Markos Kounalakis Markos Kounalakis

Markos Kounalakis on WHY IS THE FORTHCOMING US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION SO CRITICAL?

Markos Kounalakis, visiting fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford University, at the 28th Annual Economist Government Roundtable #econroundtablegr

WHY IS THE FORTHCOMING US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION SO CRITICAL?

• In which ways can the outcome affect Greece and the broader region? • Washington and the world: the new geopolitics of great power competition

Wess Mitchell

Former US assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs; principal, The Marathon Initiative

Markos Kounalakis

Visiting fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford University

John Sitilides

Geopolitical strategist, Trilogy Advisors; Senior fellow for national security, Foreign Policy Research Institute; Fmr diplomacy consultant, U.S. Department of State (2006-23)

Dora Bakoyannis

MP, President of the standing committee on national defence and external affairs, Former minister of foreign affairs, Greece

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Markos Kounalakis Markos Kounalakis

“A Christmas Carol” — Courtesy of the Chinese Navy

What happens when China decides to dominate the world’s semiconductor chip production by taking over democratic Taiwan? A look at the not-so-distant Christmas-future…

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Christmas Eve, 2020—President Trump is still loudly contesting the November election results in courtrooms and the media. The Electoral College chose Biden-Harris after several red-state electors defected, justified by an overwhelming national popular vote for the Democratic ticket.

The newly elected Democratic Senate is days from taking over, and Mitch McConnell is rushing through last-minute judicial appointments. McConnell is also busy finalizing legislation giving the Executive sweeping policing powers in the face of daily national demonstrations protesting the election outcome. Growing street confrontations are cited as the reason the outgoing president deployed the National Guard to major cities nationwide. READ MORE

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Markos Kounalakis Markos Kounalakis

Hong Kong protesters teach China a thing or two, but they need their own history lessons, too

Pencils sharpened. Check.

Lunches packed. Check.

Yellow helmets and gas masks. Check.

Students in Hong Kong may be skipping the American trend of hauling bulletproof backpacks to school, but they have prepared themselves for both an education and further police confrontation at the start of the school year. This year’s school gear is meant for struggle and survival.

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They have chosen to strike against their classrooms to strengthen the ongoing demand for peace and freedom. Some would argue they are protesting for survival. Adorned in their school uniforms — dress whites with ties — they stand out in contrast to the all-black clothing and black face masks donned by the daily street demonstrators. Umbrellas and tennis rackets are optional attire, used both to shield from water cannons and to volley back tear gas canisters toward the police.

Gearing up for a continuing fight is a necessity. These students — and all Hong Kong protesters — are on their own. Hong Kongers need to plan on self-sufficiency because the world mostly has taken a pass at supporting their fight to preserve their rights and democracy. READ MORE

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