Good arguments in the comments section are just as important as articles, and your policy ideas have an equal chance of reaching decision makers. This month, our latest Atlantic Memo sprung from a debate over the value of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy, and we also featured several other interesting discussions. In case you missed them, we’ve selected the top debates on articles from the past month. Thank you to all our members and a special thank you to those who are part of the new memo!
Say Goodbye to Prestige Thinking: Quit CSDP and Concentrate on NATO | Felix Seidler
The Debate: This article makes a strong case for abandoning the half-measures of the EU’s security policy, and while the arguments were well received, members still saw value in the CSDP. However, everybody felt reform was needed and contributed their own thoughts to what that reform should look like. These ideas and contributions formed the latest Atlantic Memo. Be sure to check this out and see how Atlantic Memos are made!
Act Now to Forestall West African Piracy | James Bridger
The Debate: Most people think of Somalia when they think of African piracy, but this article argues that the international community needs to be just as concerned with the opposite coast. But should regional powers, the UN, or someone else take responsibility? And how firm are the commitments on this issue? Members considered these and other questions, and also provided some interesting background material.
Is the European Far Right a Threat? | José Costa
The Debate: The article says the answer is no, but other members say yes, even if it is not a big one. Some especially think there is a danger in dismissing it as minor and ignoring the problem, or treating right-wing violence as a series of isolated incidents, but there is also a need for confronting the problem without resorting to hyperbole. What do you think?
How to Strike Iran | Paul Smyth
The Debate: Wow! This got people’s attention. While we don’t approve of the flame war that follows, earlier comments feature an interesting discussion about the practical options available to countries who want to stop Iranian proliferation and the merits of openly debating drastic and sometimes terrible options. Worth considering, and proof positive there are no easy answers to this international dilemma.
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December 5, 2011
Paul-Robert Lookman, http://geopolitiek-in-perspectief.blogspot.com/, Platinum Contributor (280)