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The Trilateral Bond: Mapping a New Era for Latin America, the United States, and Europe
Egypt's Litigious Transition: Judicial Intervention and the Muddied Road to Democracy
A New Deal: Reforming US Defense Cooperation with Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia
The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership: Ambitious but Achievable
Time to Move from Tactics to Strategy on Iran
Lowering the Price of Russian Gas: A Challenge for European Energy Security
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Council News
Mihaela Carstei on the US-Canada Keystone Pipeline Project (CTV)
On the heels of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s visit to the United States, Energy & Environment Program Associate Director Mihaela Carstei joins CTV to discuss the Keystone Pipeline project that would transport tar sands oil from Canada and the northern United States to refineries in the Gulf coast of Texas.
Frederic Hof on US Position in Syria Crisis (BBC World Service)
Hariri Middle East Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof speaks with the BBC’s Tim Franks about the cautious US position with respect to resolving the Syria crisis.
Shuja Nawaz Response to Pakistan Election Results (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty)
South Asia Center Director Shuja Nawaz joins a live Google Hangout organized by RFE/RL to discuss Pakistan’s historic elections.
Shuja Nawaz Speaks About Pakistan Elections (CCTV America)
South Asia Center Director Shuja Nawaz joins CCTV America to discuss Pakistan’s historic elections.
The Changing Significance of Geography: from Cyber Space to Outer Space, and the Spaces in Between
November 14, 2011
On Monday November 14th, the Atlantic Council’s Strategic Foresight Initiative and the US National Intelligence Council hosted an all-day roundtable workshop entitled “The Changing Significance of Geography: from Cyber Space to Outer Space, and the Spaces in Between”. With the objective to inform the upcoming Global Trends 2030 report, the workshop was devoted to collaboratively discussing new approaches to governance, groundbreaking technologies, and the security “maps” of the future.
Fred Kempe, president and CEO of the Atlantic Council, and Mat Burrows, counselor at the National Intelligence Council, opened the day with initial comments on the urgent need to understand the way in which new and emerging geographies will shape the international system moving forward.
The first part of the workshop focused on the evolving role of global governance and the impact of technology on the erosion of traditional borders. Presenters and commentators focused on the global diffusion of power the world of 2030 will witness, the rising importance of regional politics and expected growth of trading networks, and the undeniable significance of transnational corporations and mega cities as an integral component of the future development of nation-states. Also, an analysis of previous technological trends, such as the spread of cell phone technology and computer software, allowed for a rich discussion on the nascent role of robots and their potential to become ubiquitous in the coming decades. The ways in which past and present technological breakthroughs are redefining global economic models, national security priorities, and global communities, underscored the significance of digital geography.
The second half of the day focused on the new maps of security and potential points of future instability looking towards 2030. In this discussion, issues such as water and food crises, implications of South-South trade for the traditional West, finite energy resources, and urbanization trends were prioritized. Workshop participants acknowledged that a lack of preparedness in adapting to new and evolving geographies will pose the most serious challenge to governments in the near future, and that strategic partnerships amongst governments, public and private sector institutions, and companies will be required to successfully navigate through these new, changing realities.
Click here to download the agenda
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FEATURED EVENTS
15th Anniversary of PDD-63: History of Cyber Critical Infrastructure Protection
On May 22, the Atlantic Council's Cyber Statecraft Initiative will hold a discussion on the history of cyber critical infrastructure protection in recognition of the 15th anniversary of Presidential Decision Directive 63 (PDD-63).
Evolving US-European Security Cooperation with the Gulf States
On May 23, the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Peace and Security Initiative at the Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security is hosting a panel discussion on new developments in security cooperation among the United States, its European allies, and the Gulf states, and how they are likely to evolve in the coming years.
The Kaleidoscope Turns Again in a Crisis-Challenged Iran
On May 30, the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center will release a new issue brief, The Kaleidoscope Turns Again in a Crisis-Challenged Iran, a discussion of Iran’s upcoming presidential elections.
2013 Wroclaw Global Forum
From June 13-14, the 2013 Wrocław Global Forum will bring together over 350 top policy-makers and business leaders to explore the region’s impact as an actor in Europe, as well as its crucial role in the transatlantic partnership and on the global stage.
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