April 11, 2018

 Weekly World News Update

National Security in the Digital Age; Chemical Attack in Syria; U.S. vs. China; Hungary Moves Far Right; 20th Anniversary of Good Friday Agreement

 Quote of the Week

 "[I]t’s clear now that we didn’t do enough to prevent these tools from being used for harm as

well. That goes for fake news, foreign interference in elections, and hate speech, as well as

developers and data privacy. We didn’t take a broad enough view of our responsibility, and that

was a big mistake."

-- Mark Zuckerberg, Chairman and CEO of Facebook, in testimony to the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce about Facebook's role and responsibility in democracy on Wednesday.

 Protecting National Security in the Digital Age

 "Facebook Makes the Snowden Affairs Look Quaint" Anne Applebaum -- The Washington Post, April 10, 2018

"Zuckerberg: Facebook Is in 'Arms Race' with Russia" Editorial Board -- BBC, April 11, 2018

"6 Facts About Fake News in the 2016 Election" Danielle Kurtzleben -- NPR, April 11, 2018

"Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg Testifies Before Congress. What Comes Next?" Nicol Turner-Lee -- Brookings Institution, April 10, 2018

"The Marine Corps Is Taking Cyber Warfare to the Front Lines" Eugene Chow -- The National Interest, April 7, 2018

 How to Respond to Another Chemical Attack in Syria?

 "America's Three Bad Options in Syria" Max Fisher -- The New York Times, April 10, 2018

"Macron Needs to Attack Syria" Benjamin Haddad -- Foreign Policy, April 9, 2018

"For Trump and Putin, Syria Is a Battle of Competing Realities" Masha Gessen -- The New Yorker, April 10, 2018

"What Does 'America First' Mean in Syria?" Jonathan Tobin -- National Review, April 10, 2018

"Syria: When and How Does This War End?" Anthony Cordesman -- Center for Strategic and International Studies, April 10, 2018 [Report]

 U.S. and China: On Trade and Other Fronts

 "Trump's Tariff Threats Are Working on China" Kenneth Rapoza -- Forbes, April 10, 2018

"Xi's Strong Hand Against Trump" Bill Emmott -- Project Syndicate, April 11, 2018

"Xi's Vow to Cut Auto Tariffs Is Less than Meets the Eye" Doug Palmer; Megan Cassella; Adam Behsudi -- Politico, April 10, 2018

"U.S. Warships Sail Through South China Sea Amid Escalating Tensions with Beijing" Samuel Osborne -- Independent, April 10, 2018

"Exposing China's Actions in the South China Sea" Ely Ratner -- Council on Foreign Relations, April 6, 2018

 Hungary Takes a Step to the Far Right

 "Hungary Embraces National Conservatism" John O'Sullivan -- National Review, April 9, 2018

"How Illiberal Leaders Attack Civil Society" Michael Abramowitz and Nate Schenkkan -- Foreign Affairs, April 6, 2018

"Viktor Orban's Survival Games" Balazs Jarabik -- Carnegie Europe, April 10, 2018

 The Good Friday Agreement: 20 Years Later

 "The Good Friday agreement in the Age of Brexit" Yasmeen Serhan -- The Atlantic, April 10, 2018

WACA Weekly

This Week: WAC Jacksonville Hosts Former Mexican President; Savannah Hosts Oman 2018; New Council Leaders

World Affairs Council of Jacksonville Hosts Former President of Mexico

World Affairs Council of Jacksonville will host Felipe Calderón, former President of Mexico (2006 to 2012), today, April 9, for "What Does Mexico Think?"

Calderón is one of Latin America's most distinguished leaders and is internationally recognized as a president who strengthened the rule of law and made possible the economic recovery of Mexico after the world economic crisis. During his term he implemented public policies that projected Mexico as a powerful player in the global economy. He was named "Statesman of the Year" by the World Economic Forum in 2012 and considered one of the 100 most influential people by Time magazine in 2010.

WAC New Hampshire's New Leader

Tim Horgan recently took the helm as World Affairs Council of New Hampshire's new Executive Director. Tim joined WAC New Hampshire in 2009 as an AmeriCorps member. Prior to his new position, he held the role of Associate Director, focusing on the International Visitor Leadership Program through the U.S. Department of State.

“While I will certainly miss my time spent with our amazing international guests I am excited for this new chapter in my career, as well as for the organization,” Tim stated. “I appreciate the Board placing their faith in me to steer the organization forward in this critical time for WAC New Hampshire and our nation.

Peoria Area World Affairs Council Welcomes Back Angela Weck as Executive Director

Angela Weck will be returning as Executive Director of the Peoria Area World Affairs Council this month, working with outgoing leader Kristin McHugh, to ensure a smooth transition.

Angela served in this same role from 2000-2015, and joined Peoria Area WAC as a member in 1991. She also teaches at Bradley University. Of her reappointment to this position Angela said, "I love what Peoria Area WAC and WACA do, so it was an honor to be selected again."

Cover to Cover: Pakistan Under Siege

Over the last fifteen years, Pakistan has come to be defined exclusively in terms of its struggle with terror. But are ordinary Pakistanis extremists? And what explains how Pakistanis think?

In Pakistan Under Siege, using rigorous analysis of survey data, in-depth interviews in schools and universities in Pakistan, historical narrative reporting, and her own intuitive understanding of the country, Madiha Afzal gives the full picture of Pakistan’s relationship with extremism. 

Join the April Cover to Cover conference call to discuss Afzal's new book, Pakistan Under Siege: Extremism, Society, and the State, on Wednesday, April 18, at 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

KNOW NOW: Preventing International Conflict

Violent conflict is a common thread that runs throughout history and across all cultures. It disrupts local, national, and international communities, and results in war, displacement, and death.

One strategy to address violent conflict is through a public health approach. The Violence Prevention and Restoration (PAR) Model, developed by the International Center for Compassionate Organizations (ICCO) explains how violence begins, spreads, and infects others like a thought-borne pathogen or virus. Understanding the origins of violence may help prevent it.

Join WAC Kentucky and Southern Indiana's Xiao Yin Zhao as she hosts Ari Cowan and Tony Belak, Director General and Associate Director of ICCO, to discuss how the proliferation of international conflict and violence can be prevented by utilizing the PAR Model on Tuesday, April 24, at 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

Academic WorldQuest 2018

The Carlos and Malú Alvarez 2018 Academic WorldQuest National Competition program will be held at The National Press Club in Washington, DC on April 27-28, at 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

This year's program will once again feature a welcome reception at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) on Friday, April 27, at 4:00-6:00 PM. Ambassador William Taylor, Executive Vice President of USIP, will give welcoming remarks.

For topics, study guide, and other information about this year's competition, please click here.

Please stay tuned for the competition agenda!

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

New Hampshire and San Antonio Councils Are Hiring!

World Affairs Council of New Hampshire is hiring an international visitor exchange program manager.

World Affairs Council of San Antonio is conducting a search for a new development director.

Weekly World News Update

U.S. Role in Syria; U.S.-China Trade War; Saudi Arabia Warms to Israel; U.S.-Russia Relations; Iran Nuclear Deal; Ethiopia's New PM

Quote of the Week

"If we withdrew our troops anytime soon, ISIS would come back, the war between Turkey and the Kurds would get out of hand, and you'd be giving Damascus to the Iranians without an American presence, and Russia and Iran would dominate Syria. It'd be the single worst decision the president could make."

-- Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) in an interview on Fox News Sunday.

Will the U.S. Pull Out of Syria?

"Why Leaving Syria Early Would Be a Disaster" Matthew Brodsky -- National Review, April 4, 2018

"As Trump Talks About Leaving Syria, His Top Commander in the Middle East Emphasizes the Need to Stay" Karen DeYoung and Missy Ryan -- The Washington Post, April 4, 2018

"Putin, Erdogan, and Rouhani To Discuss Syrian Crisis in Ankara" Umut Uras -- Al Jazeera, April 4, 2018

U.S. and China Go Tit for Tat on Trade

"When America Stands Up to China" Xie Tao -- The Diplomat, April 2, 2018

"The U.S. Wrote the Rules for Global Trade. Now China Is Using Them Against Trump" David Lynch -- The Washington Post, April 2, 2018

"China Cares a Whole Lot About Pigs in Iowa" Mara Hvistendahl -- The Atlantic, April 3, 2018

"Was Letting China Into the WTO a Mistake?" Philip Levy -- Foreign Affairs, April 2, 2018

Saudi Arabia Cozies to Israel

"An Emerging Arab-Israeli Thaw" James Robbins -- The National Interest, April 3, 2018

"Saudi Crown Prince: Israel Has a Right to Exist" Eric Levitz -- New York Magazine, April 3, 2018

"Does the Saudi Crown Prince's Rosy Rhetoric Indicate Real Change?" Zvi Bar'el -- Haaretz, April 4, 2018

Examining Western-Russian Relations

"When Diplomats and Spies Must Go" Daniel Fried -- Foreign Affairs, April 3, 2018

"Russia Short on Foreign Policy Options if Bet on Trump Fails" Andrew Osborn -- Reuters, April 4, 2018

"Russia's Digital Warfare Has Put Western Democracies in the Crosshairs" Lisa Shymko -- Maclean's, April 2, 2018

Future of the Iran Nuclear Deal

"The Deal that Curtails Iran's Nuclear Ambitions Seems Doomed" Editorial Board -- The Economist, March 28, 2018

"Trump's New National Security Team Likely Spells Disaster for the Iran Nuclear Deal" Suzanne Maloney -- Brookings Institution, April 2, 2018

"The Bolton Threat to the Iran Nuclear Deal" Ariane Tabatabai -- Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, March 29, 2018

Is Ethiopia Turning a New Page?

"Can Abiy Ahmed Save Ethiopia?" Nizar Manek -- Foreign Policy, April 4, 2018

Dear Council Leaders, Members, and Friends:

I am pleased to announce that Elizabeth Brailsford has joined the WACA National Office staff as Chief Operating Officer. Liz brings a wealth of management experience in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors.

Most recently, Liz served as a full-time consultant for Panagora, a DC-based implementing partner of USAID, and the USDA’s Food for Progress Program, responsible for communications at the former and research and analysis at the latter. Previously, she led the international department at Relocation Today in Minneapolis, where she headed operations, management, business development, and client relations of the department. She has also served on the boards of multiple Japan-related nonprofits, such as the Japan America Society of Minnesota and the Saint Paul-Nagasaki Sister City Committee. Liz began her career working several years in Japan for the JET Program. She holds an M.P.A. in global policy from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School (and serves on the School’s alumni association board), and a B.A. in media arts from the University of South Carolina.

Our COO search was highly competitive, as WACA’s job announcement in early January drew 140+ applications. This pool was narrowed twice and six candidates were invited to interviews. Liz is already getting settled in, and you may reach her by email at lbrailsford@worldaffairscouncils.org.

Liz will attend the Spring Leadership Meeting in San Antonio on May 17-18, which is followed by our semiannual Board meeting on May 19. I'm sure that you will enjoy meeting her in person.

Best regards,

President's Letter

Bill Clifford, President and CEO

Announcing WACA 2018 National Conference Closing Luncheon Keynote: Dambisa Moyo

WACA is pleased to announce that Dambisa Moyo will keynote the closing luncheon of the WACA 2018 National Conference, November 7-9, at The Mayflower Hotel.

Dambisa Moyo is a preeminent thinker who influences key decision makers in strategic investment and public policy. She is respected for her unique perspectives, her balance of contrarian thinking with measured judgment, and her ability to turn economic insight into investible ideas.

Moyo has earned a reputation as a top-tier opinion former and trusted advisor on macroeconomics, geopolitics, technology, and millennial themes. She is a Board member of Barclays Bank, Barrick Gold, and Chevron. Moyo holds a Doctorate in Economics from Oxford and master's from Harvard. She is recognized for fresh and innovative ideas as the author of three New York Times Bestselling Books and was named to the 2009 list of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World.

Watch Moyo's 2016 TED Talk on economic growth, and book your room at The Mayflower Hotel today!

April Cover to Cover: Pakistan Under Siege

Over the last fifteen years, Pakistan has come to be defined exclusively in terms of its struggle with terror. But are ordinary Pakistanis extremists? And what explains how Pakistanis think?

In Pakistan Under Siege, using rigorous analysis of survey data, in-depth interviews in schools and universities in Pakistan, historical narrative reporting, and her own intuitive understanding of the country, Madiha Afzal gives the full picture of Pakistan’s relationship with extremism. 

Join the April Cover to Cover conference call to discuss Afzal's new book, Pakistan Under Siege: Extremism, Society, and the State, on Wednesday, April 18, at 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

May 15

Ambassador Michael McFaul will discuss From Cold War to Hot Peace: An American Ambassador in Putin's Russia.

June 12

Rick Barton will discuss Peace Works: America's Unifying Role in a Turbulent World.

Spring Leadership Meeting Hotel Block Open!

WACA and the World Affairs Council of San Antonio have arranged a special group rate at the Hotel Valencia for the May 17-18 Council Leadership and May 19 Board Meetings.  

To take advantage of our hotel block at $169/night (plus tax), please book your room by April 25. Reservations can be made by following this link: WACA or by calling 855-596-3387 and referring to the World Affairs Councils of America group.

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

Last Call to Book Your AWQ Hotel Rooms!

Hotel Reservations:

To take advantage of our special hotel rate of $169/night plus tax, book your room now at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel (2660 Woodley Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008). These discounted rates will expire April 5!

The Carlos and Malú Alvarez 2018 Academic WorldQuest National Competition weekend program will be held in Washington, DC on April 27-28.

This year's program will once again feature a welcome reception at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) on Friday, April 27, at 4:00-6:00 PM.

For topics, study guide, and other information about this year's competition, please click here.

Please stay tuned for the competition venue and agenda!

Call for Applications:

SQCC Intensive Summer Language Program

The word Sabla in Omani Arabic dialect refers to places in communities where people gather to receive hospitality. Sabla also serves as a meeting place to discuss important public issues. 

The Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center's Sabla Program is an intensive summer language program designed to benefit current university-level students and recent graduates. The program emphasizes the instruction of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). The program runs for five weeks, offering highly intensive coursework in Arabic.

Scholarships are available. Apply by May 6, 2018.

Global I.Q. Minute

In this episode of World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth's Global I.Q. Minute, Adam Segal, Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and Director of its Digital and Cyberspace Policy Program, considers how the rise of digital technology - particularly the proliferation of the internet and social media - are not only transforming the way we get news, but rewiring our political system, national security, diplomatic relations, and much more.

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

World Order; Xi and Kim Meet; Trade War Looms; Expelling Russian Diplomats; Bolton Replaces McMaster; Egypt Votes; Trashed Oceans

Quote of the Week:

"[President Trump] is now set for war on 3 fronts: political vs. Bob Mueller, economic vs. China/others on trade, and actual vs. Iran and/or North  Korea. This is the most perilous moment in modern American history - and it has been largely brought about by ourselves, not by events."

-- Richard Haass, President of the Council on Foreign Relations, in a tweet on Friday. Listen to Haass discuss this topic on WACA's Cover to Cover podcast.

Is the Liberal World Order Over?

"Liberal World Order, R.I.P." Richard Haass -- Project Syndicate, March 21, 2018
"The Endless Hysteria About the Liberal World Order" Michael Brendan Dougherty -- National Review, March 27, 2018

"Russia-China: The New World Order" Editorial Board -- The Week, March 27, 2018  

Xi and Kim Meet in China

"The Real Reasons Behind Xi Jinping's Meeting with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un" Donald Kirk -- South China Morning Post, March 28, 2018

"Kim Jong Un Visits China" Editorial Board -- The Economist, March 28, 2018  

"Kim-Xi Meeting Presents a New Challenge for Trump on North Korea" Emily Rauhala and Anna Fifield -- The Washington Post, March 28, 2018

"When Xi Met Kim: How China and North Korea Depicted It" Javier Hernandez -- The New York Times, March 28, 2018

U.S.-China Trade War Looms

"How to Win a Trade War" Rachel Dottle; Oliver Roeder; Julia Wolfe -- FiveThirtyEight, March 28, 2018

"All of the Reasons Why Trump Can Win a Trade War with China" Alan Tonelson -- The National Interest, March 27, 2018

"Trump, Tariffs, and the Protectionist Temptation" Phil Gramm and Mike Solon -- The Wall Street Journal via American Enterprise Institute, March 23, 2018

"Finding the Right Off-Ramp from the Trade War" Claire Reade -- Center for Strategic and International Studies, March 27, 2018

Russian Diplomatic Exodus

"Putin Finally Went Too Far" Mark Galeotti -- The Atlantic, March 27, 2018
"What's Next for Russia's Relations with the West?" Jonathan Masters -- Council on Foreign Relations, March 27, 2018 

"Has a New Cold War Really Begun?" Odd Arne Westad -- Foreign Affairs, March 27, 2018 

The New U.S. National Security Adviser

"John Bolton Is a National Security Threat" Colin Kahl and Jon Wolfsthal -- Foreign Policy, March 23, 2018
"John Bolton Isn't Dangerous. The World Is" David French -- National Review, March 23, 2018 

"What Type of National Security Adviser Is John Bolton Likely to Be?" Michael O'Hanlon -- Brookings, March 27, 2018 

Egypt Goes to the Polls

"Egypt's Farcical Election and the Long Arab Winter" Ishaan Tharoor -- The Washington Post, March 28, 2018

"President Sisi Will Win Egypt's Election. But Here's Why We Should Be Worried" Alexia Underwood -- Vox, March 26, 2018  

"What to Know About Egypt's Presidential Election" Layla Quran and Larisa Epatko -- PBS NewsHour, March 27, 2018

We've Trashed Our Oceans

"Plastic Within the Great Pacific Garbage Patch Is 'Increasing Exponentially,' Scientists Find" Chris Mooney -- The Washington Post, March 22, 2018

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Cyberwar; Israel's 2007 Attack on Syrian Nuclear Site; U.S.-Saudi Relationship; Putin Reelected; China Shows Its Strength; Slovakia's Political Fallout; EU-Brexit Progress

Quote of the Week:

"An American president does not lead the Free World by congratulating dictators on winning sham elections. And by doing so with Vladimir Putin, President Trump insulted every Russian citizen who was denied the right to vote in a free and fair election."

-- Senator John McCain (R-AZ), in a tweet on Tuesday. 

Cyberwar: The New Frontier 

"Beware the Big Five" Tamsin Shaw -- New York Review of Books, March 21, 2018
"The Battle for Digital Supremacy" Editorial Board -- The Economist, March 15, 2018  

"It's Time to Regulate the Internet" Franklin Foer -- The Atlantic, March 21, 2018

Israel's 2007 Attack on Syrian Nuclear Site Revealed

"No Longer a Secret: How Israel Destroyed Syria's Nuclear Reactor" Amos Harel and Aluf Benn -- Haaretz, March 21, 2018  

"Inside Syria's Secret Raid on Syria's Nuclear Reactor" Yossi Melman and Dan Raviv -- Politico, March 20, 2018

Deciphering the U.S.-Saudi Relationship 

"Fresh Prince" F. Gregory Gause III -- Foreign Affairs, March 19, 2018

"The Passive Foreign Policy President" Daniel Benaim and Brian Katulis -- The New Republic, March 21, 2018

"Saudi Crown Prince's Washington Visit Is Overshadowed by the War in Yemen" Ishaan Tharoor -- The Washington Post, March 21, 2018

"America's Role in Yemen's Agony Can End on Capitol Hill" Editorial Board -- The New York Times, March 19, 2018

The Completely Unsurprising Reelection of Vladimir Putin 

"A Thing That Makes You Go Hmmm..." Jay Nordlinger -- National Review, March 21, 2018

"How Russia Meddled in Its Own Election" Alina Polyakova -- The Atlantic, March 18, 2018

"Putin's Past Explains Russia's Future" Gregory Feifer -- Foreign Affairs, March 16, 2018

"The Middle East Needs a Steady Boyfriend" Steven Cook -- Foreign Policy, March 16, 2018
"What 'DO NOT CONGRATULATE' Says About Trump - And the Peril of Meeting Kim Jong Un" Aaron Blake -- The Washington Post, March 21, 2018

China Flexes Its Muscles

"Why Xi Jinping's Term Limits Move Makes U.S.-China Conflict More Likely" Cary Huang -- South China Morning Post, March 18, 2018

"China: It's Good to Be the Emperor" Scott MacDonald -- The National Interest, March 20, 2018 

"Playing the Taiwan Card" Daniel Lynch -- Foreign Affairs, March 19, 2018 

Political Fallout in Slovakia

"Slovakia, Still the 'Black Hole' of Europe" Mikulas Dzurinda -- Politico Europe, March 16, 2018

"Young Slovaks Buck a Trend, Protesting to Save Their Democracy" Marc Santora -- The New York Times, March 17, 2018

"Slovakia Government's Collapse Not Enough to End Protests Over Journalist's Murder" Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson -- NPR, March 20, 2018

"Springtime for Autocrats" Henri Barkey -- The American Interest, March 19, 2018

EU Moves Forward on Brexit 

"Brexit Breakthrough Offers a Moment of Clarity" Dominic Green -- The Weekly Standard, March 21, 2018

"Full Speed Ahead to Brexit?" Bart Oosterveld; Jorn Fleck; Alvero Morales Salto-Weis -- Atlantic Council, March 19, 2018

"Keeping Europe Safe After Brexit" Susi Dennison -- European Council on Foreign Relations, March 20, 2018 [Policy Brief]

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Russian Spy Scandal; Rexiting the State Department; Russian Elections; U.S.-North Korea Talks; Merkel's New Government; Global Happiness

Quote of the Week:

"We're speaking with Theresa May today. As soon as we get the facts straight, if we agree with them, we will condemn Russia or whoever it may be."

-- President Donald Trump, in a meeting with the press on Tuesday, recorded by the New York Times. 

Russian Spy Scandal

"Theresa May: 'Highly Likely' Russia Responsible for Spy's Poisoning by Nerve Agent" William Booth -- The Washington Post, March 12, 2018

"Theresa May's Russia Response, Full Text" Editorial Board -- The Spectator, March 14, 2018

"Britain Accuses Russia of Poisoning - Trump Won't Agree" David Frum -- The Atlantic, March 12, 2018

"May Can't Rely on Trump and Europe Against Russia - And Putin Knows It" Simon Tisdall -- The Guardian, March 13, 2018

Rexit: New Leadership at the State Department

"The Foreign Capital Rex Tillerson Never Understood: Trump's Washington" Susan Glasser -- Politico, March 13, 2018

"Will Pompeo Turn the State Department Around?" Danielle Pletka -- The National Interest, March 13, 2018

"With Mike Pompeo at the State Department, Are the Uber-Hawks Winning?" Robin Wright -- The New Yorker, March 13, 2018

"How Mike Pompeo Could Save the State Department" Samantha Power -- The New York Times, March 13, 2018

"Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Is Fired" James Lindsay -- Council on Foreign Relations, March 13, 2018 [Podcast]

Russia Goes to the Polls

"The Banality of Russia's Potempkin Elections" Daniel Baer -- Foreign Policy, March 12, 2018

"How Putin's Regime Is Both Authoritarian and Incompetent" Daniel Treisman -- The Washington Post, March 14, 2018

"Russian Election: Choosing Between Vladimir Putin or Chaos?" Aaron Tilton -- Deutsche Welle, March 14, 2018

"Putin Has Russia Guessing Before Election: How Long Will He Keep Power?" Christian Lowe and Olesya Astakhova -- Reuters, March 13, 2018

Global Implications of U.S.-North Korea Talks

"What a U.S.-North Korea Summit Means for Japan" Sheila Smith -- Foreign Affairs, March 14, 2018

"What Does a Trump-Kim Meeting Mean for China?" Shannon Tiezzi -- The Diplomat, March 11, 2018

"The Man Behind the North Korea Negotiations" S. Nathan Park -- The Atlantic, March 12, 2018 

"The Inter-Korean Agreement and Pyongyang's Offer to Trump" Duyeon Kim -- Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, March 8, 2018

Merkel's New German Government

"Judge Angela Merkel's Fourth Term By What It Achieves on Europe" J.C. -- The Economist, March 14, 2018

"Angela Merkel Starts Fourth Term Facing Big Hurdles" Bojan Pancevski -- The Wall Street Journal, March 14, 2018

"As Merkel Begins New Term, Compromises Could Undo Economic Boom" Jack Ewing -- The New York Times, March 14, 2018 

How Happy Is Your Country?

"World Happiness Report 2018" John Helliwell; Richard Layard; Jeffrey Sachs -- United Nations, March 14, 2018 [Report]

"Perhaps Tired of Winning, the United States Falls in World Happiness Rankings - Again" Alex Horton -- The Washington Post, March 14, 2018