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Dr Alina Polyakova

@apolyakova.bsky.social
2.7K followers 236 following 103 posts

President & CEO @cepa.org; Prof Johns Hopkins SAIS; former Brookings Institution; Berkeley PhD, Russia, Europe, democracy, tech policy. Views my own. Media requests: press@cepa.org

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Reposted by Dr Alina Polyakova
Center for European Policy Analysis @cepa.org · 27/06/2025
NATO's evolution is crucial to discuss in the changing nature of global threats today. @apolyakova.bsky.social testifies in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on US-Europe security cooperation ahead of the 2025 NATO Summit. cepa.org/article/nato...
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Reposted by Dr Alina Polyakova
Center for European Policy Analysis @cepa.org · 24/06/2025
CEPA is at the #NATOSummit2025! CEPA experts, including Jason Israel, are attending the NATO Summit to participate in critical discussions on global security and transatlantic cooperation.
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Reposted by Dr Alina Polyakova
Center for European Policy Analysis @cepa.org · 18/06/2025
"This is a historic opportunity for the US to show why it is the indispensable NATO ally as European members commit to doing more, the US shouldn’t do less." @apolyakova.bsky.social
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Reposted by Dr Alina Polyakova
Center for European Policy Analysis @cepa.org · 18/06/2025
NATO's evolution is crucial to discuss in the changing nature of global threats today. @apolyakova.bsky.social testifies in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on US-Europe security cooperation ahead of the 2025 NATO Summit.
foreign.senate.gov
NATO SUMMIT 2025: AN ASSESSMENT OF TRANSATLANTIC SECURITY COOPERATION | United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
Full Committee Hearing on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING BUSINESS MEETING
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Reposted by Dr Alina Polyakova
Center for European Policy Analysis @cepa.org · 11/05/2025
“Taken together, these remarks and actions from the US should give the Europeans and Ukrainians reasons for optimism. And perhaps more importantly, an opportunity to learn a few important lessons.” @apolyakova.bsky.social
buff.ly
US Offers Europe a Warmer Embrace
United States Vice President J.D. Vance's reassurance of strong US-Europe ties signals a shift in US policy on Russia.
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Reposted by Dr Alina Polyakova
Center for European Policy Analysis @cepa.org · 23/05/2025
Improving connectivity and boosting economic development around NATO’s Eastern Flank is imperative to long-term security guarantees. Ambassador Georgette Mosbacher and @apolyakova.bsky.social discuss how the Three Seas Initiative will make this a reality. cepa.org/podcast/amb-...
cepa.org
Amb. Georgette Mosbacher on NATO’s Eastern Flank
Ambassador Georgette Mosbacher joins CEPA to discuss Poland, NATO, and the transatlantic alliance amid rising geopolitical threats.
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Reposted by Dr Alina Polyakova
Center for European Policy Analysis @cepa.org · 23/05/2025
The transatlantic alliance must strengthen cooperation in the face of rising authoritarianism. @apolyakova.bsky.social & Ambassador Mark Gitenstein explore Romania’s role in NATO and EU-US relations. cepa.org/podcast/amb-...
cepa.org
Amb. Mark Gitenstein & EU-US Ties
Ambassador Mark Gitenstein joins Alina Polyakova on CEPA’s new podcast to discuss the importance of EU-US ties.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
I am delighted to announce The @cepa.org Podcast is live! Episodes feature strong transatlantic voices such as former Ambassadors Georgette Mosbacher & Mark Gitenstein, and MSC Vice-Chair Franke Benedikt. Tune in now!
cepa.org
Podcasts
Tune into podcasts from the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) featuring unique guests and dynamic discussions.
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Reposted by Dr Alina Polyakova
Center for European Policy Analysis @cepa.org · 24/04/2025
“Without any real pressure, the Russians are not budging and playing for time, and they are getting what they want: a US that is so frustrated with the negotiations that they seem to just want Ukraine to say yes to accepting Russia’s maximalist demands.” @apolyakova.bsky.social
buff.ly
Trump Blames Zelensky as Ukraine Peace Talks Stumble
After the Ukrainian leader criticized President Trump’s proposed peace plan, U.S. officials again threatened to walk away from negotiations.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
As SecDef said, Europe needs to lead in securing Ukraine with a deterrence force to enforce any negotiation, but sans a US backstop, deterrence will fail as it did in 2022. @cepa.org's peace plan lays out the steps needed for sustainable, not temporary, peace.
cepa.org
How to Win: A Seven-Point Plan for Sustainable Peace in Ukraine
CEPA's International Leadership Council outlines seven priorities for US and EU policymakers to achieve sustainable peace in Ukraine.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
As discussions at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) kick off this week, @cepa.org high-level advisory group co-chaired by Gen. H.R. McMaster and Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer advances a 7 point peace plan for Ukraine.
cepa.org
How to Win: A Seven-Point Plan for Sustainable Peace in Ukraine
CEPA's International Leadership Council outlines seven priorities for US and EU policymakers to achieve sustainable peace in Ukraine.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
It’s good to see Europe ramping up on defense with a focus on the Arctic, a region of increasing contention.
euronews.com
Denmark to spend €2bn on Arctic security as Trump threatens Greenland
Copenhagen is boosting its military spending and holding talks with European allies as Trump ramps up his expansionist rhetoric. #EuropeNews
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Reposted by Dr Alina Polyakova
Center for European Policy Analysis @cepa.org · 23/01/2025
"We need more leverage to force the Russians to the negotiating table, but that really starts with providing more weapons to Ukraine...to make this war even more unsustainable for the Russians," @apolyakova.bsky.social goes on The World to discuss what's needed to end the war in Ukraine.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Glad to see POTUS take up a maximum pressure strategy to compel Russia to the negotiating table - a position of strength is the only way to get to sustainable peace.
ft.com
Trump tells Putin to reach Ukraine ‘deal’ soon or US will increase sanctions
US president says Washington could impose more trade restrictions on Moscow
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 17/01/2025
Russia is executing a shadow war against NATO, and Europe, in particular, does not have the tools to deter this hybrid aggression.
politico.eu
Europe is under attack from Russia. Why isn’t it fighting back?
Western countries have shied away from reacting to Kremlin acts of sabotage and terror.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 16/01/2025
NATO launched a Baltic patrol mission - glad to see the Alliance take up a core recommendation from @cepa.org 2023 study that called on the alliance do just that. Baltic Sea security is core to NATO’s ability to defend and deter Russia.
defensenews.com
NATO launches Baltic patrol mission, eyes standard for detaining ships
The operation, dubbed “Baltic Sentry,” will dispatch national contributions as well as joint assets to the strategically located body of water.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 14/01/2025
Thank you to @kajakallas.bsky.social for her sharp vision and clarity - Europe's future and that of the US alliance structure rests on ensuring a sustainable peace in Ukraine.
politico.eu
EU ready to take lead on Ukraine if US no longer willing, says Kallas
Kaja Kallas said she hoped the United States would continue backing Kyiv.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
I highly recommend listening to Gabrielius Landsbergis, CEPA's 2024 Transatlantic Leadership Award winner, & H.R. McMaster, Co-chair of CEPA’s International Leadership Council, discuss the future of Europe, the threat of authoritarianism, and support for Ukraine.
hoover.org
Lithuania: A Baltic Perspective On European Security
In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Gabrielius Landsbergis discuss the Baltic nation of Lithuania.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
Not helpful for core US allies to talk about "shameful” dependencies on the US tech during a time when the US & Europe have to work more closely than ever to outcompete China — working with US tech companies is an asset for Europe that can’t compete alone.
euronews.com
EU must not be 'weak and defeatist' to gain Trump's respect: Macron
The European Union came out of the first Trump presidency stronger and must continue to become more independent, the French president told his top diplomats. #EuropeNews
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 08/01/2025
US allies are key to combating the China challenge, especially on AI. Good read from @mattheweitel.bsky.social on why the Biden admin’s final export controls “Framework” risks unintended consequences for US diplomacy and industry.
cepa.org
Biden’s Final Global Chip Controls Target China — and Allies
President Biden’s team is racing to kneecap China’s AI industry. But its final chip control gambit risks doing the opposite.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
While other NATO allies are investing in defense and security, Britain is falling behind. @edwardlucas.bsky.social highlights the British goal for the Eastern front to block any attacks from Russia, but the UK must stand firm against Europe’s aggressor.
cepa.org
The Weakest Link: Britain
While Europe needs a security anchor, London squirms. British politicians and generals love talking about their country’s leadership in Europe
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 30/12/2024
Another highlight: as the new Commission was appointed in Brussels CEPA’s 8 priorities for Europe present an ambitious agenda, but European leaders will have to first invest in its own defense and security. They are the following:
buff.ly
Europe 2029: Eight Policy Priorities for the New European Commission
Europe will need to navigate a complex set of tasks all while pursuing difficult but necessary internal political and fiscal reforms.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 29/12/2024
Reflecting on 2024's highlights, as Sweden joined NATO, CEPA continued to focus on the security concerns on the High North and Nordic Baltic, releasing a key report of recommendations on the implications of security threats in the Arctic for NATO.
buff.ly
Up North: Confronting Arctic Insecurity Implications for the United States and NATO
Geopolitics and strategic competition mean the Arctic security landscape is changing fast. The US and NATO must deter Russian aggression.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 28/12/2024
In 2024, CEPA has been at the forefront of transatlantic tech policy – tech innovation is integral to the future of Europe, led by the D9+. Digital solidarity, rather than digital sovereignty, is the way forward to compete on tech with China.
buff.ly
Boosting Europe’s Digital Leaders: A New Momentum for the D9+
The D9+ should become a positive messenger for an open digital economy, pushing Europe to meet its ambitious goals for the Digital Decade.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 27/12/2024
Reflecting on 2024, this moment when CEPA created a tech agenda for the European Commission was a real highlight.
cepa.org
A European Tech Agenda 2.0
How Europe Can Harness Tech Innovation to Compete on the World Stage. Seven Key Policy Recommendations for the new European Commission.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 27/12/2024
Reflecting on 2024, this highlight comes to mind. CEPA's Freedom Fighter awardee Vladimir Kara-Murza had just been released from his unjust political imprisonment in Russia. He called upon us all to join his fight for freedom against Putin's regime.
buff.ly
Kara-Murza: Remember Russia is More than the Kremlin
Following his release, Vladimir Kara-Murza has called on others to join his fight for the freedom of Russia's other political prisoners.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 26/12/2024
Reflecting on 2024, CEPA honored Olena Zelenska with the 2024 Humanitarian Impact Award, which she accepted on behalf of “all the people of Ukraine who are fighting against the invader.” The fight for freedom in Ukraine is a fight for all.
buff.ly
Ukraine’s First Lady: Every Ukraine-Backer Is an Ambassador
Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine, called on people around the world to speak up about the Russian atrocities in her country.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 23/12/2024
2024 has been an incredible year for CEPA. I’m so proud to work with such driven young people everyday as we look to our 20th anniversary in 2025.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
Sec Gen is right: NATO should focus on making sure that Ukraine gets to a position of strength, and signaling to Moscow that Europe is willing to send personnel to enforce any line of contact should be a part of that message.
nytimes.com
Zelensky to Meet With E.U. Leaders to Discuss Ukraine’s Future
As Donald J. Trump prepares to take office in the United States, President Volodymyr Zelensky attended a meeting hosted by the NATO chief to plot the path forward in the war with Russia.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 18/12/2024
NATO must stand strong against Russian & Chinese “gray zone” attacks. Estonia has stood its ground against Russia’s acts of aggression by utilizing its security police to monitor actions, and more countries should follow suit. Great read from Edward Lucas.
cepa.org
Vortex: Stand-Off at Sea
The ship Yi Peng 3 is detained by Denmark after severing underwater data cables. Russia, China, and the West are at odds over what is next.
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Reposted by Dr Alina Polyakova
Center for European Policy Analysis @cepa.org · 13/12/2024
This account @apolyakova1.bsky.social is trying to impersonate our CEO. However, they forgot to block us... Please report and block this account.
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Reposted by Dr Alina Polyakova
Alexandre Alaphilippe @aa.disinfo.eu · 13/12/2024
Impersonation : Please note that @apolyakova1.bsky.social is an impersonation. Legitimate account is @apolyakova.bsky.social Poke @safety.bsky.app
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
Please report this fraudulent account impersonating me. The fake account handle is @apolyakova1.bsky.social
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 12/12/2024
Great news from Romania where the new government will be decidedly pro-Western.
apnews.com
Romania's pro-Western parties agree to form a majority government after political turmoil
Romania’s pro-European parties agreed to form a majority government made up of groupings that were traditionally on opposite sides and shutting out far-right nationalists who made significant gains in...
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
Fear can maintain a facade of stability, but when that fear dissipates, change is inevitable. As @edwardlucas.bsky.social rightly points out, "the unspoken implication" of the fall of the Assad regime "is that Vladimir Putin’s rule in Russia may be just as brittle."
cepa.org
End Game: Putin and Assad
The Bashar Al-Assad's Syrian regime fell fast after lightning offensive and the withdrawal of Putin's Russian forces. Surprised? Don’t be.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
Thank you to @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social and Weiser Center for Europe & Eurasia for hosting me - it was an honor to join this session & contribute to this paper on a winning strategy to bring about a just end to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Top of the list: bring Ukraine into NATO.
ii.umich.edu
A Winning Strategy to End Russia's War Against Ukraine | U-M LSA Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia (WCEE)
Policy Recommendations from the University of Michigan Symposium on the Future of Ukraine.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
After the US Election, Dan Twining and I heard perspectives from business leaders on geopolitical expectations at the Goldman Sachs Global Affairs Summit. My take away: a lot of concern about growing global instability as well as enthusiasm for the new administration.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
Welcome to Washington, Ambassador Elita Kuzma. Latvia has played a core U.S. ally as part of our collective deterrence in NATO’s Eastern flank. Look forward to working together to advance our shared security goals.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
At the AI Safety Summit, the US continued supporting global cooperation on AI governance. As Heather West points out, “There’s no reason to believe that we’ll be doing a 180 when it comes to the work of the AI Safety Institute.”
apnews.com
US gathers allies to talk AI safety as Trump's vow to undo Biden's AI policy overshadows their work
President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to repeal President Joe Biden’s signature artificial intelligence policy when he returns to the White House for a second term.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
Congratulations to Raffaele Fitto for his confirmation as EVP for Cohesion and Reforms. He will secure Italy as a forefront leader and strengthen the EU's institutions during this pivotal time in history, from Rome to Brussels.
cepa.org
Italy Selects Key Player for Europe’s Future
Italy’s nominee for the European Commission is an established expert who could heal the rifts between Rome and Brussels.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
Congratulations to Henna Virkkunen on her confirmation. She embodies Finland's growing voice in European tech policy and is the right person to drive Europe's response to its competitiveness crisis.
cepa.org
Europe’s New Tech Commissioner Actually Likes Tech
Finland’s Henna Virkkunen will be leading European tech policy at the Commission for the next five years. Expect a change in direction.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
Congratulations to @kajakallas.bsky.social on her confirmation. It was an honor to recognize her leadership in Europe with CEPA’s Transatlantic Leadership Award - very few leaders speak with the clarity of vision and courage as her. Europe needs more voices like hers.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
A thousand days have passed since the beginning of Russia’s full scale invasion. In this article, Dr. Benjamin L. Schmitt emphasizes the way that the West could have aided in Ukrainian victory, especially in the support for the Ukrainian energy systems.
cepa.org
1,000 Missed Chances to Support Ukraine
As the world marks 1,000 days since Russia’s full-scale invasion, it’s time to take urgent steps to combat Ukraine's energy crisis.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 13/11/2024
President Maia Sandu and her allies just pulled off a victory against Russia’s election interference. Maria Golubeva is absolutely right. Now, the hard work begins. We must help complete Moldova's integration into the Euro-Atlantic community.
cepa.org
Moldova: Europe Wins an Early Battle
President Sandu and her allies just pulled off a victory against Russia’s election interference. Now the hard work begins.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 08/11/2024
Thank you to USIP and PSA for hosting me and Ambassador William Taylor for an important conversation with US Congressional staff on how Ukraine can win. This is a key moment for the future of US leadership and US Congress will have an important role in ensuring that freedom prevails.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 04/11/2024
Over 30 Ukrainian journalists have been imprisoned by Russia for reporting on the devastation in Ukraine. Elina Beketova explains the need for urgent action to protect journalists in the latest edition of hashtag#BehindTheLines.
cepa.org
Behind the Lines: Russia’s Brutal War on Ukraine’s Journalists
Russia has detained and imprisoned more than 30 Ukrainian journalists for reporting on the destruction of their homeland.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 01/11/2024
New CEPA report by Maria Golubeva, Volodymyr Dubovyk, Jessica Berlin, & Sam Greene outline 8 defense and security policy priorities for Ursula von der Leyen and the EU commission. Follow @cepa.bsky.social for more upcoming EU policy priorities, including tech and innovation.
cepa.org
Europe 2029: Eight Policy Priorities for the New European Commission
Europe will need to navigate a complex set of tasks all while pursuing difficult but necessary internal political and fiscal reforms.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 28/10/2024
The US is quietly preparing new export controls targeting China's AI ambitions. Good explainer from Matthew Eitel on what new US controls on AI models could look like and why they are so controversial.
cepa.org
Curbing Code? US Mulls New AI Export Controls
The US is moving to open a new front in its tech war with China: blocking sales of certain artificial intelligence software. Expect problems.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 25/10/2024
Before voting begins in Georgia, Irina Arabidze is spot on — Western countries need to be clear-eyed about the regime in Georgia, and have an effective strategy to support democracy.
cepa.org
Time is Running Out for the West in Georgia
Western countries need to be clear-eyed about the regime in Georgia, and have an effective strategy to support democracy.
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Dr Alina Polyakova @apolyakova.bsky.social · 24/10/2024
Welcome to Washington, Ambassador Anniken Huitfeldt. Norway has been a key ally for the US and an anchor in NATO's North. Looking forward to keeping our focus on how to use the historic opportunity of NATO's Northern cohesion to enhance our collective security.
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