Managing the risk of a military collision in the Persian Gulf: where to start?

Sanam Vakil will participate in a roundtable held by the European University Institute's Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies that intends to explore the role of potential military de-escalation measures in mitigating tension between the United States and Iran. The discussion will address the impact of the Biden administration's defense policies in the Middle East on U.S. – Iran military tensions.

Japan and Asia in the Pandemic Era: RCEP

Professor Plummer will participate in an event hosted by the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy's Centre for the Study of Global Japan. The event, entitled “Japan and Asia in the Pandemic Era: RCEP,” entails a discussion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and its prospective impacts on Canada, the Biden Administration, and Asia.

Italy government totters ahead of €200bn EU covid relief

In an article published by EUObserver, Gianfranco Pasquino comments on the withdrawal of the two ministers of Italia Viva under Matteo Renzi. According to Pasquino, early elections amid the crisis are unlikely, but, if undertaken, they would have to occur before Mattarella's 'white semester.'

Getting the Gang Back Together: Familiar faces in Biden's foreign policy team prompt relief and concern

In an article published by The Independent, Sanam Vakil cites an optimistic perspective with regards to the return of the Obama-era foreign policy team under the Biden Administration. The article examines prospective engagement with key foreign players in light of Biden's familiar foreign policy team appointments.

Parallel Campaigns Pre-Wwi Austria, Britain 2022: Jubilee Festivals as PD & Soft Power

In a post published on CPD Blog by the USC Center on Public Diplomacy, David Ellwood comments on the imminent celebration of the 70th anniversary of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II in Great Britain, drawing parallels with Robert Musil's 1930¬–33 masterpiece, The Man Without Qualities, as it relates to the study of jubilees, festivals and other formal anniversaries from a public diplomacy or soft power point of view.

OPERA: a New High-Resolution Energy System Model for Sector Integration Research

Bob van der Zwaan is cited as co-author of a study published in the Environmental Modeling & Assessment by Hybrid that examines the multiple applications of OPERA, a technology-rich bottom-up energy system optimization model for the Netherlands. The system has been used to formulate strategic policy advice on energy decarbonization and climate change mitigation.

A dangerous game of chicken: Iran sets up challenge for Biden with nuclear ramp-up

In an article published by CNBC, Sanam Vakil reflects on the recent seizure of a South Korean tanker by Iran as well as the latter's announcement of plans to return to 20% uranium enrichment, all within the first week of 2021. According to Vakil, the moves signal an impulse to use pressure to extract concessions, particularly with regards to the U.S. and the 2015 nuclear deal as well as economic compensation for sanctions imposed during the Trump Administration.

Le Economie Transatlantiche: un Oceano di Differenze (in Italian)

In an article published by the Aspen Institute, Erik Jones examines the relationship between the United States and Europe in the wake of elections tensions while emphasizing the need for strategic autonomy on the part of the latter. According to Jones, the disappearance of the TTIP along with cybersecurity differences and other structural changes have brought both sides of the Atlantic farther apart.

Israel in Depth - Episode 10

In a podcast produced by the Y&S Nazarian Center for Israel Studies at UCLA, Raffaella Del Sarto discusses the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel as well as the latter's relationship with the European Union. The podcast is part of a larger series entitled Israel in Depth.

Venezuelan Migrants Under COVID-19: Managing South America's Pandemic Amid a Migration Crisis

In a report from the Wilson Center's Latin American Program, Jacqueline Mazza surveys the top recipients of Venezuelan migrant flows—Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina—in terms of coverage measures for migrants in national pandemic assistance plans. Mazza identifies high levels of variability within coverage plans and argues that the success of post-pandemic economic recovery in the region relies largely on the full incorporation of migrants.