Content

Issue Brief

Jun 18, 2021

Colombia’s national strike: Overview of the situation and strategies moving forward

By Camila Hernandez, Jason Marczak

Amid the third peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Colombia faces the longest and most destructive mass protests in recent history. The protests, which began on April 28, 2021, were triggered by a tax-reform bill proposed by the government to stabilize public debt and fiscal deficit. Despite the bill’s removal on May 2, 2021, protests continued […]

Americas
Civil Society

Issue Brief

Jun 14, 2021

Financing the future: Measuring and reporting climate-related risks

By Barbara C. Matthews

Financial regulatory institutions around the world are exploring initiatives to expand the mandatory-disclosure framework to provide meaningful perspective on exposures to climate-related risks. However, the stakes here are high. Mismeasurement can lead to material adverse consequences for economic activity. As a result, any changes will require very careful analysis.

Climate Change & Climate Action
Economy & Business

Issue Brief

Jun 4, 2021

Syrian lives in peril: The fight to preserve Syria’s last humanitarian border crossing

By Salman Husain, Yasmine Chawaf

A new Atlantic Council report, “Syrian Lives in Peril: The Fight to Preserve Syria’s Last Humanitarian Border Crossing,” places humanitarian considerations at the forefront of the cross-border debate. In addition to examining the devastating impacts of losing Bab al-Hawa, this report explores the limitations of cross-line operations (from government-held areas of Syria to areas outside of its control), which are presented as feasible alternatives.

Middle East
Migration

In-Depth Research & Reports

May 27, 2021

Enhancing US-Japan cooperation on global supply chains

By Miyeon Oh, James Hildebrand

Mounting US-China tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic have led to growing calls in the United States and among its allies and partners, including Japan, to address the vulnerabilities in global supply chains critical to national security and economic competitiveness.

Defense Industry
Defense Technologies

Issue Brief

May 26, 2021

Combatting corruption in the Northern Triangle: Prioritizing a whole-of-society approach

By María Fernanda Bozmoski, Carlos Hernández, Roberto Rubio and Domingo Sadurní

Public corruption and weak rule of law are arguably the most persistent and long-standing challenges for strengthening democratic institutions and sustaining inclusive economic development in the Northern Triangle. Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador have grappled with widespread corruption that has fueled mistrust in political and wealthy elites, eroded democratic norms, exacerbated poverty, widened social inequality, and contributed to the conditions that force migrants to leave their homes.

Central America
Corruption

Issue Brief

May 19, 2021

Proposal for a US-EU Digital Council: Building a comprehensive conversation

By Frances Burwell

As the new Biden administration confronts its foreign policy priorities, it should not avoid the looming digital debate with its European allies. With the European Union serving as the leader in digital regulation, policy on the digital space is by no means aligned between US and European policymakers. From digital taxation to data storage and privacy rights, issues that will define the success or failure of transatlantic digital policy—with hundreds of billions of dollars on the line—remain unsettled.

Digital Policy
Economy & Business

Issue Brief

May 10, 2021

What would Winston do? Cooperative approaches toward securing the Five Eyes information environment

By Daniel Dobrowolski, David V. Gioe, and Trey Herr

Given the global prevalence of English, the countries comprising the Five Eyes intelligence alliance should build upon existing proven frameworks to cooperate to secure their shared information environment.

Cybersecurity
Disinformation

In-Depth Research & Reports

May 10, 2021

Europe needs to take a lead on Iraq

By Christian Koch

In a new report Dr. Christian Koch argues that Europe has already invested in Iraq’s stability and, going forward, should lead in policy areas demanding immediate and continued attention. Deliberate policy coordination and a European willingness to significantly increase its burden-sharing would be a tangible contribution to the Biden administration’s stated goal of rebuilding alliances and partnerships.

European Union
Iraq

In-Depth Research & Reports

Apr 29, 2021

Iranian women in the year 1400: The struggle for equal rights continues

By Mehrangiz Kar and Azadeh Pourzand

A new report outlines an image of women’s struggles for equality to help US policymakers better understand the intricacies of Iranian society and to design policies that support—but do not supplant or undermine—the women’s movement.

Conflict
Iran

Issue Brief

Apr 28, 2021

Partnering for Africa’s digital future: Opportunities for the United States, South Korea, and India

By Aleksandra Gadzala Tirziu

For Washington, cooperation with emerging powers such as South Korea and India could advance US influence in Africa and could help ensure that Beijing’s digital foothold on the continent does not deepen.

Africa
Economy & Business