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The future is here

Aug 11, 2020

Russia registers world’s first coronavirus vaccine; Auckland in lockdown, UK jobs fall

By Atlantic Council

Russia registered the first coronavirus vaccine, greeted with caution on concerns over clinical trials, as the number of cases globally topped twenty million. Auckland, New Zealand re-imposed a short lockdown after detecting local cases, a first in more than a hundred days. UK job figures declined and Scottish soccer was thrown into disarray after a quarantine breach.

Coronavirus

New Atlanticist

Aug 11, 2020

Under second Tsai administration, Taiwan looks to champion global democracy

By Chang-Ching Tu

Taiwan’s priorities will be strengthening cooperation with allies, accelerated development of asymmetrical defense capabilities, and managing tense cross-strait relations.

Defense Policy Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Aug 11, 2020

Financial regulation in the face of COVID-19: Resilient but complex clockwork

By Emilie Bel

The COVID-19 outbreak has presented the financial system with its most challenging test since the global financial crisis ten years ago—and the system has held up.

Coronavirus Financial Regulation

BelarusAlert

Aug 10, 2020

Lukashenka vs. democracy: Where is Belarus heading?

By Peter Dickinson

Belarusian dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka is facing the biggest crisis of his 26-year reign as protests erupt over attempts to falsify the country's August 9 presidential election. Can he cling on to power?

Belarus Democratic Transitions

EnergySource

Aug 10, 2020

Beirut’s port explosion reveals underlying problems in energy supply

By Aki Peritz

The cataclysmic explosion at Beirut’s port on August 4th could not have come at a worse time. The nation was already reeling from multiple catastrophes such as a collapsing currency, an environmental disaster on its shores, 1.5 million refugees from Syria, and a healthcare system pushed to the brink by the COVID-19 pandemic. The explosion has only exacerbated one of Lebanon’s core calamities: the lack of stable electricity.

Energy Markets & Governance Lebanon

MENASource

Aug 10, 2020

For Lebanon, the only way out is either revolution or reform

By Nabeel Khoury

The ingredients for Lebanese reform are there. However, it remains a cause that awaits the right champion.

Lebanon Middle East

The future is here

Aug 10, 2020

Brazil, US reach grim milestones, New Zealand a hopeful one; UK job cuts in view

By Atlantic Council

The United States and Brazil reached grim milestones on coronavirus deaths and infections, while New Zealand marked one hundred days with no local cases detected. Employers plan job cuts in the United Kingdom, where a poll indicates many are leery of receiving a future vaccine.

Coronavirus

BelarusAlert

Aug 9, 2020

Europe’s last dictator: The rise and (possible) fall of Alyaksandr Lukashenka

By Anders Åslund

Alexander Lukashenko has ruled Belarus for 26 years and earned the dubious title of "Europe's last dictator" but his country has experienced a pro-democracy awakening during this year's presidential election campaign.

Belarus Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Aug 7, 2020

Soldier, scholar, statesman: Remembering General Brent Scowcroft

By Barry Pavel and Matthew Kroenig

Many have walked the halls of power, but few are deserving of the title of statesman. General Brent Scowcroft embodied statesmanship and leaves a legacy that will survive his passing to shape US foreign and national security strategy and policy for generations to come. Indeed, the country and the world have lost an historic force for stability and security, a legendary strategist who ended the decades-long Cold War without a shot.

Defense Policy National Security

New Atlanticist

Aug 7, 2020

Trump’s TikTok ban is bad policy

By Justin Sherman

There are real security questions to ask about Chinese government influence over technology companies; but the idea of broadly banning TikTok is a bad one that steps in the wrong direction on protecting a free and open internet.

China Cybersecurity