APRIL 13, 2020
In this edition of Comm(Unity), it’s a double header. On Wednesday, we talk about the Global Health Security Agenda – what it is and why we need it – and on Friday, we discuss the major role the CT National Guard is playing in crisis response. We also reveal which world leader’s Zoom background is a giant painting of a Pringles can.
Weekly Episode
On our fourth episode — Richard Fontaine, CEO, Center for New American Security, joins the Council to discuss the U.S.-China relationship and what the coronavirus outbreak means for future cooperation and global leadership. Moderated by CEO, Megan Clark Torrey. Stream Now.
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Check out Richard Fontaine’s latest article with Foreign Policy on COVID-19’s impact on the future of U.S-China cooperation
Weekly Article Roundup
Follow along with the CTWAC staff on this week’s article roundup:
Richard Haass, President, Council on Foreign Relations, argues that the coronavirus won’t reshape history, but rather accelerate it
Though it’s too soon to say for sure, not every crisis is a turning point
As OPEC+ leaders finally halt the Saudi-Russia oil war, the question remains: too little too late?
Ariel Cohen for Forbes
Wondering how to run a country via videolink? Check out this Economist article on how the EU is doing politics during lockdown
Spoiler: Luxembourg’s prime minister Zooms with a large painting of a can of Pringles behind his head
CSIS provides commentary on how COVID-19 might impact the Blue Economy and Ocean Security
Analysis by Whitley Saumweber, Amy K. Lehr, Ty Loft and Sabrina Kim
With stories of balcony singers in Italy going viral, BBC looks at why balconies captivate and inspire us
From Romeo & Juliet to the Pope’s blessings, balconies hold an understated significance in society, culture and history
Weekly Entertainment
READ
A contemporary twist on Homer’s ancient The Odyssey, Margaret Atwood tells Penelope’s side of the story
LISTEN
The National Security Law Podcast
Two professors from Univ. of Texas discuss national security issues from a legal perspective
STREAM
A documentary about a man who impersonates a wise guru, but ends up building a real following
PLAY
Yale’s ‘Happiness’ Course is FREE
This crisis is as much mental as it is physical -Yale offers its super popular ‘happiness’ course online for free
COOK
This easy Italian meal can be made with ingredients you already have on hand. Feel free to add veggies or protein for an even more customized dish!
Global Good News
Irish Leader Returns To Medicine To Help Battle COVID-19 Pandemic
Acting Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar left his medical profession in 2013 to pursue politics. Now, he’s re-registered as a medical practitioner with Ireland’s Health Service Executive. Read More.
Weekly Cartoon
Check in next week for another CTWAC exclusive cartoon:
It’s all hands on deck to combat this global health crisis. That’s why we’ve enlisted the brainpower and diplomatic skill of our Model UN delegates. This Thursday, high school students from around Connecticut will kick off our first Model UN virtual simulation with the mission of coordinating an international response to this pandemic. Thank you for all of your support that makes these types of programs possible, even in challenging times. And to our student delegates: good luck!
Nicole Struth
Education Director
The World Affairs Council of CT Blog 