Moderna/NIH Vaccine Trials Launched

A vaccine developed by the biotechnology company Moderna in collaboration with NIH today officially launched U.S. clinical trials that will test experimental vaccines in 30,000 participants, half receiving the shot and half receiving a placebo, as the Washington Post reports.

China Takes U.S. Embassy in Chengdu

China took over the premises of the U.S. consulate in the southwestern city of Chengdu on Monday, after ordering the facility to be vacated in retaliation for China’s ouster last week from its consulate in Houston, as Reuters reports.

Israel and Hezbollah Exchange Fire

Israel’s military said Monday its forces and Hezbollah exchanged fire on Israel’s border with Lebanon, ratcheting up tensions as Israel presses a campaign to rout the influence of Iran and its allies on its frontiers, as the WSJ reports.

CSIS Executive Education

Rolling applications are still open for the CSIS and Syracuse University’s joint Executive Master’s in International Relations, a first-of-its-kind degree allowing working professionals in the nation’s capital to benefit from the strengths of the #1 graduate school in public affairs and the #1 think tank in the United States.

Video Shorts

Check out CSIS’s new series of video shorts: “Testify,” "What's Happening," "Preview," and “High Resolution.” And don’t forget to subscribe to the CSIS YouTube Channel!

In That Number

14

At least 14 members of Miami Marlins baseball team—12 players and two coaches—have tested positive for Covid-19.

Source: ESPN

Critical Quote

“There is no risk of exposure to the president or the vice president. The work of the National Security Council continues uninterrupted.”

—White House statement on National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien’s positive Covid-19 test

iDeas Lab

Climate change has dried critical river channels in Kenya. In the first chapter of a three-part documentary series, the CSIS Global Food Security Program highlights the creation of sand dams as a tool to regenerate the environment and protect agriculture.

The Andreas C. Dracopoulos iDeas Lab at CSIS enhances our research with the latest in cutting-edge web technologies, design, and multimedia.

Optics

(Photo credit: Matt McClain-Pool/Getty Images.) John-Miles Lewis touches the casket during a memorial service for his father, former Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC.

This Town Tomorrow

At 10:00 a.m., join CSIS to discuss the current conflict in northern Mozambique, implications for regional security, and steps the international community can take to respond to the humanitarian needs.

Also, at 10:00 a.m., CSIS is hosting the fourth session in the Climate Solutions Series that will explore challenges and opportunities to decarbonizing the industrial sector.

Then, at 11:00 a.m ., the Aerospace Security Project at CSIS is convening a panel of industry experts to discuss U.S. economic and military leadership in space.

Video

CSIS's Steve Morrison on Friday sat down with Dr. Anthony Fauci, who shared recommendations for safely reopening businesses, schools, and sporting events. Watch the full video of their conversation here.

Podcasts

This week's episode of "The Asia Chessboard" analyzes Chinese and Russian influence activities in Europe and Asia that attempt to separate the U.S. from its closest allies.

Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

Smiles

If you haven’t seen my colleague J. Stephen Morrison’s interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci from last Friday, I strongly recommend it—here’s the link.

CSIS and Steve in particular has worked with Tony Fauci for decades on AIDS policy and other global health issues. One of the great joys of working at CSIS with my dear friend and colleague Steve Morrison to have the opportunity to engage with Dr. Fauci. Last Friday was no different.

Before Steve and Tony went live, the three of us were “backstage” on Zoom together. I laughed when Tony noticed all of the rock and roll memorabilia hanging on the walls in my home office which served as the backdrop of my Zoom.

“You look like you’re at home, Andrew,” Tony said with a chuckle.

“Tony, I’m doing exactly like you said following orders and social distancing.”

Tony cracked a big smile and as only he could, told me to carry on.

I know of no more noble public servant than Tony Fauci. This smile goes out to him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvzBSVZvM8c.

I invite you to email me at [email protected] and follow me on Twitter @handrewschwartz

The Evening is my daily guide to key insights CSIS brings to the events of the day. It is composed with the External Relations team: Emma Colbran, Caleb Diamond, and Kendal Gee.