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__The Transatlantic Think Tank Conference brings together experts and policymakers from both sides of the Atlantic to discuss strategic solutions to common challenges. On Thursday, July 16th, »ªÌå»á and the International Republican Institute each hosted two public sessions.__

Getting Our Act Together: A Counter-Narrative for Putin’s War
9:00 am - 11:15 am, International Republican Institute

Since Putin came to power, Russia has engaged in an undeclared war against the liberal values underpinning Europe’s peace and prosperity. Hybrid warfare, anti-Western propaganda, support for radical political movements in the West, and threats of nuclear war are among the methods used by the Kremlin to threaten the security of NATO allies. Can the West provide a strong counter-narrative to Russian aggression? How should the West structure its future relationship with Russia?

Power Politics in the MENA Region
11:15 am - 1:00 pm, International Republican Institute

A strong West is required to confront the challenges engulfing the Middle East and North Africa. The spread of the Islamic State, the enduring civil wars raging in Syria, Libya, and Yemen, and the threat posed by a nuclear Iran are among the problems troubling the region. Is a united approach on the part of the US and Europe necessary to contend with these ongoing challenges, or can the US and Europe achieve a peaceful world order by following independent, if equally strong, policy approaches? How can the West help our partners in the region achieve stable governance with democratic principles?

The Importance of Economic Growth Strategies to the Transatlantic Relationship
2:30 pm - 4:00 pm, »ªÌå»á

The European Union and the United States are the world's two largest economies. Deeply intertwined, their problems have an enormous impact on global economic performance. The failure of policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic to adequately address debt, financial fragility, and the unemployment crisis poses the most acute challenge to the global economy. What leads to the success or failure of economic policies? This session will facilitate a genuine exchange of ideas on the implications of different models and policies practiced on either side of the Atlantic. It will also identify policies and measures to increase EU-US trade and investment, support mutually beneficial job creation, stimulate economic growth, and promote international competitiveness.

Pivoting to Asia Together
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm, »ªÌå»á

Although it has receded somewhat in recently months, China’s remarkable economic growth has been one of the most significant trends over the last decade. As China approaches the status of the world’s largest economy, the global balance of power appears to be altering considerably. Can the existing international system accommodate a powerful “Middle Kingdom� or are we witnessing a shift in the global order? Will Chinese success be achieved within its authoritarian system and does that success challenge Western liberal democratic values? How would a Chinese slowdown, or increased domestic political tensions, affect the world?