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BelarusAlert

Jul 3, 2020

Minsk Maidan? Belarus facing summer of discontent

By Victor Tregubov

Belarus has been an international backwater for much of the past 25 years, but it may soon find itself thrust into the geopolitical spotlight as tensions mount ahead of the country's August 9 presidential election.

Belarus Democratic Transitions

GeoTech Cues

Jul 3, 2020

Research and development still key to competitiveness: But for whom?

By Robert A. Manning, David Bray

The decade ahead must be spurred on by a new “Sputnik moment” for the United States to inspire new focus on research and development funding and initiatives to bolster the STEM workforce, while understanding the changing market dynamics connecting funding, innovation, and competitive advantage for open societies.

China Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Jul 2, 2020

What Poland wants when it comes to US troops

By Teri Schultz

It's not a place the Polish government wants to be: caught between its crucial transatlantic ally the United States and its neighbor, Europe's most powerful country, Germany.

Defense Policy Germany

Feature

Jul 2, 2020

South Asia midyear pause: Taking stock of 2020

By South Asia Center

The specific events of the year’s first six months might have taken us by surprise but the political-economic dynamics that have shaped South Asia’s response to these new challenges did not. Across the region democracy and freedom of expression are challenged, and protectionist impulses are indulged in flailing response to calamitous economic strife. And the United States continues its slide into strategic irrelevance, exercising little leadership or interest in building stronger ties to this vital region.

Afghanistan Bangladesh

UkraineAlert

Jul 2, 2020

Analysis: Ukraine’s central bank governor quits post citing “political pressure”

By Peter Dickinson

National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) Governor Yakiv Smolii submitted his resignation on July 1 in what was widely seen as a major blow to Ukraine’s reform agenda. What does this mean for the country’s future direction?

Economy & Business Ukraine

New Atlanticist

Jul 2, 2020

As the Sino-Indian rivalry heats up, watch Bangladesh carefully

By Ali Riaz

Undoubtedly rivalry between India and China will intensify in South Asia in coming months and years ahead. With its position between the two rivals, Bangladesh will be a primary arena to watch the future competition.

Bangladesh China

New Atlanticist

Jul 2, 2020

Evaluating House Democrats’ new climate change report

By Global Energy Center

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, an economic downturn, and a renewed movement for racial justice, the report sets out a vision to reach net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 with recommendations on issues from infrastructure to incentivizing new technologies and creating jobs in the clean energy sector. The report also addresses pollution and environmental justice, the nexus between climate and public health, and conservation.

Climate Change & Climate Action United States and Canada

The future is here

Jul 2, 2020

Tokyo cases increase, WHO warns on Eastern Mediterranean; US cases rise at record pace

By Atlantic Council

Coronavirus cases increased in Tokyo at the quickest pace in two months, while the World Health Organization warned of the outbreak continuing to affect an area from Morocco to Pakistan. Masks were in the news as US President Donald J. Trump said he now favors them, as infections in the United States rose at the highest daily rate so far.

Coronavirus

New Atlanticist

Jul 2, 2020

Hezbollah takes control of Lebanon’s judiciary in assault on rule of law

By Michael D. Barbero

Lebanon is a nation in crisis. Just as Hezbollah is the main cause of the current economic crisis, Hezbollah, through its FPM allies, is also the impetus for the assault on the rule of law. The Hezbollahization of Lebanon must be reversed. Reforming one broken sector in Lebanon without restoring the rule of law—the most foundational pillar of Lebanese society—will play into Hezbollah’s hands, continue the misery of the Lebanese people, and ensure Lebanon’s inevitable failure.

Civil Society Corruption

IranSource

Jul 2, 2020

How to fix the “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran

By Colonel Udi Evental

The Trump administration’s strategy suffers from internal tensions and inherent contradictions that have undermined its effectiveness from the beginning.

Iran Middle East