Content

Fast Thinking

Jul 30, 2021

FAST THINKING: Will Facebook’s anti-extremism efforts actually work?

By Rose Jackson, Jared Holt

Following the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, social-media platforms are under pressure to address the extremist content circulating on their sites. But what exactly should social media's role be in intervening against extremism?

Disinformation

IranSource

Jul 30, 2021

The grapes of Khuzestan’s wrath

By Nasser Karami

After decades of poor environmental governance and mismanagement of water resources in Iran’s southwestern Khuzestan province, it’s not surprising that people have taken to the streets once again since July 15, prompting a violent crackdown by security forces and near total internet shutdown.

Energy & Environment
Iran

New Atlanticist

Jul 29, 2021

The US needs better tools to fight transnational repression. Here’s where to start.

By Gissou Nia

As autocrats reach beyond their borders to punish their opponents, the United States must meet the challenge by preparing effective, forward-thinking policy.

Human Rights
International Organizations

BelarusAlert

Jul 28, 2021

Concerns mount over Russia-Belarus military exercises

By Brian Whitmore

With the quadrennial Zapad military exercises just six weeks away, Russian troops and military equipment have begun arriving in Belarus, and many in the West are concerned that Putin may seek to exploit the buildup.

Belarus
Russia

GeoTech Cues

Jul 28, 2021

How tech can rebuild public trust in government

By Borja Prado

Public fear and mistrust in government have only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially given its disproportionate impacts on poorer communities. Greater government transparency and trust-inspired communication, as well as education for the greater public good are part of the solution. We must also leverage technology for human priorities, by better enabling citizens and allowing for greater participation.

Digital Policy
Political Reform

MENASource

Jul 28, 2021

Tunisia was the only democracy to blossom from the Arab Spring. Now it’s a mess.

By Karim Mezran, Alissa Pavia

The main issue is not whether the actions of the president are legitimate or not according to the constitution, but the fact that these actions were taken at the worst possible moment for the country, one in which the fragile economy and political system may not survive the blow inflicted by this decision, thus, underscoring how President Saied does not have Tunisia’s best interests at heart.

Middle East
North Africa

EnergySource

Jul 28, 2021

These military veterans are solving our energy and climate problems, one idea at a time

By Veterans Advanced Energy Fellows, Cohort 2

A series of policy papers focusing a host of topics from Just Transition policy in Colorado, to hydrokinetic energy in rural areas, to port decarbonization strategies, all written by the Atlantic Council's Veterans Advanced Energy Fellows.

Energy & Environment
Energy Transitions

UkraineAlert

Jul 27, 2021

Is Putin’s next big chance to take Ukraine now?

By Mark Temnycky

With the world distracted by the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, is anyone paying attention to Ukraine's East? Distractions favor Putin, and he's taken advantage of nearly every major sporting event of the last 14 years to stun the world.

Conflict
Crisis Management

UkraineAlert

Jul 27, 2021

More backsliding in Kyiv

By Andrew D’Anieri

President Zelenskyy's exemption of infrastructure projects from standard tender procedures and oversight is a setback for reform. Yet the move has sparked necessary conversations on how to improve public procurement in Ukraine.

Corruption
Economy & Business
President Biden and Chancellor Merkel at a press conference at the White House.

UkraineAlert

Jul 27, 2021

Why is Biden letting Putin win?

By Diane Francis

Russia and Germany, enabled by a distracted and increasingly isolationist United States, trample Europe and ignore the wishes of Central and Eastern European and Baltic nation-states. What does the White House think it’s doing?

Economic Sanctions
Geopolitics & Energy Security
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