Category: Timely Commentary & Analysis

State of the Order: Looking Back on 2021

This special edition of State of the Order breaks down the most important events that shaped the democratic world order last year.

How not to privatize: K-Electric and circular debt in Pakistan

By Ammar Khan

K-Electric could have been the jewel in the crown of Pakistan’s privatization program. Unfortunately, it became a case study in how not to destroy investor confidence and value in Pakistan.

Expanding the ETS to cover the road transport and building sectors would leave many Europeans behind

By Elena Benaim

An expansion of the EU's ETS to the road transport and building sectors would hit low-income Europeans hard without making a significant dent in emissions. To avoid foisting the costs of the transition onto those who can least afford it, EU policymakers should explore other avenues.

By the numbers: The global economy in 2021

By GeoEconomics Center

As the year comes to a close, our GeoEconomics Center experts explore the numbers behind the headlines that best capture the shape of the global economy in 2021—and what lies in store for 2022.

As extreme weather events devastate the central US, the time to prioritize climate resilience is now

By Clinton Britt and Andrea Clabough

The recent disaster in Kentucky marks a continuation of an escalating pattern of catastrophic weather events in the US. With so many lives at risk, climate resilience cannot fall by the wayside. It must be an emphasis now.

The 5×5—Hindsight 2021: Cybersecurity is hard

By Simon Handler

We brought together a group of distinguished experts to unpack the year that was and provide an outlook on the cyber policy challenges that lie ahead.

Event recap: “The transformative potential of crypto and blockchain for Pakistan”

By Fahim Ahmad

The Atlantic Council South Asia Center's Pakistan initiative, convened a panel discussion on December 13 to discuss the potential of digital currency in Pakistan and how it will benefit the socio-economic situation in the country.

State of the Order: Assessing November 2021

The State of the Order breaks down the month's most important events impacting the democratic world order.

Global Sanctions Dashboard: Holiday edition

By Julia Friedlander, Michael Albanese, Maia Nikoladze and Castellum.AI

Coordinated actions against Belarus and global human rights abusers, sanctions on African states, and anti-kleptocracy reform.

US sanctions on Bangladesh’s RAB: What happened? What’s next?

By Ali Riaz

On December 10, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Bangladesh’s elite paramilitary force, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), as well as seven of its current and former officers due to serious human rights violations. This has created a stir in Bangladesh.