Having trouble? View this email in your browser.

September 20, 2024

Wilson Weekly

Keeping the Lights On: The Battle for the Ukrainian Grid

Ukraine’s power grid has been targeted since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. This spring, Russia renewed its attack on the grid and in several massive barrages damaged upward of 80 percent of thermal and hydro power generating facilities. With winter approaching, experts examine how Ukraine has been able to keep the lights on in the face of Russian malice, how Europe’s energy security is affected, lessons for national electrical grids, and more.

WATCH NOW

Smart Take

Lebanon Rocked by Surprise Attack Utilizing Exploding Walkie-Talkies and Pagers

“This attack is unprecedented in many ways. It targets the Hezbollah communications. It goes, as we say, behind enemy lines. They didn't see it coming. So basically, the timing and the scope of the attack, transform how this conflict has been conducted so far.” -Joe Macaron

WATCH

Event

Uruguay Goes to the Polls

Uruguay elects a new president on October 27. The ruling National Party has several advantages, including growing agricultural production following a prolonged drought. The Frente Amplio will emphasize public concerns about crime. US relations will likely remain strong, but whoever wins could reshape Uruguay’s approach to foreign policy. Former Uruguay President Luis Lacalle Herrera kicks off the discussion.

WATCH

Stubborn Things

Venezuela: More Than Mere Numbers

“Venezuela was once South America’s wealthiest country. Now it’s one of the world’s least prosperous... A closer look at the numbers suggests ‘collapse’ is the only way to describe what happened.” -Ambassador Mark A. Green reflects on the state of Venezuela on the heels of his recent visit to the region, where he met families fleeing the troubled country.

READ

Event

Securing Africa’s Critical Mineral Wealth: A Role for Sovereign Wealth Funds

From shifting narratives about the continent to Africa’s critical mineral trade to the importance of public-private partnerships and more, the Africa Program explored how African sovereign wealth funds can serve as a tool to reduce risk, increase investment, and enhance regional cooperation to develop sustainable socioeconomic growth.

WATCH

Polar Points

The Agony and the Ecstasy of Arctic Lands

"The bergy bit looked like a piece of transparent amber—only the little flecks were air bubbles, not bugs. ‘The air in that bergy bit has been trapped since before the time of Christ,’ an expedition expert told us. As bergy bits melt, they make a snap, crackle and pop sound—just like the cereal. I watched helplessly as the melting bergy bit in my lap unleashed air from more than two millennia ago.” -Robin Wright on the chunk of ice that gave her new perspectives on the Arctic.

READ

Venezuela: Opposition Struggles in Face of Maduro Crackdown

In this edition of Wilson Center NOW, we highlight the latest from Venezuela in the aftermath of the disputed July 28th presidential election with Benjamin Gedan, Director of the Wilson Center’s Latin America Program. Gedan discusses the Maduro regime’s claims of victory, the government’s brutal crackdown on protesters, and the state of the opposition movement after presidential candidate Edmundo González fled into exile and with María Corina Machado in hiding within the country.

Venezuela: Opposition Struggles in Face of Maduro Crackdown

Upcoming Events

Latvia’s Frontline Perspective on Europe’s Eastern Flank: A Conversation with President Zatlers

Monday, September 23 // 10:00-11:00 am ET

Ukraine’s Energy Front: A Conversation with Volodymyr Kudrytskyi

Tuesday, September 24 // 10:00-11:00 am ET

How Can the Economic System Drive Decarbonization?

Wednesday, September 25 // 10:00-10:45 am ET

Supervising Democracy: Venezuela, Guatemala, and the State of Electoral Observation in the Americas

Thursday, September 26 // 2:00-3:30 pm ET

Wilson in the News

To Deliver for Mexico’s Women, Sheinbaum Must Overcome AMLO’s Legacy (World Politics Review)

“Now that preparations are underway for Sheinbaum’s Oct. 1 inauguration, the historic moment gives Mexico an opening to champion women’s rights and leadership, not just at home, but globally—and at a crucial time.” -Carin Zissis

Integrating AI Into Korea's Economy (The Korea Times)

“Declining birthrates have pushed Korean firms to integrate more industrial robots into production. Integrating AI with industrial robots could provide Korea with a way to develop high-value advanced AI, but also aid in improving the productivity of small and medium-sized firms.” -Troy Stangarone

Sri Lanka Gears Up for Pivotal Election (Foreign Policy)

Sri Lanka’s presidential election approaches with the economy as a focal point, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal steps down after being released from prison on bail, and US President Joe Biden will host this year’s Quad leaders’ summit in Delaware. Find out more in this week’s South Asia Brief with Michael Kugelman

Support the independent research and open dialogue that leads to policies for a more secure, equitable, and prosperous world.

One Woodrow Wilson Plaza
1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20004-3027

Phone: (202) 691-4000

Follow the Wilson Center

Was this email forwarded? Subscribe now

unsubscribe