Atlantic Community:Home

Pirates of the Arabian - Sort of

Peter Lehr, University of St. Andrews | November 21, 2008

Pirates – that ancient breed of scoundrel, romanticized and glorified, yet wretched and rotten – have made a name for themselves off Somali coasts. ++ Many, it turns out, are simply trying to make a living for themselves. ++ While their exploits have become renowned, drawing in over $30 million in ransom fees so far this year, a little known fact remains: over $300 million a year in fish are poached from Somali shores by trawlers from as far as Taiwan. ++ Western navies are not the answer; littoral states’ are – fishermen need a fair chance.

Secretary of State _________

Editorial, The Boston Globe | November 21, 2008

Speculation is rife as to who will be the next Secretary of State. ++ Many have forgotten the more important question: What does America need from that post? ++ First, the “complete confidence of the president” is a prerequisite; second, they must be a dealmaker - diplomacy is a “political art;” third, they need to tackle all the issues of the Middle East as if they’re interrelated; last, the foreign service needs a new, dynamic manager. ++ The ideal candidate must “inspire confidence” yet be “tough enough to elicit needed compromises.”

Who Needs the G8 Anyway

Carolin Emcke, Die Zeit (in German) | November 21, 2008

In view of the economic crisis that has rocked the international community, the G8 has lost its right to exist. ++ Emerging nations like India took part in the G20 summit, discussing new finance regulation structures. ++ G8 nations have to understand that in a world where the US economy is highly dependent on the Chinese market, the circle of key players has expanded. ++ Including countries like Brazil in the decision-making process could give G8 nations a tool for pressuring them on questions of environmental protection and human rights.

An Auto Bailout Would Damage Free Trade

Matthew Slaughter, Dartmouth College | November 20, 2008

A bailout for the Big Three automotive companies could damage US engagement in the global economy. ++ Foreign investment and job insourcing would take a major hit, costing jobs and devaluing the dollar. ++ By expanding protectionist policies around the globe, the bailout would hinder US multinational businesses, including the Big Three auto-makers. ++ To keep up international competition, the US should not give support failing companies, but rather take care of dislocated workers. ++ In the end, the cost of this bailout would be far larger than the US Treasury can pay.

Don't Poke Badly Behaved Bears

Nicholas Kristof, The New York Times | November 20, 2008

Western oriented, business friendly, and governed by smart, young people, Georgia is a country on the rise. ++ NATO should not be her final resting place, though. ++ Georgia doesn’t meet NATO requirements for full control of its territory and a closer look reveals its media is like Russia’s: state run and laden with propaganda. ++ “Georgia’s future is economic growth,” not NATO – its war with Russia was avoidable. ++ Obama needs to engage Russia like China. ++ After all, “Poking badly behaved bears is no substitute for sober diplomacy.”

Samiullah Wardak, EC Delegation to Afghanistan

Mr. Samiullah Wardak was born in Kabul in 1976 and migrated to Pakistan at the age of five. In 2002 he returned to Afghanistan where he had been …

Heath Kern Gibson, Editor in Chief at DipNote

Heath Kern Gibson graduated from Denison University and received a master’s in public administration from Harvard. She is the director of …

Open Think Tank

America: New Beginnings, an Old Idea

Jesse Schwartz | November 20, 2008 | 5 comments

The 2008 election evinces the timeless notion of America as more than a place - “At its best, it is an idea.” Barack Obama’s meteoric rise to the White House substantiates this conviction. Moreover, it seems to confirm that the Atlantic Ocean may not be as wide as it was just four years ago.