Content

Econographics

Jan 19, 2024

The IMF’s perspective on CBDCs

By Tobias Adrian

Tobias Adrian outlines the IMF's view on CBDCs' potential for payment systems, financial inclusion, and cross-border payments, emphasizing innovation and collaboration for effective implementation.

Digital Currencies Digital Policy

IranSource

Jan 19, 2024

Yes, I’m ‘Trash,’ but I love Iran

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

Listening to Shervin Hajipour's "Trash," I’ve forged a new heart from the parts of Iran I’ve taken with me.

Human Rights Iran

New Atlanticist

Jan 18, 2024

Experts react: What’s really going on with Pakistan and Iran exchanging attacks?

By Atlantic Council experts

Pakistan just conducted airstrikes in southeastern Iran, two days after Iran used missiles and drones to strike western Pakistan. Atlantic Council experts explain what’s going on.

Conflict Iran

UkraineAlert

Jan 18, 2024

Ukraine seeks future role as EU’s eastern customs hub

By Vladyslav Suvorov

The ongoing reform of Ukraine’s customs service and the implementation of EU standards are fundamental for the country’s further European integration, writes Vladyslav Suvorov.

Conflict Economy & Business

UkraineAlert

Jan 18, 2024

Europe steps up support for Ukraine in fight against Putin’s Russia

By Diane Francis

There is now a growing realization across the continent that Putin is a European problem, and it is primarily up to Europe to stop him, writes Diane Francis.

Conflict Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

Jan 18, 2024

What Bangladesh’s widely boycotted election reveals about its future 

By Ali Riaz

The election results were a foregone conclusion, as there were no opposition parties contesting. But the results reveal a deeper entrenchment of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party.

Civil Society Elections

MENASource

Jan 18, 2024

The real reason the Saudi government is investing in sports. Hint: It’s not to impress you.

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali and Jaime Stansbury

Saudi Arabia’s big financial bets in the sports world are part of its broader Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy away from oil.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Jan 17, 2024

The Houthis are again ‘specially designated global terrorists.’ Here’s what that means. 

By Atlantic Council experts

The Biden administration just returned the Iran-backed group in Yemen to the US terrorist list, but it did not designate the Houthis a foreign terrorist organization. Atlantic Council experts explain what the decision means.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Jan 17, 2024

Even as Brexit awkwardness remains, the UK and EU should work together on decarbonization

By Francis Shin

Brexit was four years ago, but London and Brussels need to take decisive steps together toward decarbonization as the climate crisis escalates.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

MENASource

Jan 17, 2024

Hamas hostage-taking must not go unpunished. The ICC must make a case against the terrorist group.

By Brandon Silver and Irwin Cotler

If Hamas hostage-taking is left unaddressed and its victims go without redress, international norms will be severely eroded.

Conflict Human Rights