The Week at CSIS: The Speeches, Discussions, and Events from May 15— May 19
CSIS hosts over 2,000 events a year, from major public speeches to small briefings. Join us here for an inside look at the events of the week.
5.16: Transitioning Development Relationships
On May 16, 2017, CSIS Project Prosperity and Development hosted a panel discussion to examine how the United States can transition beyond aid relationships with emerging middle income countries.
Five years ago, CSIS did a major review on “Strategic Foreign Assistance Transitions.” The takeaway was that there are ways to effectively transition relationships from an assistance to cooperation paradigm. This requires reframing to focus on topics like trade, education, and and science and technology.
5.16: Emerging Donors in Development
CSIS’s Project on Prosperity and Development also hosted a discussion focused around new donor partner cooperation that leverages middle income country resources, and expertise for development outcomes. The discussion covered how traditional donors should be engaging new donors, and the challenges and opportunities associated with south-south cooperation.
They also discussed what role the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) and OECD should play in facilitating these donor partnerships.
5.17: The Economic and Security Dimensions of Protecting LGBT Rights
On the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, the CSIS Human Rights Initiative and Council for Global Equality hosted a public symposium on the economic and security dimensions of protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights.
During this event, speakers from government, civil society, the private sector, and multilateral institutions explored creative, bipartisan opportunities to uphold and expand the rights of LGBT individuals. Speakers looked back at the gains made and looks forward for opportunities to extend equality to all.
5.17: On the Road to the 19th Party Congress: Elite Politics in China under Xi Jinping
CSIS’s Freeman Chair in China Studies held a discussion on elite Chinese politics in the run up to the 19th Party Congress.
It appears as if Chinese politics have changed dramatically since the 18th Party Congress in late 2012, highlighted by Xi Jinping being identified as “the core leader.” Yet big questions remain: How much has Xi consolidated power, and how much opposition will he face in the run up the 19th Party Congress? What will be the fate of other senior officials? Will there be any changes in the Party’s governing institutions? And What are the likely implications for Chinese economic and foreign policies? These questions were answered during the discussion.
5.18: The Marshall Plan at 70: What We Must Remember and What We Must Do for the Future
On Thursday, May 18, CSIS’s Europe Program hosted a timely conversation with H.E. Sigmar Gabriel, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, on the strategic importance of a strong Euro-Atlantic partnership.
On the 70th anniversary of the Marshall Plan and on the eve of the May 25 NATO Leaders Meeting, the United States and Europe face mounting challenges, including security in the region, an erosion of public confidence in institutions, and instability on Europe’s periphery. How can the United States and Germany adapt to these growing complexities and strengthen transatlantic security? How can the United States and Europe reinvest in our shared values and tackle shared challenges?
5.18: Book Talk: “Hot, Hungry Planet” by Lisa Palmer
CSIS hosted a book launch of Hot, Hungry Planet by Lisa Palmer.
Earth will have more than 9.6 billion people by 2050 according to U.N. predictions. With resources already scarce, how will we feed them all? Journalist Lisa Palmer has traveled the world for years documenting the cutting-edge innovations of people and organizations on the front lines of fighting the food gap. In this new work, she shares the story of the epic journey to tackle two of our planet’s greatest challenges: climate change and global hunger.
Hot, Hungry Planet focuses on three key concepts that support food security and resilience in a changing world: advances in the social, educational, and agricultural sectors; improved land use and farming technologies; and policy nudges with the potential to reduce adverse environmental impacts of agriculture while producing more food. Palmer breaks down this difficult subject through seven concise and easily-digestible case studies around the globe, presenting the stories of individuals in six key regions.
5.19: Implementing Innovation Series: Defense Innovation in a Change-Resistant Ecosystem
CSIS hosted the launch of a new report by Jeff Bialos, former deputy under secretary of defense for industrial affairs: Against the Odds — Driving Defense Innovation in a Change-Resistant Ecosystem.
This launch event also featured a discussion on the report’s findings and what factors exist in the Defense Department’s structure that have created a change-resistant environment that inhibits innovation.
Disclaimer: The report “Against the Odds — Driving Defense Innovation in a Change-Resistant Ecosystem” is not a CSIS product.
5.19: Why Should the United States Care about Ukraine?
CSIS’s Project on Prosperity and Development hosted a panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities for foreign assistance in Ukraine going forward.
The United States and European Union have invested substantial time and money in Ukraine over the past quarter century. However, despite significant recent progress, Ukraine’s path has been one of fits and starts, and not a few fear that “reform fatigue” is setting in in Kyiv.
Discussion questions included: Is it possible for Western countries to provide assistance that helps counter the consistent problems presented by pervasive corruption, divided incentives, and other challenges? Are there other approaches that Western countries and institutions could try? How does Russian aggression change the equation?
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