Good Evening,
It's Thursday, May 12th. |
Finland Closer to Joining NATO
Finland’s president and prime minister endorsed joining the alliance, another sign of how Russia’s invasion has strengthened NATO instead of weakening it. Moscow said it would “take necessary measures” to protect itself, as Vladimir Putin shows no sign of backing down in Ukraine, as the NYT reports.
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Circumventing Black Sea Blockade
A European Union official presented a proposal on Thursday to help Ukraine transport stockpiled grain intended for export, in an effort to circumvent a Black Sea blockade by the Russian navy that threatens to lead to global food shortages, as the WSJ reports.
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European Gas Prices Soar
Russia’s state-owned gas supplier has said it will cut shipments to Europe through a major pipeline, sending prices surging and reinforcing Vladimir Putin’s willingness to use energy as a weapon against the EU, as the FT reports.
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Executive Education
The CSIS Accelerator Series is a comprehensive training program for rising professionals who wish to develop their leadership, management, communication, and other professional skills to help advance their career. |
Video Shorts
Check out CSIS's YouTube Channel for the latest releases in our “Crisis Crossroads: Ukraine” video series. |
In That Number
1 Million
On May 11, 2022, the United States surpassed 1 million deaths attributed to Covid-19.
Source: Reuters
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Critical Quote
“Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay.”
— Finland’s prime minister Sanna Marin and president Sauli Niinisto |
iDeas Lab
 Russia's war in Ukraine has had devastating consequences for the country's civilian population. There is growing evidence that Russia's military operations have violated international law. In this video, CSIS's Marti Flacks discusses what international laws might apply in Ukraine, what evidence still needs to be examined, and how the international community could hold Russian officials accountable.
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: Alex Wong/Getty Images.) U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (L) welcomes King Abdullah II (R) of Jordan to the Pentagon during an honor cordon May 12, 2022 in Arlington, Virginia. |
Recommended Reading
"The Middle East’s Indifference to Ukraine Is a Warning" by CSIS's Jon B. Alterman, in Defense One. |
This Town Tomorrow
At 9:30 a.m., join the Wilson Center, U.S. Institute of Peace, and the Atlantic Council for a conversation with Colombian vice-presidential candidates to discuss policy plans and visions for Colombia's future.
And, at 10:45 a.m., Carnegie hosts a breakdown of the U.S.-ASEAN summit on Twitter Spaces. |
Video
Yesterday, CSIS hosted Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh for his first speech in the United States in the lead up to the U.S.-ASEAN Summit. |
Podcasts
In this episode of ChinaPower, CSIS's Jon B. Alterman joins the podcast to unpack the relationship between China and the Middle East.
Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.
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Smiles
The Red Hot Chili Peppers rocked out at Jazz Fest this year and folks are still raving about it. Here’s their full performance—video isn’t perfect, but the thing I love the most is watching the opening jam. Guitarist John Frusciante, in my view one of the all-time greats, plays some truly supernatural notes (even for Jazz Fest) in a jam with bassist Flea and drummer Chad Smith before singer Anthony Kiedis takes the stage.
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