AUGUST 31, 2020
In this edition of Comm(Unity), we bring you our past event on sanctioning human rights abusers. We also take a deeper look at digital dictators, give you an update on Mozambique and catch a glimpse of someone else’s view from their window. Read the full newsletter here:
Weekly Episode
On our recent episode — Monica Ager Jacobsen, Attorney Adviser, Office of the Legal Adviser, Department of State, retraces the history of the Global Magnitsky Act, her role in sanctioning global human rights abusers, and the importance of this act as a tool of the U.S. government. Moderated by Amanda Jolly, VP of Programming and Communications.
Stream Now.
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Read more about the Global Magnitsky Act, its background and its significance in this Washington Post article.
Weekly Article Roundup
Follow along with the CTWAC staff on this week’s article roundup (with some special recommendations!):
Stephen Walt argues that successful Great-Power Politics might rely less on global actors and more on domestic, local politics
In the international arena, foreign policy might not matter as much as we think
Shinzo Abe, Japan’s longest serving prime minister, resigned last week citing health difficulties as the reason for his departure
What is his legacy after eight consecutive years in office?
Technology, when used incorrectly, can be dangerous – and that’s especially true under authoritarian regimes like China
Learn more about Digital Dictators and how tech strengthens autocracy
Due to the pandemic, governments in the Northern Triangle are being forced to confront longstanding social and political issues
Could this provide new opportunities in the security sector?
The conflict in Mozambique is getting worse as a radical Islamist insurgency continues to threaten the country and region
The government is growing increasingly overwhelmed
Weekly Entertainment
READ
Why do some nations to thrive and some to struggle? Two economists explore how institutions inform economic success
LISTEN
In honor of the 2020 United Nations Year of Plant Health, listen to this On Being podcast on plant intelligence
STREAM
Watch this documentary chronicling the Kent State shootings of 1970, a defining moment, era and tragedy in American history
PLAY
Escape your room for a while – WindowSwap gives us a glimpse of the views outside someone else’s window around the world
COOK
Miso-Glazed Eggplant Grain Bowl
Use those fresh vegetables and herbs from the farmers market along with any grains you have on hand in this bowl featuring a beautiful miso glaze
Global Good News
The sisters regrowing forests helped by their dogs
The Torres sisters and their three dogs are helping plant seeds in areas of Chile devastated by wildfires. Using specially designed backpacks, the dogs spread seeds while getting in some exercise!
Watch Now.
Weekly Cartoon
Check in next week for another CTWAC exclusive cartoon:
The CTWAC Fall season is about to kick off, which means we are fast approaching one of our favorite events of the year – the Global Security Forum. 2020 has presented us with multifaceted challenges that have changed our understanding of what makes a national and global security threat. Join us at the Global Security Forum to explore both traditional and non-traditional challenges to global security from American leadership to climate change and from cyber warfare to civil society. More announcements soon. We can’t wait to see you there.
Amanda Jolly
VP of Programming and Communications
Image Credits:
[1] Monica Ager Jacobsen: Service to America Medals
[2] Shinzo Abe: DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Dominique A. Pineiro via Flickr
[3] WindowSwap: WindowSwap homepage
[4] Eggplant bowls: photo by Chelsie Craig and food styling by Chris Morocco
[5] Torres sisters: BBC
[6] Cartoon: Caroline Schaefer
[7] Amanda Headshot: Caroline Schaefer
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