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Trying to change NATO is a waste of time imo. It is from an Old World that no longer exists.

The Atlantic Community is somewhat different. Below is their mission list from their website. We might argue with the way the first mission is described, but not the rest. (I would hope). The list of founders, interns, movers and shakers includes former investment bankers, Accenture specialists and a wide variety of policy wonks. There doesn't appear to be an ideological pattern.

Here's what they say...

We seek to:

  • Spread the message that today's transatlantic agenda is global: International challenges like terrorism, the energy crisis, and the rise of new powers in Asia demand a unified Western policy.

  • Promote frank debates and collaboration between Europe and North America on issues of globalization and foreign policy.

  • Cultivate and improve intellectual exchange across the Atlantic through increased networking opportunities between decision-makers, senior experts, as well as a new generation of students and future policy professionals.

  • Promote and advance the future generation of decision-makers.

  • Analyze foreign policy and the challenges of the twenty-first century in such a way that everybody can understand them. Our leitmotif is: Accessible Foreign Policy for Everybody!


You can't be me, I'm taken
by Sven Triloqvist on Wed Feb 25th, 2009 at 10:25:11 AM EST
Trying to change NATO is a waste of time imo. It is from an Old World that no longer exists.

I wonder how many other international organizations are "from an Old World that no longer exists". The IMF and World Bank? The OECD? The UN? The EU?

Most economists teach a theoretical framework that has been shown to be fundamentally useless. -- James K. Galbraith

by Migeru (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Wed Feb 25th, 2009 at 10:36:07 AM EST
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The UN and the EU belong to my New World. Lots to complain about, but an entirely 'faith' based feeling that with enough effort, knowledge, transparency and compassion these two institutions can be improved. Large parts of the UN work quite well. The big ego part doesn't.

I don't know enough about the functions and practices of the OECD to know if it is useful or a hindrance. The IMF/World Bank monster should be rebuilt. A global organization that invests, regulates and assists in crisis is needed, but not like these.

Organizations such Médecins Sans Frontières and Reporters without borders, or any of the others (often French-founded like Écoles Sans Frontières), are inspiring. Inspiration is, imo, one of the main reasons we form societies.


You can't be me, I'm taken

by Sven Triloqvist on Wed Feb 25th, 2009 at 11:07:35 AM EST
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