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Russian Actions
Undermine Western Confidence
Jim Townsend, the Atlantic Council’s vice president for international security, told a C-SPAN audience that, "The Russian reaction to what happened in Georgia ... harkened back to a Russia of old" and undermined Western confidence in Russia as a partner. It is a "time of great challenge" for NATO, the EU, and other international institutions to find appropriate response to this "complex situation." Ultimately, "we need Russia to act like a mature partner."
[watch video]
Atlantic Council Media Advisory on Georgia
Restoring Georgia's Sovereignty in Abkhazia
At the release of the Atlantic Council’s latest report “Restoring Georgia’s Sovereignty in Abkhazia,” David L. Phillips, the report’s author and a senior fellow of the Council, made clear that “the status quo in Abkhazia is dangerous and extremely volatile.” According to Phillips, “the issue of Abkhazia should be of first-order significance” for the transatlantic community because what happens in Georgia has implications for Western security interests and relations with Russia.
As Frederick Kempe, president and CEO of the Atlantic Council highlighted, this report is part of an ongoing effort at the Council to think about ways in which the transatlantic community can grow closer to Russia and engage it as a constructive partner and player. Kempe noted that the report “takes in all sides of the issue,” and reflects consultations Phillips had not only with Georgian leaders and experts, but also Russian experts and the Abkhaz leadership.
[read more]
[report]
[press release]
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Georgia Crisis about First Principles |
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An all star panel of Georgian and American diplomatic thinkers agreed that resolving the conflict between Russia and Georgia is ultimately not about the fate of tiny Georgia but rather whether the West will demand adherence to its basic values: International borders are sacrosanct, especially in Europe; countries have a right to choose their own leaders; and any European democracy who meets NATO’s standards should be allowed to join the Alliance. |
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Georgia Chooses Values Over Geography
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Making the case for NATO membership, Georgian President Mikheil
Saakashvili argued that his country has moved from a “failed state” into a thriving democracy and one of the fastest growing economies in Europe. NATO is a “values based alliance” and Georgia has proven by deeds that it shares those values. While many contend Georgia should choose a middle way between Russia and the West, Saakaskvili declared there is “no middle ground between evil and good.”
[read more]
US-Pakistan Need ‘Strategic Partnership'
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While our two countries have been allies since the 1950s, neither side has viewed the relationship strategically, Husain Haqqani, Pakistan’s new Ambassador to the United States, told the Atlantic Council. Instead, the relationship has been viewed through the lens of other issues. This legacy must change in order to solve the complex issues facing our countries.”
[read more]
[transcript]
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Restoring Georgia's Sovereignty in Abkhazia
Enhancing Democracy Assistance 
Saving Afghanistan: An Appeal and Plan for Urgent Action
Cyber
Attack: A Risk Management Primer for CEOs and Directors
