International organizations, governments, and private actors argue that participation in Global Value Chains (GVCs) is a promising development opportunity. Yet, the discussion around GVCs neglects to a large part the social consequences of GVC participation. To assure inclusive GVCs, we need better data, a rethinking of how countries join value chains, and an emphasis on protective institutions.

To counter Russian actions of destabilization and deter future incursion into Eastern Europe, NATO should enhance its eastern flank military capabilities and increase the presence of conventional troops in the Baltics. The EU should simultaneously expand and extend its sanctions on Russia for illegal actions in Ukraine in 2014.

The EU Emissions Trading System is failing at incentivizing low-carbon innovation needed to reach decarbonization by mid-century. Current research suggests that regulatory uncertainty of the EU ETS keeps its market participants from considering the long-term goals behind the emissions trading system. Different reform options are at hand to enhance long-term regulatory credibility and revive the world’s largest climate policy instrument.

In the wake of the first few hundred Syrian refugees voluntarily returning from Lebanon to war-torn Syria, it is imperative that Lebanon reassesses its obligations as a host country. Whilst it is unlikely that Lebanon will become party to the refugee convention, an updated Memorandum of Understanding with the UNHCR could be the solution.

Ghana is losing revenue from its oil resources due to ineffective taxation, bad contracts and institutional weakness. It requires contract renegotiation and implementation of a wind-fall profit tax in order to maximize revenue from the country’s oil.

At first glance, climate change seems an intractable problem. Cap-and-trade could provide the solution. But first, it needs reforms and better communication.