Authors: Thomas Piketty (Professor of economics at the Paris School of Economics and the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales); Jeremy Adelman (Professor of history and Director of the Global History Lab at Princeton University); Anne-Laure Delatte (Research scholar at France’s National Center for Scientific Research and a visiting lecturer at Princeton University).

Europe has been absent from the political debate in the primaries of the right and centre parties in France. France was supposed to be the engine of the European construction but at this time it is not inclined to recognize the depth of the problems facing the EU and to reconsider the priorities for treating such problems.

In October, the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs committee endorsed a document titled “EU Strategic Communication to Counteract Propaganda Against It by Thirdparties”. Without supporting evidence, it accused Moscow of spreading “disinformation and propaganda seeking to maintain or increase (its) influence to weaken and split the EU.”

Fillon at the French National Assembly on 28 June 2016

Translated by AALEP

1. There could be no better ambassador for America’s national interests than the former Governor. His appointment would signal to the world that Washington’s brand remains intact. World leaders know former Governor Romney as a man of his word, as someone who understands global issues. His preparation for multiple presidential runs ensures he has a strong grasp of the challenges America has faced over a long stretch of time. He also has a wealth of key former staffers he can turn to for advice and counsel at a moment's notice.

Everyone being vetted for a high-level appointment must pledge not to become a registered lobbyist for five years after they leave the Trump’s administration and never lobby for a foreign government. This applies to registered state and federal lobbyists.  In addition, all current registered lobbyists must be prepared to deregister in order to be considered for a post. Every person who joins the administration will be asked to sign a lobbying ban form that states they are not registered lobbyist. If they are they will have to provide evidence of their termination.

Executive Actions to be taken after Inauguration (January 20, 2017)

Author Ambassador András Simonyi (an EU citizen) is the Managing Director of the Center for Transatlantic Relations at the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University in Washington D.C.  Original Text has been edited along with pertinent recommendations

The current system of international relations and the world order in general is undergoing a significant transformation. The core of the new system is shifting from the West to Eurasia, thus making Russia and China the biggest and most influential actors.

1. Russia is simply too big and too important for the United States to attempt to isolate. A right balance must be found that takes into account Russia’s interests.
2. Engaging Russia is not about trust but rather the alignment of interests.
3. Resolving numerous international issues would be difficult without Russia.
4. The U.S. cannot contain or isolate Russia, nor can it build a partnership. But there are several things that can be done:
   • reopen channels of communication to avoid dangerous misunderstandings;
   • tone down the rhetoric;