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UkraineAlert

Jun 25, 2020

How Russia weaponizes the language issue in Ukraine

By Iryna Matviyishyn

Critics of Ukraine's 2019 Language Law claim that it goes too far in promoting the Ukrainian language at the expense of Russian. Others claim attempts to politicize language policy will only help Putin.

Conflict Disinformation

The future is here

Jun 25, 2020

US cases in record increase; France, India, Australia step up testing efforts

By Atlantic Council

States hardest hit by coronavirus eased off on reopening plans as the United States posted a record daily increase in cases. From France to India and Australia, officials took steps to boost testing to contain the spread of the virus including localized cases.

Coronavirus

Blog Post

Jun 25, 2020

Mapping Russia’s soft power efforts in Syria through humanitarian aid

By Marika Sosnowski and Jonathan Robinson

By mapping where Russia’s Center for Reconciliation of Conflicting Sides in Syria has delivered aid over an 18-month period (between 2018 and 2020), a picture of Russia’s soft power tactics in Syria can be formed.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

EnergySource

Jun 24, 2020

Rapid response: The SABIC-Aramco merger

By Private: Jean-François Seznec

Saudi Aramco’s acquisition of the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) finalized on June 16, 2020, provides a window into the Saudi strategy to become a world-scale chemicals producer. However, the structure of the deal also offers an interesting look into the Saudi financial position amid low oil prices and a global pandemic.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

EnergySource

Jun 24, 2020

Automaker electric vehicle plans ‘progressing at a rapid pace’ despite pandemic, economic downturn

By Julia Pyper

The global electric vehicle (EV) market is going through a rough patch amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The pandemic led to economy-wide lockdowns and supply chain disruptions across the automotive industry. Coupled with a historic decline in oil prices that brought down gasoline prices, these factors are likely to put a significant dent in EV sales in the near term. But automakers are not turning away from the EV market despite recent setbacks. To signal their intent, several major auto industry executives have taken steps to underscore their commitment to vehicle electrification coming out of the pandemic slump.

Climate Change & Climate Action Coronavirus

AfricaSource

Jun 24, 2020

Pandemic policing: South Africa’s most vulnerable face a sharp increase in police-related brutality

By Katie Trippe

South Africa is one of several nations facing an international outcry over increases in COVID-19 related violence against civilians by security forces bent on enforcing quarantine measures. Since South Africa instituted a country-wide lockdown on March 27, the number of violent incidents by police against civilians has reportedly more than doubled with poor and vulnerable populations most affected.

Africa Coronavirus

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Jun 24, 2020

German defense minister responds to US plans for a troop drawdown

By Larry Luxner

German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer has warned that the US President Donald J. Trump administration's planned withdrawal of 9,500 American troops from her country—a move announced by the US president earlier this month—must not send Russia the signal “that the US is less interested in Europe.”

Germany NATO

UkraineAlert

Jun 24, 2020

The US is defending Europe by blocking Putin’s pipeline

By Diane Francis

Berlin has slammed US plans to impose harsh new sanctions on Vladimir Putin's Nord Stream 2 pipeline, but critics see the project as a direct threat to European security and energy independence.

European Union Geopolitics & Energy Security

IranSource

Jun 24, 2020

Pressed by sanctions and coronavirus, can Iranian businesses bounce back?

By Mohsen Tavakol

During the past four decades, Iranian entrepreneurs have always found ways of reviving business activities and productivity in times of crisis. However, current challenges are undermining those efforts and driving many Iranians into further poverty.

Iran Middle East

Blog Post

Jun 24, 2020

The new Iranian child protection law is holistic, but discriminatory

By Hamed Farmand

Despite its shortcomings, the new lawis still a significant step towards protecting children and adolescents in Iran and serves as an essential resource for activists and legal professionals.

Iran Middle East
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