Source: www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2016/11 kissinger-order-and-chaos/506876

At the confirmation hearings, General Mattis said Russia aggression, China aggressiveness in the South China Sea and Islamist militants were presenting the biggest challenge to the U.S.-led world order since World War Two, and called for Congress to lift spending caps undermining military readiness. General Mattis believes the main threat to U.S. interests is Russia.

There is a common thread in the ethics plan outlined by President-elect Trump: His pledge to separate his private interests from public policy depends almost entirely on him and his team following their own rules with almost a total absence of public disclosure, outside oversight or independent verification.

Extract

"I come before you at a pivotal time in both the history of our nation and our world.

Nearly everywhere we look, people and nations are deeply unsettled. Old ideas and international norms which were well-understood and governed behaviors in the past may no longer be effective in our time.

1. Has the potential to be an outstanding Secretary of State
2. Well prepared to do what is essential for the security of the United States
3. Knows crucial regions. He knows the leaders and he understands the challenges and the risks
4. Experience and knowledge of Russia an asset not a liability
5. Superbly qualified and the right person at the right time
6. An inspired choice by President-Elect Trump for this critical position. Uniquely qualified to serve in this important office

White House

• Senior Advisor : Jared Kushner (Trump’s son in law)
• Senior Advisor to the President: Stephen Miller (Trump loyalist and Head of the Economic Policy Team. Currently National Policy Director for the Trump transition. Stephen Miller is a Jeff Sessions Aide who was a member of Donald Trump’s campaign and transition team. He has also been picked to write the inaugural address.
• Senior Counselor to the President & White House Strategist: Steve Bannon (Former Executive Chair of Breitbart News Website)

Source: EFCR (June 2016)

Edited

MEPs will elect their President on 17 January after the departure of Martin Schulz, who is stepping down to return to German politics. The new President will serve until European elections in 2019.

Candidates

Twitter is changing how diplomats interact and influencing how we see global leaders. From embarrassing tweets and international spats, the public is getting to see a different side of diplomacy. For politicians, Twitter has become a very powerful channel to broadcast messages. It has become an indispensable channel for digital diplomacy. More than two-thirds of heads of state and government in the world are on Twitter. Twitter isn't just about posting statements and updates. It allows global leaders to connect with their peers.