Italy could be about to challenge Trump over NATO spending

Erik Jones spoke to CNBC about the possibility of Italy breaking with the United States over increased NATO spending. Italy's Defense Minister has called for NATO spending obligations to be more broadly defined, but according to Jones, Italian Prime Minister "Conte's big disadvantage is Italy's difficult budgetary situation."

Iran's revolutionaries, masters of chaos and crisis, mark 40 years of the Islamic Republic

Sanam Vakil was quoted in the Independent as Iran commemorates the 40th anniversary of the revolution. “It's a regime that's very much aware of the dynamic nature of Iranian society and its managed to exploit that dynamic,” said Vakil. “There's not been a history of social cohesion in Iran, and Iranians are not particularly united in what they want, even if they're relatively united in what they don't want.”

European Culture Wars?

Susanna Mancini recently participated in a panel at the Austrian Academy of Sciences focused on the "culture wars" that have emerged across Europe in recent years, challenging the idea of liberal democracy as traditionalists and populists witness a resurgence. The panel is a part of the 'Postsecular Conflicts Project'.

The role of international institutions in fostering sub-Saharan Africa's electrification

Simone Tagliapietra explores the role of international institutions in fostering sub-Saharan Africa's electrification in his latest publication in the Electricity Journal. In the article, Tagliapietra discusses how multilateral development banks and national development agencies contribute to electricity services in the region.

Difficult Brexit process continues to split society

As the Brexit process remains chaotic and indecisive, Erik Jones reminds us that "“the 29th of March does not have to be a hard stop and the Article 50 process can be extended to early July.” “Nevertheless, there is a danger that the UK will end its membership with the EU without a comprehensive withdrawal agreement. It will not leave with ‘no deal'," Jones added, "Instead, it will leave with many small agreements to cover critical sectors that operate on a bilateral and multilateral basis.

China Should Join the New Trans-Pacific Partnership

Michael Plummer is the author of the latest Peterson Institute for International Economics policy brief advocating for China to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Plummer and co-author Peter Petri conclude that "Chinese membership in the CPTPP would yield large economic and political benefits to China and other members." Read the full document here.

'The Davos of Value Change': Some New Topics Take Center Stage

Nina Hall was featured on the Knowledge@Wharton podcast discussing some of the outcomes of Davos, where new issues took center stage. Topics such as inequality, mental health, and climate change were among the ideas at the forefront, including an increased focus on the role of taxation. Listen to the full podcast of Hall's interview here.

Iran Slams U.S. Over Venezuela. Secretly, Some May Be Relieved

Sanam Vakil spoke to Bloomberg about Iran's role in the ongoing situation in Venezuela. “For the leadership this is a good deflection from the pressure they have been receiving,” she stated. “It's quite a useful crisis for Iran right now at a time when the economy is really faltering.” “It doesn't mean that they're not anxious or don't fear further pressure. But the breathing room is an opportunity.”

In the electric car sector, the difference in political ambition between Europe and China is huge (In French)

Simone Tagliapietra's editorial in France's Le Monde lays out what Europe must do if its seeks to make a difference in the electric automobile industry as China continues to forge ahead. "China and US-based Tesla have quickly emerged as the leaders in electric car production, while Europe lags behind," Tagliapietra adds.

The Future of British Foreign Policy: Security and Diplomacy in a World after Brexit

Christopher Hill recently published his latest book, "The Future of British Foreign Policy: Security and Diplomacy in a World after Brexit." Hill explores the next steps in Britain's foreign policy in the aftermath of Brexit and what it means for both sides - Britain and the European Union.