Europe - Audio

In this episode, the Trade Guys and Andrew welcome Joseph Glauber, a Senior Fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute in Washington, DC.  They discuss the motivations behind the latest export restrictions by some countries, and the latest news on meat processing plants.

In this episode, the Trade Guys and Andrew discuss some silver linings coming out of the COVID-19 crisis. They also break some bad news about the economy coming out of the World Trade Organization and the International Monetary Fund.

Disputes over the regional order in post-Soviet Europe and Eurasia are at the core of the breakdown in Russia-West relations, and have created major security and economic challenges for the states caught in between: first and foremost Ukraine, but also Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Current policy approaches toward the regional order—i.e., the set of rules, norms, and institutions that govern the region—have exacerbated today’s disorder and instability. The authors of a new report offer a comprehensive proposal for revising the regional order. The proposal, which addresses the security architecture, economic integration, and regional conflicts, was devised by four groups of experts convened by the RAND Corporation and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung’s Regional Office for Cooperation and Peace in Europe. Each group included representatives from the West, Russia, and the states in between. This event is made possible by the generous support of the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

At 11:00 PM on January 31st, the UK will formally withdraw from the European Union. How will the UK's foreign and security policy change? What security challenges will it prioritize? And will leaving the European Union bring the UK closer to the United States? Please join us for a conversation with former UK Secretary of State for Defense (2010-2011), former Secretary of State for International Trade (2016-2019), and Conservative MP from North Somerset Dr. Liam Fox. Dr. Fox will offer his reflections on the vitally important role NATO must play in the future, the role of values in national security, the security challenges that Russia and China pose to the UK, the impact of cyber warfare, and the role of non-state actors and proxy groups in fueling future conflicts. This event is made possible through generous support from the Stuart Family Foundation

Russian natural gas exports are once again high on the agenda. Russia is completing two new pipelines to Europe, just inaugurated a new gas pipeline to China, and is boosting its presence in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market. All this is happening as the outlook for gas in Europe is being upended by new supplies and routes, by new rules and regulations, and by an ambitious decarbonization agenda that will reshape the role of gas in the European energy system, and thus the relationship with Russia. The Europe-Russia relationship has always had a political and geopolitical dimension, ever since the Soviet Union first supplied gas to Western Europe in the late 1960s. “Yet to boil down the subject of Russian-European gas relations to geopolitics is to miss a large part of the story,” writes Thane Gustafson, a professor of government at Georgetown University and a Senior Director at IHS Markit, in his new book The Bridge: Natural Gas in a Redivided Europe (Harvard University Press, 2020). He continues to say

Please join us for a conversation with Finland’s Minister of Defense Antti Kaikkonen. As an EU member state, NATO partner, Arctic nation, and neighbor to Russia, Finland offers a unique perspective on security in the High North and transatlantic security challenges. The Minister will reflect on the state of transatlantic relations, the regional security situation, and the way forward for bilateral defense cooperation. He will also outline his views on an emerging defense agenda, particularly in new technology areas, and provide an update on Finland’s defense priorities for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union (through December), which include development and integration of new technologies; improving counter-hybrid capabilities; and advancing cooperation with partners. Minister Kaikkonen has served as a Member of Parliament since 2003. This event is made possible through generous support from the Stuart Family Foundation.

In partnership with the Centre for Polish-Russian Dialogue and Understanding (CPRDU), CSIS is pleased to invite you to the eighth annual Transatlantic Forum on Russia. This year's conference will examine transatlantic policy towards Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova five years after Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and military incursion into eastern Ukraine. The Transatlantic Forum on Russia is part of a broader effort to formulate an enduring transatlantic policy framework towards Russia, with an examination of regional security, political, and economic developments. Additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. AGENDA   8:30-8:50am Registration and Light Breakfast     9:00amWelcoming Remarks:          Ms. Heather A. Conley, Senior Vice President for Europe, Eurasia and the Arctic, CSIS Dr. Ernest Wyciszkiewicz, Director, Centre for Polish-Russian Dialogue and Understanding (CPRDU)   9:10-10:00am             Keynote Address: U.S. Policy toward Russia: A View from Congress Senator Chris V

While countering terrorism financing may be prioritized by national governments, it is the rise of illicit finance and money laundering that constitutes a grave threat to national security and democratic institutions. As extensive research identified in the Kremlin Playbook and the Kremlin Playbook 2 demonstrated, illicit financial flows are increasingly used to influence policies and erode democratic systems. Anti-money laundering (AML) directives, Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) legislation as well as other transparency initiatives in the EU and U.S. can help safeguard democratic institutions.  Prior to the 2013 financial crisis, Cyprus and the Cypriot financial system was frequently cited as a main conduit of illicit financial flows, particularly from Russia. Cyprus responded by implementing important AML and banking reforms in recent years, such as a register for beneficial ownership for trusts and enhanced compliance and due diligence policies. We welcome the leaders of the two largest banks in Cypru

Please join us at CSIS for a conversation with Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Audun Halvorsen on Norway’s Arctic security strategy. For Arctic littoral states such as Norway, changing dynamics in the Arctic as a result of climate change and increased commercial activity will bring new challenges in the future. Deputy Foreign Minister Halvorsen will offer his perspectives on the effects of a shifting geopolitical climate on the Arctic and the implications for Norwegian foreign and security policy, for NATO efforts to enhance deterrence and defense in the High North and North Atlantic, and for Arctic governance.  Mr. Halvorsen previously served as a Political Advisor to the Minister of Defense and a Political Advisor to the Conservative Party Parliamentary Group.This event is made possible through general support to CSIS.  

Bob and Andrew talk with Bulent Aliriza, director of the CSIS Turkey Project, about the escalating situation along the Syrian border with Turkey after President Trump ordered U.S. troops out of the region. Download the full transcript here.

CSIS is pleased to host a discussion on the trade challenges, opportunities, and future paths of the European Economic Area (EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) and the European Free Trade Association (a trade bloc consisting of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) featuring H.S.H. Prince Alois von und zu Liechtenstein, Liechtenstein's acting head of state since 2004. Recent discussions in the United Kingdom have highlighted the EFTA as a possible path for a future UK-EU relationship (known as "Norway Plus") which makes this a particularly timely discussion with Prince Alois, who will offer opening reflections about Liechtenstein's experience with the EEA and EFTA over the past 25 years and the implications of a potential no-deal Brexit. Following Prince Alois’ remarks, a distinguished panel will describe their own experiences with the EEA and EFTA, the future of these entities at a moment of change for the EU’s single market in anticipation of Brexit, and the implications fo

Host Amy Lehr talks with Hadiya Masieh. Hadiya joined Islamist group Hizbut Tahrir when she was in college. After a decade, she severed those ties, dedicating her time and energy to speaking out against the ideas promoted by such radical groups. She uses her insights and experience to deter young people from taking the same path, using technology as one tool in that effort.

In this episode, Trade Guy Scott reports back from the Windy City and fills Bill and Jack Caporal (filling in for Andrew)in on the USMCA. They also discuss the restart of U.S.-China talks, and Dr. Sabine Weyand's discussion earlier this week at CSIS headquarters. Download the full transcript here.

Please join us for a conversation with Minister of National Defense of Portugal João Gomes Cravinho. Portugal offers a unique perspective on the importance of transatlantic relations given its Atlantic geography as well as its membership in both NATO and the EU. Minister Cravinho will share his thoughts on the most pressing issues for transatlantic security and defense, including Russia, China, and security challenges along Europe’s Southern borders. Minister Cravinho will also discuss the future of US-EU security and defense cooperation in a post-Brexit environment as Lisbon plays a more proactive role in the selection of new EU leaders. Minister Cravinho previously served as EU Ambassador to New Delhi, EU Ambassador to Brasília, and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs.This event is made possible by general support to CSIS. 

In this episode, Andrew and the Trade Guys welcome Lesly McNitt, Director of Public Policy for trade and biotechnology for the National Corn Growers Association. They discuss what she is hearing from corn growers, the administration, and Congress. Hosted by H. Andrew Schwartz and produced by Yumi Araki and Jack Caporal at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. Download the full transcript here.

Dame Barbara Woodward, the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to China discusses the current Washington-Beijing trade spat and its implications for the U.K. and the rest of the world. She also talks about 21st century diplomatic challenges and how most are related to China.

In this episode, the Trade Guys welcome two special guests who discuss how trade policy is affecting small and medium-sized businesses. Karyn Page is the President and CEO of Kansas Global Trade Services, Inc., which helps companies and cities leverage their capabilities and global reach. She chairs the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Small and Minority Business (ITAC 9). Kimberly Benson is the President of Zenaida Global, an export management and advisory firm based in Rancho Santa Fe, California. She currently serves as ITAC 9's Primary Vice Chair. Download the full transcript here.

Please join us for a conversation with Latvian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Dr. Artis Pabriks, who will discuss Russia’s malign influence and how Latvia’s national efforts compliment broader NATO and U.S. posture in the era of major power competition. Bringing a wealth of experience and insights from his distinguished public service in Latvia and the European Parliament, Dr. Pabriks will also offer his reflections on the state of U.S.-European relations on the eve of the European Parliament elections. This event was made possible through general support to CSIS.

On April 23, 2019, the Aerospace Security Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies will be hosting a discussion on pre-existing and emerging threats to U.S. space systems. The event will kickoff with a keynote from Steve Kitay, DASD for Space Policy. Following Mr. Kitay's remarks, an expert panel will discuss recent global counterspace developments. This event highlights the Aerospace Security Project’s new report, Space Threat Assessment 2019, and the Secure World Foundation’s new report, Global Counterspace Capabilities. Following the discussion, please join us for a screening of a new documentary, Commanding Space: The Story Behind the Space Force, produced by the CSIS Andreas C. Dracopoulos iDeas Lab. To celebrate the launch of both the new report and the documentary, we invite you to stay after the screening for a networking reception.This event is made possible through general support to CSIS. 

“The Kremlin Playbook 2” report demonstrates that some countries facilitate or enable the type of Russian malign economic influence that was uncovered in the first Kremlin Playbook report. On this episode, Heather A. Conley (CSIS), Donatienne Ruy (CSIS), and Martin Vladimirov (Center for the Study of Democracy) take listeners behind the scenes and discuss the creation of The Kremlin Playbook series. They present key takeaways and biggest surprises, the requirements of such a study, and the way forward for this research.