Content

New Atlanticist

Apr 30, 2020

Idlib ceasefire is holding and could open door to long-term Syria solution, US envoy says

By David A. Wemer

The ceasefire negotiated between Russia and Turkey to halt fighting in the Syrian province of Idlib appears to be holding, US Special Representative for Syria Engagement and Special Envoy to the Global Coalition To Defeat ISIS Ambassador James F. Jeffrey said on April 30. “We have heard from many sources, even many Russian [ones], that there is a general feeling that this ceasefire is living up to expectations,” according to Jeffrey.

Conflict
Coronavirus

Conflict, Risk, and Tech

Apr 30, 2020

Loose cobras: DPRK regime succession and uncertain control over offensive cyber capabilities

By JD Work

Unconfirmed rumors surfaced in mid April 2020 regarding the potential incapacitation of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, leading to speculation about the ramifications of a sudden transition of leadership in Pyongyang. These rumors raise serious concerns over the stability of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) control of offensive cyber operations capabilities.

Cybersecurity
East Asia

In the News

Apr 29, 2020

Borghard in the Council on Foreign Relations: The Department of Defense should not wage cyber war against criminal hackers during the coronavirus crisis

By Atlantic Council

Erica argues that employing DoD cyber forces to solve any challenge or threat that may emerge in cyberspace risks democratic values and threatens to erode the ability of military cyber forces to achieve the crucial missions they were meant to accomplish in the first place. More about our expert

Cybersecurity
Political Reform

Event Recap

Apr 29, 2020

Event recap | The future of data and AI in space

By Corina LJ DuBois

On April 29, 2020, Fredrik Bruhn, Amy Webb, Paul Jurasin, Anthony Scriffignano shared perspectives on "Future of data and AI in space" as part of a live video discussion moderated by David Bray, Atlantic Council GeoTech Center Director, on how commercial space efforts are being changed by advances in data and AI capabilities, to include satellites and other efforts in Earth’s orbit and beyond.

Civil Society
Economy & Business

GeoTech Cues

Apr 28, 2020

Expert survey series: COVID-19 response, technological innovation, and the future of societies

By Stewart Scott

In order to understand future trends in technology and geopolitics, a group of experts was polled about how COVID-19 and technological innovation will shape the future of societies and their respective forms of government.

Coronavirus
Democratic Transitions

Issue briefs and reports

Apr 27, 2020

The future of US-Iraq relations

By C. Anthony Pfaff

This Atlantic Council Iraq Initiative report by Nonresident Senior Fellow Dr. C. Anthony Pfaff analyzes the current challenges in the US-Iraq relationship and presents policy recommendations.

Iraq
Middle East

New Atlanticist

Apr 27, 2020

Something is wrong with our bloody ships today

By Harlan Ullman

Something is wrong in the US Navy today and the problems are not only naval. Some extend throughout the Department of Defense.

Maritime Security
United States and Canada
Nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier

In the News

Apr 26, 2020

Brzezinski and Skaluba cited in the Economist on COVID-19’s impact on defense spending

By Ian Brzezinski and Chris Skaluba

Ian Brzezinski and Chris Skaluba quoted on the likelihood that COVID-19 will drive down defense spending and the implications that has for reigniting the burden-sharing debate in NATO.

Coronavirus
Defense Industry

In the News

Apr 24, 2020

Cunningham joins USIP Inaugural Afghanistan Peace Process Study Group to discuss US Policy Recommendations for the Peace Process

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan
Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Apr 24, 2020

Afghanistan needs a ceasefire now to battle COVID-19

By Marika Theros and Sahar Halaimzai

COVID-19 will not wait for negotiators to reach a humanitarian ceasefire. This is not the time to place political goals above public health or to exploit divisions. A coordinated plan of action, grounded in a public health perspective and which prioritizes pausing the violence, is necessary in order to save lives. Any actor using the pandemic to score political points or to strengthen their hand at the negotiation table cannot be truly committed to peace in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan
Conflict

Experts

Events