Global Strategic Initiatives Group

America’s support for displaced people around the world isn’t just compassionate. It’s strategic. With foreign assistance frozen, humanitarian programs are being gutted — along with America's decades-long global leadership. The Trump administration has said that all foreign assistance will be judged by reference to three questions: Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous? My answer in my latest piece for Real Clear Policy: Yes, yes, and yes. Foreign aid for refugees is not a gift. It’s an investment — in global stability, economic opportunity, and American strength. And it costs the American government the same as one Big Mac per person per year. ?? https://buff.ly/RkGVRl2 I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Seems to be the day of UN reform :-). Interesting initiative from a former colleague Patrick Wall.

Moderating Tip #1 – Write everything down. I was recently asked to share some tips on moderating with someone just starting out, and I thought some of you might be interested too. Tip #1 – Write everything down. I know, you’re thinking, “But won’t that kill the spontaneity?” Hear me out. If you’re not 100% confident with public speaking—or just worried you’ll forget something—it’s reassuring to have a quick reference to get things back on track. It’s also a fail-safe. If you’re suddenly unwell (hello, food poisoning), someone else can step in and keep the event running smoothly. Spontaneity is great, but preparation is what keeps a panel on course. Do you script your moderation, or do you prefer to wing it? #PublicSpeaking #ModerationTips #EventModerator #PanelDiscussion #ConferenceTips #Facilitation #ProfessionalDevelopment #SpeakingSkills #LeadershipCommunication #ModeratorLife #EventProfs

In these challenging times, being strategic is not optional—it’s essential. That’s why we’re creating free, action-oriented content to help professionals in international affairs and law refine their approach. ?? Sign up now: https://buff.ly/40Zhnqh #strategicplanning #internationalcooperation #policyinnovation #multilateralism

With thanks to everyone who provided their thoughts on the new branding for the Global Strategic Initiatives Group, we have a winner! Our logo is inspired by the octagonal structure of the iconic dome of the Duomo here in Florence. The dome dominates Florence’s skyline and—for me—symbolises the innovation and creativity of the Renaissance. When it was completed in 1436, it was the largest self-supporting dome in the world and its designer—Filippo Brunelleschi—had to completely re-invent key construction principles to make it work. We think that some of today’s challenges require similar degrees of ingenuity. The octagonal logo resembles the dome as seen from above, but the lines pointing towards the centre also represent the importance of bringing people together to address common problems. Facilitating processes that do just that is one of the key ways in which we develop innovative and pragmatic solutions to today’s challenges. An abstract arrow in the bottom left points up and to the right. This symbolises progress—the progress that we catalyse for our clients, and for the broader international system. Finally, the logo is in blue and black on a white background as a nod to the flag of Estonia, where we are incorporated.

Introducing our new branding! After extensive work with the wonderful team at White Creative in Athens, we are delighted to be able to unveil our new logo and branding ?? Our logo is inspired by the octagonal red dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, where our co-founders Elizabeth and Patrick live. The dome is an iconic feature of Florence’s skyline, and symbolises—for us—the innovation and creativity of the Renaissance. When it was completed in 1436, it was the largest self-supporting dome in the world and its designer—Filippo Brunelleschi—had to completely re-invent key construction principles to make it work. We think that some of today’s challenges require similar degrees of ingenuity. The octagonal logo resembles the dome as seen from above, but the lines pointing towards the centre also represent the importance of bringing people together to address common problems. Facilitating processes that do just that is one of the key ways in which we develop innovative and pragmatic solutions to today’s challenges. An abstract arrow in the bottom left points up and to the right. This symbolises progress—the progress that we catalyse for our clients, and for the broader international system. Finally, the logo is in blue and black on a white background as a nod to the flag of Estonia, where we are incorporated.

Many are decrying Trump's 'unilateral concessions' to Russia over Ukraine. In recent days, his administration has ended Putin's international isolation, said that returning to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders was unrealistic, suggested that there will be no pathway to NATO membership for Ukraine, and hinted that the United States will largely leave Europe to defend itself against future Russian aggression. All in return for nothing. But these would only be concessions if Trump was on Ukraine’s side. He’s not. He's on his own side, and has real sympathies for Putin. So these aren't concessions. They're demands.

Is your team making the most of its resources in today’s rapidly changing international landscape? We are developing free, action-oriented content to help you maximize efficiency and impact. Don’t miss out. ?? Register to receive it: https://buff.ly/40Zhnqh #internationalaffairs #policytools #strategy #multilateralism

This is a five-alarm fire for the international system. For 80 years, the United States has been the cornerstone of global stability—guaranteeing security, underwriting institutions, and enforcing the rules that have enabled unprecedented peace and prosperity. The US has played that role inconsistently and often hypocritically, but it has played that role nonetheless. And it has benefitted enormously from this leadership. That era may have ended this week. It is staggering how much the United States walked away from its traditional leadership role in just the last seven days: — Ukraine is being abandoned—not as a failure of strategy, but as a deliberate choice. — Russia is being rehabilitated—not for geopolitical gain, but as part of a transactional worldview. — NATO’s deterrence is in question—not because of shifting priorities, but because America’s commitments now come with a price tag. For decades, multilateralism rested on the assumption that the U.S. would uphold it. That assumption no longer holds. If the guarantor of the rules-based order no longer believes in it, what happens next? This is not a temporary shift. The world must now think seriously about what a post-American international system looks like. ——— PS: At the Global Strategic Initiatives Group, we are developing free resources for those working in international affairs to navigate these challenges. You can sign up to get them here: https://buff.ly/416utkB

We know that international cooperation is facing unprecedented challenges. At Global Strategic Initiatives Group, we’re using our expertise to create free resources to help organizations navigate this shifting landscape. ?? Get access here: https://buff.ly/40Zhnqh #internationalaffairs #globalgovernance #policystrategy #diplomacy