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BelarusAlert

Jul 3, 2020

Minsk Maidan? Belarus facing summer of discontent

By Victor Tregubov

Belarus has been an international backwater for much of the past 25 years, but it may soon find itself thrust into the geopolitical spotlight as tensions mount ahead of the country's August 9 presidential election.

Belarus Democratic Transitions

In the News

Jul 2, 2020

Robert Manning interviewed on VOA Russia on US-China relations

By Atlantic Council

China Politics & Diplomacy

Announcements

Jul 2, 2020

Free World Commission condemns Hong Kong security law

The Free World Commission, composed of influential lawmakers from leading democracies across the globe, condemned China’s recent enactment of a new security law in Hong Kong and called for governments around the world to recalibrate their relations with Beijing.

China Human Rights

New Atlanticist

Jul 2, 2020

As the Sino-Indian rivalry heats up, watch Bangladesh carefully

By Ali Riaz

Undoubtedly rivalry between India and China will intensify in South Asia in coming months and years ahead. With its position between the two rivals, Bangladesh will be a primary arena to watch the future competition.

Bangladesh China

In the News

Jul 2, 2020

Hudson quoted in African Business on the outcomes of the Sudan Partner’s Forum

By Atlantic Council

Africa Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Jul 2, 2020

Hezbollah takes control of Lebanon’s judiciary in assault on rule of law

By Michael D. Barbero

Lebanon is a nation in crisis. Just as Hezbollah is the main cause of the current economic crisis, Hezbollah, through its FPM allies, is also the impetus for the assault on the rule of law. The Hezbollahization of Lebanon must be reversed. Reforming one broken sector in Lebanon without restoring the rule of law—the most foundational pillar of Lebanese society—will play into Hezbollah’s hands, continue the misery of the Lebanese people, and ensure Lebanon’s inevitable failure.

Civil Society Corruption

IranSource

Jul 2, 2020

How to fix the “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran

By Colonel Udi Evental

The Trump administration’s strategy suffers from internal tensions and inherent contradictions that have undermined its effectiveness from the beginning.

Iran Middle East

UkraineAlert

Jul 1, 2020

Ukraine’s central bank chief resigns leaving Zelenskyy’s reform credentials in tatters

By Anders Åslund

Ukraine’s reform agenda suffered a serious blow on July 1 when Yakiv Smolii, the highly respected governor of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), resigned due to what he called “systematic political pressure.”

Financial Regulation Macroeconomics

New Atlanticist

Jul 1, 2020

Protocol expert Capricia Marshall offers advice on the “power of diplomacy”

By Larry Luxner

"Protocol creates a detailed road map, large or small, for our global leaders," Marshall said. "It’s those micro-moves that create a major impact on every engagement.”

Politics & Diplomacy

Press Release

Jul 1, 2020

Tallinn hosts first meeting of Three Seas Foreign Ministers

Top officials from the US, Germany and EU participate

Central Europe Europe & Eurasia

Experts