News + Media

	In the News March 8, 2021 What's really driving China's strategic objectives? Michael GreenReal Vision Taylor Fravel sits down with his long-time friend Mike Green of Logica Capital Advisors to discuss a multitude of factors affecting China’s strategic objectives. They The focus of the interview is on geography and how China’s large number of land borders and their perception of being blocked off from the Pacific Ocean by USmilitary presence in South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines makes the “first island chain” a potential flashpoint for conflict.
	In the News March 6, 2021 The Fukushima disaster was not the turning point many had hoped The Economist Richard Samuels quoted: “There’s been some change, but nothing at the pace commensurate with the promise,” argues Richard Samuels, author of “3.11: Disaster and Change in Japan”.
	Analysis + Opinion March 3, 2021 China and India are pulling back from the brink. They’ve created a buffer zone and started talks. M Taylor FravelThe Washington Post The disengagement may be a sign of easing tensions along part of the India-China border dispute known as the western sector. Also called Ladakh or Aksai Chin, this area comprises roughly 12,7000 square miles (excluding areas of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir that India also claims as part of this sector). In multiple areas, China and India hold conflicting views of where the Line of Actual Control (LAC) lies, which creates numerous smaller disputes within the larger territorial conflict.
	In the News March 3, 2021 MIT and Danish university students unite to envision a more sustainable future MISTI Climate action is among the top priorities for the Institute and one that demands global solutions. With Denmark’s reputation as a leader in sustainable thinking, finding a way to bring the two together presented a natural synergy for the MIT-Denmark program...The Green Campus Challenge was launched with these goals in mind, tasking student teams to develop proposals to make a more sustainable campus and also broaden their cross-cultural competencies and learn about how sustainability is perceived in another culture.
	News@E40 February 26, 2021 Claude Grunitzky launches TRUE Africa University at MIT with a webinar series The weekly webinars, co-sponsored by CIS, creatively explore sustainable development in Africa with luminaries such as Taiye Selasi, the Ghanaian-Nigerian author; Jeffrey Sachs, the American economist; and Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, the Nigerian serial entrepreneur behind some of Africa’s most valuable startups. Visit the Center's MIT X TAU website to learn more or visit the March 4 launch event page here.
	In the News February 26, 2021 US launches airstrikes against Iranian-backed militias in Syria Peter O'DowdWBUR Here & Now The Pentagon says the strikes in Syria targeted Iranian-backed militia groups in response to a rocket attack at a US base in Iraq last week. Host Peter O'Dowd gets the latest on the strikes, which mark the first military offensive of Biden's presidency, from security analyst Jim Walsh.
	Analysis + Opinion February 25, 2021 A liberal case for seapower? Jonathan Caverley and Sara McLaughlin MitchellWar on the Rocks The Biden administration should not confuse Trump’s enthusiasm for ships with a coherent vision of the naval forces’ role in his “America First” approach to the world. Jon Caverley and Sara McLaughlin Mitchell weigh in with their thoughts on maritime strategy.
	Analysis + Opinion February 23, 2021 Don't knock yourself out: How America can turn the tables on China by giving up the fight for command of the seas Paul van HooftWar on the Rocks The United States should give up its quest for command of the maritime commons in the Western Pacific. In this piece, Paul van Hooft argues that the United States should not trap itself by framing the rise of China as an existential struggle between two titans that depends on the United States retaining command of the Western Pacific.
	Analysis + Opinion February 22, 2021 Sole purpose is not no first use: Nuclear weapons and declaratory policy Ankit Panda and Vipin NarangWar on the Rocks Ankit Panda and Vipin Narang exaimine the debate on the US nuclear policy and the “no first use” pledge. This essay was first published in War on the Rocks here.
	In the News February 19, 2021 Biden moves to restart Iran nuclear talks Peter O'DowdWBUR Here & Now The Biden administration says the US would be willing to attend a meeting with European partners and Iran to “discuss a diplomatic way forward on Iran's nuclear program.” Jim Walsh explains and weighs in on this first real sign of rejoining the Iran nuclear deal.