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January 17, 2025

Wilson Weekly

Rays of Optimism | Bright Spots in Foreign Policy

“Much of the public’s attention is focused on some of the daunting challenges we face on the world stage. But there are also many reasons to be hopeful—and optimistic,” writes Wilson Center President & CEO Ambassador Mark A. Green in his introduction to our new publication where leaders from across the Wilson Center’s programs and initiatives offer just a few of the many reasons we see to be hopeful for 2025 and beyond.

READ NOW

Need to Know

Resetting US Strategy in the Indo-Pacific

In this episode, Need to Know host John Milewski explores America’s evolving role in the Indo-Pacific with Shihoko Goto, Director of the Wilson Center's Indo-Pacific program. Topics include US alliances, China’s growing influence, and strategies for the new administration to strengthen regional partnerships.

LISTEN

Enheduanna

Conflict in Sudan: Widespread Sexual Violence

“I visited the city last year after two major massacres and found out that almost all the of women of a single neighborhood were raped by the Arab militias allied with the RSF. Some Arab women were also raped for marrying non-Arab men. Some women shared their stories with me, but many were unable to speak about their trauma.” - Zeinab Mohammed Salih

READ

New Series

Empty Nets: Big Changes in a Great American Fishery

The Wilson Center’s Polar Institute has launched a special series of videos and blogs focused on the crisis in Alaska’s fisheries. They provide livelihoods for thousands of Alaskans, supply a significant portion of the world’s seafood, and play a vital role in the state's economy and many communities’ cultural heritage; however, the scale of change is wracking communities, industries, and management bodies. Explore the future of Alaska’s fisheries with insights and experiences from scientists, managers, fishers, and community members.

EXPLORE NOW

Timeline

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Timeline: 50th Anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act

On August 1, 1975, the Helsinki Final Act was signed by 35 countries, creating a framework for the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, which led to the formation of the OSCE. The Cold War-era agreement focused on political/military, economic, and human security, and helped to reduce tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. The Wilson Center's Global Europe Program created a timeline of key events, highlighting the enduring nature of the OSCE's role in managing international tensions for half a century.

EXPLORE

Smart Take

Political Turmoil in South Korea: President Yoon Taken into Custody

“Investigators now have 48 hours to determine whether to release President Yoon or request an official arrest warrant. If they do arrest President Yoon, we’ll likely see an investigation and trial going forward.” -Troy Stangarone

WATCH

Announcing National Cold War Center Partnership

This month, the Wilson Center's History & Public Policy Program officially launches a partnership with the National Cold War Center in Blytheville, AR. Together they will develop a world-class interactive museum and educational experience to be located on the site of a former Strategic Air Command Ready Alert facility and is envisioned to open in a few years as the national museum of the Cold War.

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US-Mexico Policy: Recommendations for the Incoming Administration 

In this edition of Wilson Center NOW, Lila Abed, director of the Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute, highlights a new publication titled, “The Next President of the United States: Challenges and Recommendations for the US-Mexico Relationship.” The comprehensive booklet is, “a practical roadmap for the incoming administration and offers actionable recommendations across six priority areas: migration, security, USMCA, energy, water, and democracy.”

US-Mexico Policy: Recommendations for the Incoming Administration

Upcoming Event

Strategic Competition in the Second Trump Administration

Wednesday, Jan 22 // 9:30 am–11:00 am (ET)

What’s Next for US-China Climate Relations

Thursday, Jan. 23 // 10–11:15 am (ET)

25 Years of Women, Peace, and Security in the Middle East

Tuesday, Jan. 28 // 10–11:00 am (ET)

Wilson in the News

Israel-Hamas Agree to Ceasefire Deal to Pause War in Gaza and Return Hostages (Scripps)

"What is needed in the next few weeks is to ensure this deal holds to give much-needed respite to Palestinians who have lived horrific humanitarian conditions in the strip and to ensure all Israeli hostages are returned and the conflict comes to an end. This is a much-needed opening towards a long and arduous road to recovery, rehabilitation, rebuilding and hopefully peaceful reconciliation." -Merissa Khurma

What’s the Deal with Donald Trump and Greenland? (Diane Rehm)

“Greenland in many ways is the Arctic gateway to America,” says Sherri Goodman. “Strategically from our national security standpoint, it’s important that Greenland is part of our ally community.”

Why The US Needs USMCA More Than Ever (Americas Quarterly)

“While the Trump administration may be tempted to link non-trade issues, such as migration, drug trafficking, and security, with USMCA’s review, these challenges are better addressed independently.” -Diego Marroquín Bitar and Antonion Ortiz-Mena

Israel-Hamas Deal on Verge of Being Finalized (BBC)

“The Israelis have achieved all that they can do militarily. Now it is time for the people of Gaza to seek peace and the hostages to come home.” -Ambassador James Jeffrey

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