Category: Timely Commentary & Analysis

The ruble gas gamble

By Aliona Osmolovska

Putin's decree that gas payments from "unfriendly nations" must be made in rubles has the potential to foment division in Europe. Russian gas buyers on the continent should be aware of the dangers of compliance and of their legal recourses in the face of a cessation of supply.

The 5×5—Addressing the global market for offensive cyber capabilities

By Simon Handler

Five experts unpack the global market for offensive cyber capabilities and the implications associated with the proliferation of hacking tools.

Wargaming a Western freeze of China’s foreign reserves

By Hung Tran

China's new Financial Stability Law creates a new framework for furthering financial stability in the country. This has implications for the United States, which is undergoing fiscal tightening, as well as emerging markets, where portfolio capital has begun flowing outward.

‘Blessing in Movement’ – Private Roundtable with Esawi Frej 

By Salwa Balla

On March 31, the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Programs hosted a private roundtable with Esawi Frej, Israel’s Minister of Regional Cooperation.

The US should leverage 45Q for the graphite supply crunch

By William Tobin

The US is staring down a significant shortfall in the supply of graphite, a critical mineral to the energy transition. Synthetic graphite production using captured carbon could be the way forward, and the 45Q tax credit is the best tool policymakers have to stimulate it.

Stocks on Mars and savings accounts on Venus? Accelerating female economic empowerment by narrowing the wealth gap between men and women

By Alexis Crow

Temporary and structural policies now aim to boost women's economic prospects that have been diminished by the pandemic. But the question begs to be asked: what is the next “big thing” in female economic empowerment, and accordingly, in ESG policy and investment?

Episode 3: “The Geopolitical Arctic”

Dr. Camilla Tenna Nørup Sørensen, Associate Professor at the Royal Danish Defence College, discusses the changing geopolitical dynamics of the Arctic.

Episode 4: “Military Dilemmas in the Arctic”

Dr. David P. Auerswald, Professor of Security Studies at the U.S. National War College, takes a closer look at military activity in the Arctic and the associated risks of the region’s increased militarization.

The EU’s plans to replace Russian gas: Aspiration and reality

By John Roberts and Julian Bowden

The implementation of the EU's REPowerEU plan looks to be a monumental task. The authors offer insight into the EU's various options in its effort to remove Russia from its gas balance and greatly reduce its hold over the continent.