National Security
The Center turned its attention to the G-8 summit in L’Aquila, Italy this week. Sabina Dewan warned that the G-8’s exclusivity is less of an asset and more of a drain on its legitimacy. Nina Hachigian also pointed out that over the years the G-8 has lost credibility because it does not reflect the realities of power, influence, and capacity in the world today. After Chinese President Hu Jintao’s early departure from the summit, the United States cannot stay silent on the fighting in Xinjing, China, said Winny Chen, Colin Cookman, and Chris Beddor.
Samuel Charap and Andrew Grotto said we can put the talk of a new Cold War to rest after the United States and Russia agreed to a series of nine agreements in Moscow.
And Lawrence Korb and Krisila Benson explained why Congress should stop buying a plane that the military doesn’t want anymore.
Domestic
Ruy Teixeira explained why 62 percent of the public supports the confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. Ian Millhiser helped distinguish between the myths and facts surrounding Sotomayor’s nomination. He also explained how she will withstand next week’s confirmation hearings in an Ask the Expert video.
Ellen-Marie Whelan and Sonia Sekhar demonstrated that inefficient and dangerous treatments are a $700 billion weight on our health care system.
Finally, the National Institutes of Health released final guidelines for federally funded stem cell research that will help put the United States back at the forefront of scientific research and innovation, according to Jonathan Moreno. And Josh Rosenthal and Will Nevius explained how the House of Representatives moved forward on domestic partner benefits.
Energy and Environment
CAP released a report with the Global Climate Network on how we can overcome barriers to the development and deployment of low-carbon technologies. John Podesta and Andrew Light argued that governments need to take the lead on the breakthroughs that will make deployment possible.
Tom Kenworthy urged senators to consider further damage to the livelihood of farmers as it debates clean-energy legislation, while Jake Caldwell observed that clean-energy legislation would support American farmers’ leadership efforts in confronting the challenges of global warming.
The Potomac River that cradles the nation’s capital is in trouble and needs our help instead of our garbage. This week’s It’s Easy Being Green explained how that can be done.