iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D. @markoskounalakis.com · 09/01/2026

My latest piece in @washingtonmonthly.com and my latest research @hooverinstitution.bsky.social Posting the day after @gavinnewsom.bsky.social State of the State address revisiting similar themes.

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Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D. @markoskounalakis.com · 22/12/2025

Here's my latest piece @washingtonmonthly.com Hoping those in NATO can evolve this alliance relationship & account for national strategic advantages. We talk a lot about sealift capacity w/my colleagues at the Hoover Institution. Here's one possible solution. washingtonmonthly.com/2025/12/22/n...

washingtonmonthly.com

NATO’s Myopic Accounting Ignores Maritime Superpower Greece

NATO's fixation on defense spending percentages overlooks Greece’s vast maritime power—and the capacity actually needed in a major war.

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Eleni Kounalakis @eleniforca.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

California’s coast is not for sale. Offshore drilling isn’t just reckless. It’s a threat to our communities, our economy, and our clean‑energy future. Here in California, we’ll always lead with innovation, protect our coast, and put people over Big Oil.

nytimes.com

Trump Is Said to Propose Opening California Coast to Oil Drilling

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Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D. @markoskounalakis.com · 12/11/2025

Make California a G7 Member "Economic powerhouse of #California should be admitted into the #G7, given that the state’s $4.1 trillion GDP and throw-weight are greater than those of five of the current members" washingtonmonthly.com/2025/11/12/m... @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social @ltg.ca.gov

washingtonmonthly.com

Make California a G7 Member

As Trump pulls the US out of global institutions, the fourth-largest economy, California, should take its seat at the table at the G7.

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Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D. @markoskounalakis.com · 28/10/2025

My latest on H-1Bs w/ Dinsha Mistree "President Donald Trump has found yet another way to weaponize immigration...The policy lets POTUS kill two birds with one stone: By targeting mostly India, he also gets to punish California." www.sfexaminer.com/forum/trump-... #India #California

sfexaminer.com

H-1B fee kills two birds — and America's golden goose – with one stone

President Donald Trump found another way to weaponize immigration: a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applicants. It kills two birds with one stone: By targeting mostly India, he also gets to punish Cal...

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Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D. @markoskounalakis.com · 17/10/2025

My latest @monthly “Venezuela’s tragic collapse from petrostate to failed state has a name: Nicolás Maduro. It’s time for him to go." washingtonmonthly.com/2025/10/17/v...

washingtonmonthly.com

Venezuela’s Best Chance for Freedom

Trump and the U.S. should keep pressuring Maduro of Venezuela, but not use blunderbuss tactics that will backfire

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Reposted by Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D.

Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis @ltg.ca.gov · 22/09/2025

Proud to see that @california-hcd.bsky.social will receive necessary funding to create more affordable housing for Californians. Out of the 2,099 affordable homes created, 2,068 homes will be reserved for low- to extremely low-income residents like seniors, Veterans, large families and more.

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Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis @ltg.ca.gov · 04/09/2025

It was an honor to visit California’s very own Yosemite National Park as part of a tour through the beautiful Sierra Nevada 🏔️🌲 We hiked up to Yosemite’s iconic Mist Trail & saw how our trails are maintained to be safe & accessible. Protecting California’s treasures is a responsibility we all share.

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Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis @ltg.ca.gov · 29/08/2025

August is #NationalBlackBusinessMonth, and I had such a great time visiting Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse in Downtown Sacramento, an iconic spot for BBQ, craft beers, and good vibes!

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Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis @ltg.ca.gov · 28/08/2025

Another tragic mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school this morning, where two children were killed and many more injured. Their futures were stolen, and countless families will never be the same.

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Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis @ltg.ca.gov · 25/08/2025

I had the pleasure of touring Calaveras Big Trees State Park as part of my visit to Calaveras County 🌲 It was inspiring to meet with State Park Leaders to see their work protecting CA’s giant sequoias, and advocating for over 1,000 mature trees against the threats of wildfires & climate change.

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Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis @ltg.ca.gov · 22/08/2025

America is seeing its first decline in immigrants in over 50 years, with 1.4 million people gone in just months under Trump. Immigrants drive $275 billion in economic output, contribute billions in tax revenue, and enrich our culture & communities. This isn’t just cruel, it’s reckless.

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San Francisco Chronicle @sfchronicle.com · 09/08/2025

Former Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf has ended her campaign to become state treasurer and endorsed Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis for the role. Schaaf had a fraction of the campaign funds of Kounalakis.

bit.ly

Former Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf ends bid for state treasurer after Kounalakis enters race

Former Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf has ended her campaign to become state treasurer and endorsed Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis for the role. Schaaf had a fraction of the campaign funds of Kounalakis.

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Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis @ltg.ca.gov · 28/07/2025

Wallis Annenberg represented the best of California. Business success coupled with a lifetime of visionary philanthropy. Her contributions to our state will forever serve as a testament to her extraordinary life.

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Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D. @markoskounalakis.com · 13/06/2025

Foreign Minister of #Ukraine says it’s time to recognize Russia as a terrorist state @GLOBSEC #globsec2025 @AndriiSybiha makes case, incl. Russia’s abducting Ukrainian children. Re-upping my 2014 Russia as terrorist state argument. amp.sacbee.com/opinion/op-e...

amp.sacbee.com

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Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D. @markoskounalakis.com · 13/06/2025

Good to be at GLOBSEC 2025 in Prague. 20 years strong! My first Forum since joining the International Advisory Board. Impressed by CZ President Petr Pavel’s clarity and commitment to regional security and transatlantic relations. @globsec.bsky.social

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Eleni Kounalakis @eleniforca.bsky.social · 31/05/2025

So excited to be at @cademocrats.bsky.social’s #CADEMConvention this weekend with democratic volunteers, delegates, leaders and activists who are ready to fight, organize and take back our country 💪🏼 #CAStrong

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Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis @ltg.ca.gov · 30/05/2025

Women’s leadership matters, role models matter, and lifting up the next generation of female leaders matters. As of today, 49% of California legislators are women, which is up from 22% in 2022. This is progress but the work doesn’t stop here! 💼 #FemaleLeaders #WomenLeadership

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Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D. @markoskounalakis.com · 27/05/2025

Every #MemorialDay I post my short feature film, "The War Prayer". A short story by Mark Twain, it is a scathing indictment of #war - particularly of blind patriotic and religious fervor as motivations for war. www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRVo...

youtube.com

The War Prayer

YouTube video by Markos Kounalakis, PhD

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Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis @ltg.ca.gov · 20/05/2025

In California, we don’t just defend the right to choose—we lead the fight to protect it. That is why I’m proud to co-sponsor Assemblymember Cecilia Aguilar-Curry’s #AB260 to ensure Mifepristone remains legal & available in CA. Great to see this bill pass the Assembly & move forward to the Senate.

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Eleni Kounalakis @eleniforca.bsky.social · 18/05/2025

Sending prayers to President Biden and his family as he battles this diagnosis. Thanks to his leadership with the Cancer Moonshot and NIH and NCI investments as President, there are new and more effective therapies than ever 🙏

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Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis @ltg.ca.gov · 18/05/2025

Horrified by news of the bombing of a reproductive health clinic in Palm Springs today. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire Palm Springs community during this difficult time.

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Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis @ltg.ca.gov · 16/05/2025

This is a politically motivated attack on reproductive freedom, period. Mifepristone has been FDA-approved for 20+ yrs & is used in 60%+ of abortions nationwide. CA will keep fighting for safe, legal reproductive care & every person’s right to make their own medical decisions.

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Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis @ltg.ca.gov · 14/05/2025

Honored to celebrate #EuropeDay with @ec.europa.eu @euintheus.bsky.social —reaffirming California’s deep and growing partnership with the #EU. With $65.5B in two-way trade and the EU as our #1 source of foreign investment, California is proud to be your most trusted transatlantic ally.

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Eleni Kounalakis @eleniforca.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

Proud to co-sponsor #AB379 by Assemblywoman Maggy Krell, which passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee today—a step forward in protecting victims of sex trafficking. At the same time, I’m deeply disappointed that a key provision was stripped: 🧵👇🏽

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Eleni Kounalakis @eleniforca.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

Today, we honor the resilience & strength of the Armenian people as we remember the Armenian Genocide. California is home to a vibrant Armenian community, and we stand in solidarity in ensuring that history is never forgotten or repeated. We are mindful of those who have lost their homes in Artsakh.

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Eleni Kounalakis @eleniforca.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

Honored to welcome African climate leaders to SF for the CA-Africa Climate & Economic Forum during #SFClimateWeek. With partners from Kenya, Nigeria & beyond, we can explore bold solutions in clean energy, sustainable transport & trade. California is ready to go far, together. 🌍💚

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Eleni Kounalakis @eleniforca.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

Great visit to Cal Maritime — my 22nd @calstate.bsky.social campus visit 🚢 As the only maritime academy on the West Coast, Cal Maritime delivers world-class education that prepares cadets to lead in a global industry. Proud to support its exiting future as it merges with Cal Poly SLO.

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Eleni Kounalakis @eleniforca.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

Tourism is vital to California’s economy, and our friendship with Canada runs deep. From Palm Springs to wine country, we proudly welcome Canadian visitors who support our local businesses and communities. 🇨🇦❤️🇺🇸 www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...

washingtonpost.com

To keep Canadians coming, Palm Springs hangs love letters in its streets

Despite recent tensions between the U.S. and Canada, Palm Springs, California, hung banners with a heart-shaped Canadian flag to reassure tourists that they’re welcome.

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Eleni Kounalakis @eleniforca.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

Read my full statement in support of @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social & @robbonta.bsky.social recent legal action to block President Trump's unlawful tariffs and protect California’s economy. Read the full press release here: ltg.ca.gov/2025/04/16/l...

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Eleni Kounalakis @eleniforca.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

It was an honor to welcome Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States, Geraldine Byrne Nason, to San Francisco. She reminded us all that when friends work together, there is always a way to deepen and strengthen our personal and business engagement 🇮🇪🇺🇸

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Eleni Kounalakis @eleniforca.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

Wishing a meaningful and joyous Passover to all who celebrate in California and beyond! May this season of reflection, renewal, and freedom inspire us to continue fighting for justice and unity in our communities. Chag Sameach!

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International House at UC Berkeley @ihouseberkeley.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

✨ International House Celebration Gala ✨ A heartfelt thank you to our global community and honorees, @markoskounalakis.com, Excellence Anurika Joshua, The University Section Club. We enjoyed the welcome & toast🥂by @chancellorlyons.bsky.social & Shaun Carver, and much more! See highlights reel:

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Eleni Kounalakis @eleniforca.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

César Chávez dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of laborers and farm workers across America. On #CésarChávezDay, we honor his lasting legacy by coming together to uplift our communities. Let’s continue the fight for justice, equality, and dignity for all. @ufw.bsky.social

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Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D. @markoskounalakis.com · 14/03/2025

RIP, Kevin Drum, our former blogger and employee while I was publisher at the Washington Monthly. Exec. Editor Paul Glastris made this great hire at Josh Marshall's recommendation (Josh went on to build the TPM empire). Kevin was a gentleman, a scholar, a polymath, and a brilliant, kind soul.

nytimes.com

Kevin Drum Dead: Influential Early Political Blogger Was 66 (Gift Article)

Writing on his own and for Washington Monthly and Mother Jones, he earned a reputation as a serious policy thinker. He also invented Friday cat blogging.

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Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D. @markoskounalakis.com · 14/03/2025

We had our share of verbal run-ins during my time in the USSR as Moscow correspondent for NBC-Mutual News (he was an executive), but I respected his work as a foreign correspondent. RIP Ron Nessen.

nytimes.com

Ron Nessen, Ford’s White House Press Secretary, Dies at 90

He pledged a new era of openness in the wake of the Watergate scandal, but his relationship with the press corps proved rocky.

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International House at UC Berkeley @ihouseberkeley.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

✨ Join us at the International House Gala on March 9th for a festive evening celebrating valued members of our global community and honoring their support and service to International House. ✨ Learn more and purchase your tickets at i-housegala2025.eventbrite.com?aff=social @markoskounalakis.com

Markos Kounalakis (IH 1977-78) honoree for I-House Alumnus of the Year

Excellence Anurika Joshua Honoree for Executive Director Community Impact Award

The Betsey and Sherry Warrick Mission Service Award
The University Section Club

Gala March 9, 2025 Chevron Auditorium - Join us for a festive evening celebrating valued members of our global community and honoring their support and service to International House.

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Eleni Kounalakis @eleniforca.bsky.social · 19/02/2025

Utah just stripped collective bargaining rights from the people who sacrifice so much to serve our communities—teachers, firefighters, &police officers. This is union-busting, plain and simple. Workers deserve better. www.nytimes.com/2025/02/15/u...

nytimes.com

Utah Bans Collective Bargaining for Public Workers

Utah joined two other states in prohibiting collective bargaining for teachers, police officers and other public employees in a move that was seen as a possible blow to the country’s labor movement.

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International House at UC Berkeley @ihouseberkeley.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

Alumni Spotlight: Markos Kounalakis With 40 years of experience, Dr. Kounalakis is an award-winning, nationally syndicated foreign affairs columnist, author, and scholar. On March 9 he will be honored at the I-House Celebration & Awards Gala ihouse.berkeley.edu/gala @markoskounalakis.com #Calalumni

🌟 Alumni Spotlight: Markos Kounalakis 🌟
On March 9th, Dr. Markos Kounalakis (IH 1977-78) will be honored at the I-House 2025 Celebration & Awards Gala as the I-House Alumnus of the Year!
With 40 years of experience, Dr. Kounalakis is an award-winning, nationally syndicated foreign affairs columnist, author, and scholar.
Join us for a festive evening celebrating Dr. Kounalakis's accomplishments and other valued members of our global community.
Read more about his incredible story below and learn more at ihouse.berkeley.edu/gala!

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Eleni Kounalakis @eleniforca.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

Today on Holocaust Remembrance Day, we shine a light on one of the darkest periods of human history, the more than 6million lives lost,& the enduring spirit of those who survived Let today remind us of our shared responsibility to stand up against prejudice, intolerance, & discrimination everywhere

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Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D. @markoskounalakis.com · 08/12/2024

Let’s move the museum up to Old Town Sacramento.

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Eleni Kounalakis @eleniforca.bsky.social · 05/12/2024

It is appalling that in the year 2024, gun violence remains the #1 cause of death among American children. My prayers are with the injured students and their families, as well as with all the families and staff of the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists.

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Eleni Kounalakis @eleniforca.bsky.social · 04/12/2024

Tis the season, California! I’m so proud of the work that the California Volunteer Office does year-round, from teaching in underserved communities to fighting climate change. Now’s the chance to join them — for a year, a week, a day — and help better your community and your state.

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Eleni Kounalakis @eleniforca.bsky.social · 04/12/2024

As the daughter of someone who worked in the fields of CA, I know how important healthy soil is for the future of farming. On this #WorldSoilDay, I’m thankful for the farmers and scientists across CA who feed the world, improve soil quality, and fight climate change through regenerative agriculture

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Eleni Kounalakis @eleniforca.bsky.social · 03/12/2024

California’s Legislature is making history! Women now comprise 49% of the Legislature & over 50% of the State Senate—a milestone for gender equity in Sacramento. Proud to work alongside this dynamic group to build a stronger, more equitable future for all Californians.

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Eleni Kounalakis @eleniforca.bsky.social · 03/12/2024

Speaker Pelosi is a lifelong public servant, the most effective House Speaker in modern history, an insightful mentor and a close friend. She is also a champion for San Francisco, and it was an honor to be with her yesterday at the dedication of the Federal Building in her name.

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Eleni Kounalakis @eleniforca.bsky.social · 03/12/2024

Proud to welcome another iconic American brand to California. California is home to more Fortune 500 companies than any other state, and with world-class talent and the 5th largest economy in the world, it’s easy to see why!

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Markos Kounalakis, Ph.D. @markoskounalakis.com · 03/12/2024

What should I spy on the street? Another BluSky.

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