Desi Indrimayutri & Tina Jamaluddin discuss why the ASEAN region is important to the private sector and U.S. investment success stories. Desi Indrimayutri is the US-ASEAN Business Council’s managing representative in Indonesia and its senior liaison with the Indonesian Government, the ASEAN Secretariat, the U.S. diplomatic presence in Indonesia and other key high-level stakeholders. The […]

What are the main non-traditional security issues facing Southeast Asia today, and how can the US play a constructive role in helping countries in this region deal with these issues? Analyst Courtney Weatherby explains. Courtney Weatherby is a research analyst with the Southeast Asia and the Energy, Water, & Sustainability programs at the Stimson Center. […]

What is the nature of China’s engagement in Southeast Asia? Is there a willingness on behalf of China to cooperate with the US on certain areas and issues? Christine Susana Tjhin explains further. Christine Susanna Tjhin is senior researcher at the Department of International Relations, Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Indonesia. She is also […]

Jeannie Sowers, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of New Hampshire, discusses some of the obstacles to food security in the Middle East & North Africa, particularly the challenge of the inclusion of rural populations in food security strategies. She further highlights good examples from the region.

Martin Keulertz, Assistant Professor at the American University of Beirut, discusses the challenges the MENA region faces in achieving food security and discusses possible ways to address those challenges. Most importantly, the outlook can be optimistic with attention to key issues and the development of new strategies.

Ismahane Elouafi, Director General of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture, discusses the innovation solutions that could be applied to improving food security in the Middle East & North Africa. She focuses on deploying small scale technological innovations, the importance of learning from older techniques, and the utilization of local, native crop varieties.

Charlotte Karam, Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior and Associate Dean of Programs, Olayan School of Business at the American University of Beirut discusses the strategies used to bring together business stakeholders for the promotion of peace. For example, in some areas, businesses are starting to look beyond traditional customer relationships and are engaging other groups […]

Donata Garrasi, Managing Partner for Europe Conflict and Security (ECAS) Consulting outlines what needs to happen for business to invest in conflict and post-conflict areas. She notes the importance of having available, transparent information as well as mechanisms to allow investors to enter and for businesses to mitigate risk. She highlights examples of how this […]

Robert E. McNulty Co-Chair of PRME Business for Peace Working Group and Program Director of the Hoffman Center for Business Ethics at Bentley University discusses the potential of private enterprise in improving social issues and contributing to peace. He highlights how businesses can be engines of social transformation and outlines several social needs requiring response. […]

Independent researcher and consultant Catherine Long discusses the various models of engagement that recent U.S. administrations have pursued in relations with the Greater Horn of Africa. For example, she discusses the transition from U.S. aid having good governance conditionality to inclusion of trade goals to newer programs focused on specific health and infrastructure projects.