After four decades of distinctive service, the EastWest Institute’s (EWI) Board of Directors has resolved to establish a partnership with the College of Charleston to preserve the legacy of EWI visionary founder and leader, the late John Edwin Mroz; transition its programs to four new organizations to secure their continuity; and discontinue operation under the current business model, effective January 31, 2021. This decision was taken at the conclusion of a four-month strategic assessment in light of increasing challenges resulting from the global pandemic and related financial challenges facing many nonprofit organizations. The Board unanimously and enthusiastically approved the transition plan.

“The pandemic has shifted attention and resources from international, strategic concerns to more local and immediate ones—the current environment demands new approaches to accomplish the goals of international conflict avoidance and resolution that EWI has pursued with such dedication and success over the past 40 years,” says EWI CEO and President Bruce W. McConnell. “After considering a broad range of options, EWI has settled on a two-pronged approach, assuring that our remaining endowment goes towards supporting EWI’s mission, as well as maintaining and enhancing the legacy of the institute.”  

To ensure that the spirit and mission of John Edwin Mroz endures for generations to come, EWI has formed a unique partnership with the College of Charleston’s School of Languages, Cultures and World Affairs (LCWA). LCWA has a special connection to EWI, as Mroz was instrumental in the school’s creation at the College of Charleston. LCWA will house the newly established John Edwin Mroz Global Leadership Institute, which has as its mission to give students at the college the opportunity to develop high-level international skills necessary to pursue a life-long career capable of global impact. The Institute will also promote the legacy and values of EWI and Mroz, educating new generations as to the methods and benefits of Track 2 diplomacy, sponsoring research and scholarship on its history and impact with special focus on EWI’s history, and maintaining EWI’s global network of influence. 

The second element of the transition involves the transfer of EWI’s ongoing programmatic work to four highly-respected foreign policy organizations: the Stimson Center, Observer Research Foundation America, the Atlantic Council and the George H. W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations.

EWI’s Middle East and North Africa work, including the Iran-Saudi Dialogue and work to stabilize Iraq’s relations with its neighbors, will move to the Stimson Center, an independent research center promoting international security, shared prosperity and justice. Stimson’s well-recognized work on water and energy issues will be enhanced by the addition of our hydro-diplomacy project. Stimson will also take on both the U.S.-China military-to-military dialogue and the U.S.-Russia military-to-military dialogue. 

“It is clear that Stimson shares EWI’s values and methods: Independence, peace building and deep stakeholder engagement,” says Admiral (ret.) William Owens, EWI board member and former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “They also have three decades of experience conducting Track 2 and Track 1.5 diplomacy.”

The institute’s Global Cooperation in Cyberspace programmatic work to encourage countries in the Global South to participate in international efforts to moderate the use of cyber weapons and research to improve the security of the technology supply chain will be transitioning to Observer Research Foundation America, the new Washington-based center of India’s leading think tank, the Observer Research Foundation. 

EWI’s Balkan Dialogues initiative is migrating to the Future Europe Initiative at the Atlantic Council, complementing the Initiative’s existing work on the Western Balkans, which seeks to build further Euro-Atlantic political and economic integration. EWI’s U.S.-China High-Level Political Party Leaders Dialogue will be hosted by the George H. W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations, which has extensive experience organizing Track 2 diplomatic discussions between current and former government officials from the United States and China.

Jonathan Fanton, eminent nonprofit thought leader and former president of The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, commended EWI’s transitional approach, noting that “EWI is setting a positive example of an orderly transition which honors its founder, John Edwin Mroz, protects its staff and current programs, maintains a global network of experts and provides the basis by which to educate the next generation about unique approaches to conflict prevention, which will prove valuable to our future.”

The EastWest Institute was founded by John Edwin Mroz in 1980 as an independent, global organization that promotes peace by creating trusted settings for candid, global discourse among leaders to tackle intractable security and stability challenges. Mroz served as president and CEO of the institute for 34 years until his death, in 2014. EWI has a long-standing track record of convening dialogue and backchannel diplomacy to develop sustainable solutions for major political, economic and security issues. The organization’s initial success was rooted during the Cold War—in fact, EWI hosted the first ever military-to-military dialogue between NATO and Warsaw Pact countries. From its roots as a European-American initiative to bridge the divisions between Europe and Eurasia, John Edwin Mroz built the institute into one of the world’s pre-eminent non-governmental change-agent institutions.

“For 40 years, EWI has been recognized around the world as an independent, trusted adviser driving meaningful dialogue and building trust between global leaders and key representatives of government, military, business and civil society,” reflected EWI Chairman of the Board Ross Perot, Jr. “We are pleased to collaborate with five highly regarded organizations on the successful transfer of EWI legacy and programs, which is a testament to the continuing importance of this difficult work.”  

“As EWI enters its final stage, I would like to recognize the incredible EWI family—our current and former board members, government and corporate leaders, financial sponsors, fellows and staff—that have made EWI such an amazing force over the years,” added Karen Linehan Mroz, wife of EWI’s late founder and member of the EWI Board of Directors. “We have much to be proud of, including this orderly and inspiring rebirth into a new future.”  

For inquiries, please contact:
Alex Schulman
aschulman@eastwest.ngo

Dr. Parker argued we are going to have to find creative ways to address the potential lack of hospitalization capacity in the U.S. Two Naval vessels—the USNS Comfort and the USNS Mercy—have large, capable hospitals on board and could be used as potential centers of treatment. Each of these ships has a 1,000-bed capacity and are well-equipped to take in patients should hospitals become overwhelmed. There is also untapped capacity in other vessels, for example, cruise ships. “Maybe it’s time to look at transitioning some of those into hospital ships—it’s not that difficult to do,” says Dr. Parker.

Turning to security threats posed by the virus, Dr. Parker says that “the bio threat is a significant and sometimes cheap way to take down an otherwise superpower.” “We need to really look at this bio threat, not just from a medical care perspective, but also from a military perspective as we move forward.”

Dr. Parker received a doctorate in biological defense from George Mason University, a master's degree from Harvard's JFK School of Government and was formerly the Chief of War Plans at the Pentagon. His Ph.D. work focused on planning for a pandemic, combining the clinical area of epidemiology and the strategic planning skills needed when dealing with major events.

The David Webb Show airs on SiriusXM Patriot Ch. 125 daily.

Click here to listen to the interview.

On March 3, the EastWest Institute (EWI) and the Center for Applied Research in Partnership with the Orient (CARPO), launched its “Brussels MENA Briefing” series with the topic of the recent parliamentary elections in Iran. Dr. Azadeh Zamirirad from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) and Adnan Tabatabai from CARPO led the discussion, with EWI’s Wael Abdul-Shafi serving as moderator.

The briefing focused on the domestic and regional implications of the elections held on February 21. Iran’s conservative political camp, the Principlists, claimed victory despite a voter turnout of 42 percent—the lowest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Although the Iranian Parliament does not decisively shape Iran’s foreign policy, the timing of the election results is significant, especially as U.S. sanctions and regional tensions—as well as the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus—negatively impact global perceptions of Iran.

These parliamentary elections may foreshadow the presidential elections of 2021, considering the effect the parliament has on the public-political discourse. This is especially important given the sensitive timing of the elections, in which the looming succession of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei is an increasing topic of discussion. Furthermore, the election results may be a manifestation of the more confrontational foreign policy approach Iran has been taking since last summer.

The discussion also touched upon the assassination of Major General Qasem Soleimani, who’s death mostly impacted not Iran but Iraq, where Soleimani was able to unite different Iraqi-Shia factions. Soleimani’s image in Iran has become institutionalized, as illustrated by the strategic placement of a billboard overlooking Tehran’s Valiasr Square on the eve of elections, showing a diverse Iranian population standing united behind Soleimani. The image symbolizes a shift of emphasis from Islamic sentiments to national unity.

Other topics raised during the briefing include a need for the European Union (EU) to open communication channels with conservative camps in Iran, the importance of recognizing differences within the conservative factions and a greater consideration of how social issues influence the political sphere. For the EU, the political shift in Iran might be a source of opportunity, confirming the saying that “hawks may be the best peacemakers.”

About the Brussels MENA Briefings:

The Brussels MENA Briefings are bimonthly, in-depth roundtable discussions on topics of current significance in the MENA region, co-hosted by EWI and CARPO in EWI’s Brussels office on the first week of every second month. Please note that attendance is by invitation only.

Should you be interested in being considered for the invitation list, kindly send an email to Desirée Custers with your name, affiliation and geographical or thematic area of interest and expertise in the Middle East.

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus in China is causing a global alarm. So far, the death toll in China has risen to 909 and almost 40,185 people have been declared affected (which may not be the true number). Coronavirus cases have been detected in other countries, including in India.

The consequences of the outbreak for China’s economy, its authoritarian leadership, the global economy and for India deserve examination. Given China’s massive global economic footprint, the millions of Chinese that travel abroad for business or as tourists and its reverse, the numerous Chinese students in the West, the thousands of foreign companies operating in China, and the sizeable expatriate population in the country, the impact of the epidemic is beginning to be felt, without a crisis point being reached as yet.

Click here to read the full article on DailyO.in (originally published in Mail Today).

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's (KAS) Regional Program Political Dialogue and Regional Integration South Mediterranean has released "Special Economic Zones: A Model for the Middle East and North Africa," a new report based on collaborative research with the EastWest Institute and the Policy Center for the New South.  

The study proposes that “Special Economic Zones” (SEZ) could help generate growth and encourage regional integration in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. SEZs can be a stepping-stone for greater sectoral change as infrastructure development and streamlined regulation alongside heightened investments can open job opportunities, strengthen value chains and enable greater inter-regional dialogue and cooperation in the MENA region.

The report identifies practical and actionable approaches to reform and develops recommendations for enhancing the contribution of SEZs to inclusive economic growth in MENA countries and to regional economic integration. Finally, the report concludes with an insightful Case Study Annex with four country and zone examples that serve as a best-practice guide for Special Economic Zone implementation in the MENA region and beyond.

Click here to read the report.

The Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace (GCSC) issued today its final report Advancing Cyberstability, as part of a panel held at the 2019 Paris Peace Forum. Stef Blok, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, and David Koh, Chief Executive, Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, launched the report and placed the findings in the context of ongoing global efforts to enhance international security in cyberspace. Commission Co-Chairs, Michael Chertoff and Latha Reddy, along with former Chair Marina Kaljurand, presented recommendations and commented on the strategic approach and work of the GCSC.

This report represents the culmination of the Commission’s work over the last three years, offering a cyberstability framework, principles, norms of behavior, and recommendations for the international community and wider ecosystem.

“Earlier this year, 28 EU-member states backed a framework for sanctions targeting malicious cyber activities. Today, the GCSC consolidates a set of norms and principles for behavior of state and non-state actors. This is an important contribution to a digital space in which order and peace must prevail,” commented Stef Blok, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, a co-founder of the GCSC. “Since stability in cyberspace is directly linked with stability in the ‘real world,’ such a cyberstability framework is more crucial than ever. The next step in this multilateral process is to collect evidence and hold those who break the rules responsible. Together we must increase accountability and combine all pieces of the puzzle, between governments, tech and security firms, and civil society.”

The work of the Commission originated out of a desire to address rising social and political instability as a result of malicious actions in cyberspace. The situation has further deteriorated as evidenced by the rise in the number and sophistication of cyber attacks by state and non-state actors, which increasingly puts the considerable benefits of cyberspace at risk. In this increasingly volatile environment, there is an apparent lack of mutual understanding and awareness among communities working on issues related to international cybersecurity. With this report, the GCSC seeks to contribute to international efforts to address these challenges.

“Cyberstability and governance are inextricably and naturally linked,” added Michael Chertoff, GCSC Co-Chair. “As the digital age evolves so rapidly, governments and societies lack the desired level of exchange, let alone the decision-making processes needed to ensure the stability of cyberspace. The GCSC’s effort complements the work of other organizations, and will serve to influence how critical actors can engage with one another and collaborate towards a stable cyberspace.”  

Emphasizing a concerted, multistakeholder approach, the framework reflects technological, product and operational measures, as well as a focus on behavioral change required among all stakeholders.

“The publication of this final report is not the end, but rather the beginning of a new profound effort toward implementing the suggested principles, norms, and recommendations,” stated Latha Reddy, GCSC Co-Chair. “The onus is on all stakeholders—governments, industry, civil society—to collaborate, adopt and implement accepted practices to help strengthen cyberstability. The stakes are higher than ever, which dictates a response in kind.”

Following the release, the GCSC members will continue to advocate and engage with their respective communities. Input and feedback from these groups were reflective of interactions with both state and non-state experts and will form the basis of advocating for the report going forward.

For an overview, see the Fact Sheet and for a copy of the report, visit Advancing Cyberstability.

About the Commission

Launched at the 2017 Munich Security Conference, the mission of the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace is to develop proposals for norms and policies to enhance international security and stability and guide responsible state and non-state behavior in cyberspace. The Commission helps to promote mutual awareness and understanding among the various cyberspace communities working on issues related to international cybersecurity. For more information, please visit www.cyberstability.org.

For media inquiries contact: loukfaesen@hcss.nl or cjarzebowski@eastwest.ngo.

On September 25, on the occasion of  Climate Week New York and the 74^th Session of the UN General Assembly, the EastWest Institute—in collaboration with EarthX—hosted an event entitled “International Hydrodiplomacy: Mitigating Climate Security Risk” at EWI’s New York headquarters. The discussion featured the Honorable Felipe Calderon, former President of Mexico and Chair of Global Commission on Economy and Climate, and brought together numerous experts, policymakers and scientists to explore the increasingly interconnected nature of water scarcity, climate change and security.

In their opening remarks, EWI CEO and President Dr. William J. Parker and EarthX Founder Trammell S. Crow brought attention to the manifold effects of climate change on humanity, economy, cross-border relations and other geopolitical elements.

The event's keynote speaker, Professor Upmanu Lall, Director of the Columbia Water Center, highlighted the existing and forthcoming challenges while discussing global water security. According to Lall, diplomacy on the local level is flourishing, as evidenced in the United States by the success of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI), which has brought together several mayors and city councils along the Mississippi’s tributaries to coordinate preservation of the river’s integrity—where national-level policy has largely fallen short.

President Felipe Calderon joined the discussion as the event's guest of honor. In a conversation with Dr. Parker, Calderon addressed key issues arising from the unpredictable and ever-changing nature of climate change. Highlighting issues such as the alarming levels of CO₂ concentration, rising global temperatures and the stark disconnect between the demand and supply of water resources, Calderon painted a challenging outlook for the global future if both governments and the private sector fail to collectively take immediate and resolute action.

Calderon shared an urgency towards devising a concrete set of actions on climate change, incorporating both strong economic incentives and sustainable solutions. Calderon created a case for several practical action items, including: 1) redesigning cities and placing a premium on vertical versus horizontal growth; 2) reforming hazardous land use; 3) maximizing energy efficiency and the affordability of renewable sources; 4) reducing food waste; and 5) tackling water stress and redistribution of scarce water resources.

The event concluded with a panel discussion on the humanitarian and regional security implications of hydrodiplomacy, moderated by former CNN correspondent and EWI Board Member, Kathryn Pilgrim, and featuring expert analysis from Dr. Scott Moore, Director of the University of Pennsylvania Global China Program and Dr. Adrian Parr, Chair of Water Access and Sustainability with UNESCO.

The panel emphasized that water scarcity is more likely to be a catalyst for cooperation than conflict. Parr suggested that the efficacy of large-scale international treaties coupled with grassroots activism will be significant in pursuing equitable water management solutions. She further warned that if the water crisis remains unresolved, it will exacerbate the issue of climate refugees—predicted to give rise to 50 million displaced people by 2040.

Reflecting on his field experience, Moore emphasized that beyond the challenge of water scarcity, the crisis can be attributed to poor resource management, in particular to the current design of water pricing mechanisms. He suggested that instead of political and economic interests, problems of inequitable water distribution should be the focus of pricing policies. Moore claimed that this can be best achieved by focusing on non-market oriented pricing and addressing both residential and industrial water consumption.

The impacts of climate change have intensified water scarcity along with decline in water quality available specially to impoverished communities around the world. To this end, EWI will continue to deepen its engagement in the field of climate and water security and will convene additional dialogues to ensure that regional policy influencers and decision-makers have a productive forum to assess such crucial and time-sensitive issues.

EWI President and CEO Dr. William J. Parker appeared on the Cats At Night with John Catsimatidis radio show on October 16 to discuss latest developments in the Syrian conflict.

Dr. Parker elaborated how complex relations among historical proxy powers—the U.S., Turkey and Russia—might affect prospects for peace in the region.

Despite controversy over Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Vice President Mike Pence’s scheduled meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on calls for a ceasefire in Syria, Dr. Parker notes that “Turkey remains an ally of ours.” “Even though there are serious sanctions going on and combat operations that we don’t agree with, they still are an ally as of right now—but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”   

Click here to listen to the interview. Dr. Parker’s remarks begin at the 32:00 mark.

The EastWest Institute acknowledges the passing of Leo Schenker, noted business leader and Director Emeritus at the EastWest Institute.

Mr. Schenker passed away on Sunday, September 22. He was 97. 
 
“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we have learned of Mr. Schenker’s passing,” commented Dr. William J. Parker, CEO & President of the EastWest Institute. “Mr. Schenker enthusiastically supported the work of the institute for many years, providing both strategic guidance and taking a hands-on approach to programmatic activities. His passion and dedication will be sorely missed and he will always be held with the greatest admiration.”  

A native of Vienna, Austria, Mr. Schenker was a Holocaust survivor. The testimony of his experience was documented by the Shoah Foundation at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Mr. Schenker was Senior Executive Vice President at Central National Gottesman Inc., one of the largest privately owned worldwide sales organizations in the pulp and paper industry. Specializing in the newsprint arena and developing new markets globally, he enjoyed a 64-year career with the company.

Mr. Schenker was an active and long-standing member of the EastWest Institute's Board of Directors and served on the Institute's Executive Committee. He was also a member of the Chairman's Council of the United Nations.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years Livia Schenker; son Curtis, daughter-in-law Carolyn and three grandchildren.