Content

Event Recap

Nov 1, 2018

A new Brazilian economic order? A post-election outlook

By Valentina Sader

On October 28, Brazilians elected their next president: Jair Bolsonaro. He will step into office at a pivotal economic moment for Brazil, following a campaign of heightened polarization. Can the newly elected leader, alongside new voices in Congress, implement the reforms necessary to usher Brazil into a new economic era?

Brazil Economy & Business

Event Recap

Oct 31, 2018

The future of development finance

By Africa Center

On October 31, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center hosted a roundtable discussion on the new United States International Development Finance Corporation (USDFC), in preparation for the launch of Senior Fellow Aubrey Hruby’s new issue brief on the subject. Africa Center Director of Programs and Studies and Deputy Director Bronwyn Bruton introduced Hruby’s paper and welcomed […]

Africa Economy & Business

EconoGraphics

Oct 30, 2018

SWIFTly Disconnecting Iran

By Ole Moehr

With the snapback of significant US sanctions against Iran fast approaching on November 5th, speculation is mounting over how the Trump Administration will enforce the sanctions, and how its European allies might attempt to bypass them. The previous EconoGraphic outlined how a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) may facilitate trade between European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Iran after US sanctions go back into effect. This edition of the EconoGraphic provides a primer on the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) and explains why sanctioning the financial messaging service would likely cause more harm than good.

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Event Recap

Oct 29, 2018

Jair Bolsonaro wins in Brazil: What should the US and the World expect from the president-elect?

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

A day after the second round of elections in Brazil, the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center hosted a Members and Press Call to discuss what Bolsonaro’s presidency might mean for Brazil and for the future of US-Brazil bilateral relations. Below is the complete transcript and audio of the call.   JASON MARCZAK: Well, […]

Brazil

2018 Elections in Latin America

Oct 25, 2018

#ElectionWatch: Partisan Debate and Electoral Violence in Brazil

By Luiza Bandeira

On October 7, a few hours after a runoff between the far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro and leftist Fernando Haddad was announced, capoeira master Moa do Katende was stabbed to death in a bar.

Brazil Disinformation

EnergySource

Oct 24, 2018

Russia-Iran economic deal: Sanctions relief or political game?

By Sara Bazoobandi

In May, the US government announced it would unilaterally withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and re-impose the sanctions previously lifted or waived. While the re-imposition of sanctions is certainly not welcomed by Iran, it is also nothing new. Iran has long struggled with various economic sanctions and the Iranian economy has […]

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Event Recap

Oct 24, 2018

Congo’s conflict gold trade: recent findings and recommendations for the future

By Africa Center

On October 24, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center partnered with The Sentry at the Enough Project to host a discussion on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)’s conflict gold trade, occasioned by the release of the group’s new report: The Golden Laundromat. Atlantic Council Vice President and Africa Center Director Dr. J. Peter Pham […]

Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo

EnergySource

Oct 23, 2018

Pulling east: The gravity of China’s Belt and Road in Eurasian energy

By Amb. Robert Cekuta

Uncertainties about the global oil market, apprehensions concerning Europe’s reliance on Russian natural gas, and an evolving geopolitical situation in Eurasia call for renewed focus on the Caspian Basin. Engaging the region, however, will be different than in the years following the Soviet Union’s collapse. At the time, the idea in Washington and other capitals […]

Central Asia Europe & Eurasia

Transcript

Oct 19, 2018

Winning the Competition for Influence in Central and Eastern Europe: US Assistant Secretary of State A. Wess Mitchell

By Atlantic Council

“Winning the Competition for Influence in Central and Eastern Europe”

Central Europe Eastern Europe

Cyber 9/12 Project

Oct 17, 2018

Cyber Risk Wednesday: Protecting US Critical Infrastructure

By Jack Watson

On October 17, 2018, the Atlantic Council’s Cyber Statecraft Initiative hosted a public panel discussion on the security of US critical infrastructure as a part of its Cyber Risk Wednesday event series, underwritten by Raytheon. The vital nature of critical infrastructure to the nation’s security, prosperity, and well-being render it a key target to malicious actors in cyberspace.

Cybersecurity