Content

EnergySource

Jan 21, 2021

Why digitalization is the future of energy as big oil and gas players decarbonize

By Leo Simonovich

The way companies handle the rapid transformation caused by digitalization across their value chains—and their resilience and security against cyberattacks—will become a major market differentiator. As the oil and gas industry increasingly relies on digitally connected energy assets, automation, and remote operations, cyber risks will have a direct, and growing, impact on operations. Cybersecurity is quickly becoming a key enabler of companies’ competitive advantage in the digitized energy future, protecting core value by ensuring trust and providing stability of operations and resilience against unplanned outages.

Cybersecurity Energy & Environment

MENASource

Jan 21, 2021

What MENA leaders should expect from the Biden administration

By David Mack

MENA governments should pay careful attention to shifting priorities and policy agendas if they aim to maintain or improve relations with Washington.

Middle East

Global Energy Forum

Jan 20, 2021

Why Iran could top Biden’s Middle East agenda

By Larry Luxner

Each crisis represents a major US foreign-policy challenge, but all may receive less attention from the new American administration than another pressing issue in the region: Iran’s recent nuclear advances.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Fast Thinking

Jan 20, 2021

FAST THINKING: Five big takeaways from Joe Biden’s inaugural address

By Atlantic Council

Joe Biden’s inaugural address was a call for unity—and also resilience. What did the speech signal about where his presidency is headed? Here's key takeaways from five leading experts on international affairs.

Coronavirus Elections

BelarusAlert

Jan 20, 2021

Can stalling tactics save the wily Belarusian dictator?

By Vladislav Davidzon

Belarusian dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka has sought to defuse protests against his regime by promising to step down following constitutional reform, but critics believe he is merely trying to buy time.

Belarus Democratic Transitions

BelarusAlert

Jan 20, 2021

Belarus presents the West with an opportunity to be on the right side of history

By Brian Whitmore

In shunning dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka and embracing Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and the opposition, the West is on the right side of history in Belarus. It must now make sure that it stays there.

Belarus Democratic Transitions

SouthAsiaSource

Jan 20, 2021

Bhasan Char: An inflection point in the Rohingya refugee crisis?

By Imrul Islam

On December 4, 2020, Dhaka followed through on its promise to move refugees from Cox’s Bazar to Bhasan Char, starting a new, unpredictable chapter in the Rohingya crisis. However, Bhasan Char does not solve these problems as much as it relocates them. Separating some refugees from others does not address the underlying drivers of crime within the refugee camps. If anything, relocation splinters aid response, and further attenuates humanitarian space.

Bangladesh Civil Society

New Atlanticist

Jan 20, 2021

What China’s march to net-zero emissions means for the world

By Larry Luxner

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a pledge to reach peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. Can China live up to the promises?

China Energy & Environment

MENASource

Jan 20, 2021

Fragmentation and perceived bias: The shortcomings of US policy towards tribes in Syria

By Haian Dukhan and Ammar Alhamad

The fragmentation and divisions that plague the Arab tribal population in northeastern Syria played a major role in the US’s decision not to rely primarily on tribal auxiliaries in its fight against ISIS.

Middle East Syria

UkraineAlert

Jan 20, 2021

US targets Putin’s pipelines from Baltic Sea to Balkans

By Diane Francis

Washington’s attention has recently focused on Nord Stream 2, but US officials also face similar challenges in Southern Europe, where Russia is once again using energy to advance its geopolitical interests.

Eastern Europe Geopolitics & Energy Security