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New Atlanticist

Feb 11, 2020

US taking right approach with China over coronavirus, former White House official says

By David A. Wemer

As world leaders attempt to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus, the United States has been correct to take “a soft touch approach to the relationship with Beijing,” former US homeland security advisor Thomas P. Bossert said at the Atlantic Council on February 11.

China Coronavirus

EnergySource

Feb 10, 2020

A new security challenge: The geopolitical implications of climate change

By Friedbert Pflüger

Discussions on energy and geopolitics over the last ten years have often focused on the need for energy security. Now, another challenge—climate security—is emerging and it must be urgently addressed.

Climate Change & Climate Action Geopolitics & Energy Security

New Atlanticist

Feb 10, 2020

Will the Commission’s new EU proposal revive Western Balkans enlargement?

By David A. Wemer

“For a region whose politics, both domestic and foreign, have been shaped by the promise of EU membership in almost every way since the 1990s, the coming months and years will prove trying," Damir Marusic says.

Democratic Transitions European Union

EnergySource

Feb 10, 2020

The climate and equity dilemma: Bending the coal curve in South and Southeast Asia

By Robert F. Ichord, Jr.

South and Southeast Asia are leading the world in terms of developing countries’ energy growth—how can need be met while avoiding new coal investments?

Bangladesh Energy Transitions

IranSource

Feb 10, 2020

Iran’s credit line to Syria: A well that never runs dry

By Karam Shaar and Ali Fathollah-Nejad

There is barely an article about the Syrian economy since the 2011 uprising that does not entail a reference to that rather mysterious Iranian credit line.

Economy & Business Iran

UkraineAlert

Feb 9, 2020

No new Ukraine without justice for Maidan victims

By Yuri Polakiwsky

Ukraine has made considerable reform progress over the past six years, but until Kyiv offers justice for the dozens of Ukrainians killed during the country's 2014 Revolution of Dignity, many will continue to doubt whether fundamental change is possible.

Democratic Transitions Rule of Law
3D Printing

New Atlanticist

Feb 7, 2020

In an era of great-power competition, procurement reform not more regulation for the defense industrial base

By Tate Nurkin

What strategic gains can DoD realize from being a better customer? Given the reluctance of the US commercial sector to engage in defense work and the speedy innovation of our rivals, reform is needed.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

Feb 7, 2020

US will use energy revolution to transform its foreign policy, energy secretary says

By David A. Wemer

The United States’ transformation into a net exporter of energy “has revolutionized our foreign policy, and it frees us to pursue options that we have not had at least in my lifetime,” US Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette said on February 7. Speaking at the Atlantic Council, Brouillette argued that “with US energy production now at record levels, the world is no longer subject to the will of countries who seek to do us harm,” such as Russia and Iran, and allows the United States to use energy cooperation and investment as a key tool to advance its foreign policy aims.

Brazil Energy Markets & Governance

AfricaSource

Feb 7, 2020

Africa’s venture space attracts global interest

By Aubrey Hruby

African startups are on an upward fundraising trend in 2020 and global investors are taking note. Last year the amount of venture capital channeled into African opportunities surpassed the $725.6M raised in 2018 by nearly $500,000. There were over ninety African companies that raised over a million dollars each in 2019, with Nigerian companies attracting the lion’s share of over $650 million.

Africa Economy & Business

MENASource

Feb 7, 2020

Why Arab Sunnis are disengaged from Iraq’s protests

By Tamer Badawi

If Sunni politicians and powerful tribal chiefs back an upheaval in Arab Sunni areas, they would risk losing the political and economic gains realized by their alliance with Iran-backed political powers and could face repression and marginalization.

Iraq Middle East