Content

AfricaSource

Dec 9, 2020

Startup Acts are the next form of policy innovation in Africa

By Jordan Wolken

Africa's COVID recession certainly hasn’t hit the continent's tech industry. In fact, as countries adapt to the expanding digital universe created by COVID-19, technology ecosystems across the continent are booming—and global investors have noticed. Attempting to cash in, African countries are trying to bolster their own innovation ecosystems through supportive legislation.

Africa Economy & Business

MENASource

Dec 9, 2020

The GCC’s digital economy is growing, but risks must be managed

By Dominik Treeck

Gulf Cooperation Council governments need to establish effective protections for the digital economy to gain scale and become sustainable.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

UkraineAlert

Dec 9, 2020

Letter to the Editor: Recent Yulia Tymoshenko “Kremlin proxy” claims are nonsense

By Natasha Lysova

Letter to the Editor: The Press Secretary of Batkivshchyna Party leader Yulia Tymoshenko voices her objection to Naftogaz CEO Andriy Kobolyev's characterization of Tymoshenko as a "Kremlin proxy"

Energy Markets & Governance Geopolitics & Energy Security

New Atlanticist

Dec 9, 2020

Working hand-in-glove: A first-hand account of Lloyd Austin’s leadership in Iraq

By Marc J. Sievers

Lloyd Austin was a great soldier, an inspiring commander to his troops, and a down-to-earth, approachable colleague who we civilians were privileged to work alongside.

Defense Policy Iraq

New Atlanticist

Dec 8, 2020

Mo Ibrahim: Why Africa must emerge more resilient from the COVID crisis

By David A. Wemer

A well-known Afro-optimist, Ibrahim has invested in the continent’s democratic progress and has focused on tackling practical governance issues. While the pandemic has exposed such problems across the world, he noted, one of its lessons is that Africa must be “more self-sufficient” and “resilient.”

Africa Coronavirus

New Atlanticist

Dec 8, 2020

Biden picks a general: Here’s how Lloyd Austin could reinforce civilian control at the Pentagon

By William F. Wechsler

With careful and consistent attention to the messages he sends through his words, actions, and appointments, there is no reason why a Secretary Austin can’t also succeed at reinforcing longstanding American ideals on civilian-military relations.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Fast Thinking

Dec 8, 2020

FAST THINKING: Biden’s surprise pick for defense secretary

By Atlantic Council

The biggest surprise of the Biden transition so far is here: The president-elect has picked retired general Lloyd Austin as his nominee for secretary of defense. Is he the right person for the job? And what does the historic selection mean?

Defense Industry Defense Policy

UkraineAlert

Dec 8, 2020

Can privatization transform Ukraine’s alcohol industry?

By Sergey Bleskun

In 2019, President Zelenskyy initiated the privatization of Ukraine's state-owned alcohol producers in a bid to reform what is one of the most corrupt sectors of the Ukrainian economy and generate budget revenues.

Corruption Economy & Business

MENASource

Dec 8, 2020

To move forward, US policy on Iraq requires balancing confrontation with Iran

By C. Anthony Pfaff

If Washington wants to shape Iranian behavior relative to Iraq—or anywhere for that matter—it has to give Tehran alternatives it can accept.

Iran Iraq

IranSource

Dec 8, 2020

A history of continuity in Iran’s long nuclear program

By Sina Azodi

Iran’s interest in developing a nuclear deterrent is often attributed to the Islamic Republic. However, in reality, this interest predates the 1979 revolution and reflects a deep-seated desire for national prestige and development, as well as a need to deter regional rivals.

Iran Middle East