with the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic, both countries are trying to chart paths to economic recovery. And according to officials from both countries, the road to renewed growth could include deepening their trade and investment relationship.

Brazil Coronavirus

The future is here

Jun 8, 2020

UK starts traveler quarantine, Hong Kong eases restrictions; China defends virus response

By Atlantic Council

Incoming travelers to the United Kingdom face fourteen days of coronavirus quarantine, prompting criticism from airlines, while Hong Kong relaxed restrictions for senior executives as it tries to revive economic activity. China issued a robust defense of its handling of the pandemic, glossing over missteps and bureaucratic errors.

Coronavirus

New Atlanticist

Jun 5, 2020

Increase NATO’s operational reach: Expanding the NATO SOF network

By Thang Q. Tran

NATO cannot safeguard the coalition’s interests unilaterally. Strategic investments in NATO Special Operations Forces (SOF) to expand the NATO SOF Network will provide political and military leaders the full range of options in response to emerging threats—both hybrid and conventional—through strong partnerships within the Alliance and with partners.

Defense Policy NATO

IranSource

Jun 5, 2020

The new man of power in Iran’s parliament

By Arash Azizi

Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the new speaker of the parliament, is Iran’s first major wartime commander to head a branch of government

Iran Middle East

TURKEYSource

Jun 5, 2020

How to maximize Syrian refugee economic inclusion in Turkey

By Bastien Revel

Turkey’s experience on the key issues such as jobs and employment should be examined as lessons for both refugee hosting countries and donor countries alike. The country has provided Syrians under Temporary Protection the right to access work permits and formal employment. But more can be done to help facilitate refugees' access to decent employment.

Inclusive Growth Migration

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Jun 5, 2020

Artificial intelligence principles: Avoiding catastrophe

By Robert A. Manning

An urgent challenge for the coming decade is to forge a global consensus to operationalize widely-shared ethical principles, standards, and norms to govern the development and use of artificial intelligence.

Americas China

UkraineAlert

Jun 4, 2020

Ukraine needs a whole new approach to labor migration

By Lesia Dubenko

Millions of Ukrainians have sought employment abroad since 2014, creating one of the largest labor migrations in modern European history. This process is now reviving, creating new challenges for Ukraine.

Coronavirus Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Jun 4, 2020

What Donald Trump has failed to understand about America

By Daniel Fried

The president’s ongoing failure of leadership at home in the wake of Floyd’s death may at first glance appear to have little to do with another development in recent days: his casual but telling expressed interest in inviting Russia’s despotic president, Vladimir Putin, to the Group of Seven (G-7) summit later this year. But they share an origin: Trump’s failure to understand America’s character as a nation forged in common values rather than common blood, and therefore his corresponding failure to appreciate the American worldview derived from that unusual identity.

Politics & Diplomacy Resilience & Society