Welcome to the Policy Pulse - a breakdown summary of some of the most compelling recent reports to come out of think tanks from around the world. This edition of the Policy Pulse is recorded as an episode of the Policy People Podcast. You can find all the links to the reports mentioned here in the show notes or in the newsletter.
Thank you to Sasanka Kanuparthi for curating this edition of Policy Pulse.
And now I bring you Policy pulse, (Date).
Do Russia-Turkey pose a joint threat to EU regional hegemony?
In recent years, the Russia-Turkey relationship has been marred by a trust deficit stemming from contentious geopolitics and diplomatic disagreements. However, the two share autocratic tendencies, weak institutions, and anti-Western attitudes. Adding to this, Turkey’s energy dependencies and defense engagements in the region make its Russia equation even more complex. This ISS paper explores various facets of this relationship in excruciating detail, covering areas of cooperation, conflict, and foreign policy convergence. This ‘cooperative rivalry’ raises several issues, and the EU’s preparedness to handle surprise changes is being monitored closely. Get deeper insights on the Russia-Turkey dynamic by reading this paper.
Can France secure its Indo-Pacific interests by partnering with Australia?
France controls territories and military facilities in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, wielding influence over regions off the East African coast and the Southern Pacific. The burgeoning strategic partnership with Australia holds significant promise in the eyes of French policymakers. How can France leverage this relationship to overcome limitations in its regional capabilities to achieve its strategic goals? This ASPI report looks at historical precedents and recent developments and lays out opportunities and constraints for strategists. Find out more by reading the seminal work by Nicolas Regaud on French interests in the Indo-Pacific.
Can regional governance save Latin America from descending into chaos?
Latin America is extremely vulnerable after facing multiple waves of COVID-19, economic crises, and socio-political strife. Regional rivalries and ideological conflicts are once again dominating the discourse at a time when citizens require real support from institutions. Scholars researching for Carnegie argue that reviving regional governance mechanisms will allow countries to better prepare for the post-pandemic world and that public health systems and economic recovery should be the top priorities. Further, they suggest that multilateral engagements will help the region secure a seat at the table in the newly emerging global order. Those interested in understanding Latin America better can read this report.
Can Ukraine remove the stumbling blocks to reform?
As a post-Soviet country, Ukraine’s emergence from the 1990s to the 2000s is reminiscent of newly formed democratic institutions riddled with vested interests and connections to oligarchs. Their influence spread far and wide as law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, media, and government accentuated crony capitalism. John Lough’s research paper for Chatham House evaluates the structures of the system, the sway of the oligarchs in key sectors, and the role of media in the system. He explores corruption in sectors such as banking, energy, and transport and the contemporary realities of post-2014 Ukraine. To learn more about the inner workings of Ukraine, read this paper.
Is Australia ready for an upsurge in cybercrime and ransomware attacks?
Australia came under incessant cyber and ransomware attacks in recent times, and this ASPI report finds the country underprepared to deal with the economic repercussions. Digitization has helped nations with better governance, financial transparency, and last-mile connectivity. However, policymakers are yet to fully understand the risks and security threats it poses. The report analyzes the role of external, state & non-state actors in instigating these attacks on Australian organizations and details the functional aspects of ransomware. It also lists recommendations to mitigate risks, some of which include, instituting legal frameworks, building transparency, and organizing nationwide education campaigns. Delve into the world of ransomware and discover Australia’s options with this report.
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Thanks again to Sasanka Kanuparthi for his work on this edition of Policy Pulse.
Since Policy Pulse is a new format we’re experimenting with, we’d really appreciate any suggestions or feedback on how we can improve this program, so feel free to reply to this email, leave a comment or message me on my LinkedIn profile.
Stay well and stay safe,
- Liam
Founder of Policy People
Policy Pulse (August 04, 2021)