Our Open Think Tank doesn’t just rely on articles for policy ideas; comments and debate are just as important. Atlantic Community articles in October generated a lot of feedback, some inquisitive, some more contentious. In case you missed them, we’ve selected the top debates on articles from the past month.
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Iran’s Nuclear Buildup Now Faces Tough Future | Paul Smyth
The Debate: While the original article examined what the recently unveiled Iranian assassination plot will mean for its nuclear program, the comments steered into further questions about Iranian strategic thinking. Members debated the real reasons behind Tehran’s nuclear program, its bilateral relationships, and how internal Iranian politics affect its foreign policy. This evolved into a further discussion about how the Islamic Republic and other regimes misinterpret Western actions.
The Real Lessons of Libya: Reflections on NATO’s Success | Ira Louis Straus
The Debate: In this op-ed, Ira Straus argued that Libya provided a big boost for NATO and that its biggest issue is now consolidating the gains it has made. Some of our members weren’t so sure, arguing that while some of the issues that plague NATO, such as burden sharing, were masked by the Libya intervention, they have not gone away, and not all NATO interventions have such a sterling record.
Lost Illusions: Dealing With a Stagnant Russia | Dustin Dehez
The Debate: This article discussed the economic and political stagnation of the current Russian system and argued this must be considered when formulating a new approach on relations with Moscow. But what should that approach be? Member opinions ranged from hard line stances on human rights issues to more nuanced and cautious tactics, and comments explored the sticky problem of getting involved in Russian internal affairs.
The Eurasian Union: A Threat to the New World Order | Elena Georgievna Ponomareva
The Debate: This provocative article argues a Eurasian Union led by Russia would undermine Western influence in the region, and that this would be a good thing for peace and security. Some of our members saw the tone as harkening back to the Cold War, while others acknowledged that the West can be just as guilty of such rhetoric. There was also disagreement over how (or if) such a proposed union could work in practice.
Thank you to all our members who participated in these and other discussions!
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