Blue Star Brief: September 2017

Blue Star Strategies extends its deepest support and strength to acknowledge the devastation and ongoing challenges affecting the people and communities in the paths of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, both in the United States and across the Caribbean Sea.

We pledge to do all we can to support those whose lives have been forever changed and we express our heartfelt inspiration from witnessing the countless acts of compassion, togetherness, and selflessness that have been on display throughout this challenging time.

The Power of the French-American Alliance

We are at a critical time for the United States, Europe, and the transatlantic partnership.

On both sides of the Atlantic, societies are revolting against policy elites. Nationalism, identity, and sovereignty are the order of the day. Protectionist and isolationist sentiment and threats of trade wars are common headlines. Calls for a "pullback" from globalization echo across both our shores.

This uncertain, charged climate has brought unpredictability to the business world, where global companies face daunting challenges from a complex mix of government policies, multilateral oversight bodies, and civil society scrutiny.

In this month's Blue Star Brief, Sally Painter and Mathilde Defarges outline a new transatlantic focused approach to helping organizations smartly navigate a new era of globalization through conscientious local engagement.

With best regards,

The Blue Star Strategies Team

By Daniel P. Erikson and Gabriella Ippolito

As part of our renewed focus on the Western Hemisphere, the Blue Star Brief is pleased to introduce "Spotlight on NAFTA," a feature that will track what is occurring behind the headlines as the United States, Canada, and Mexico try to complete negotiations by the end of 2017.

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has been in the cross-hairs throughout the U.S. presidential campaign in 2016 and during the first eight months of the Trump administration as the three countries grapple with whether to amend, renegotiate, or terminate the world's largest free trade area linking 444 million people producing $17 trillion in goods and services.

Jeff Gedmin introduced and served on the panel "Agent of Influence: Should Russia's RT Register as a Foreign Agent?" Atlantic Council, September 8, 2017.

Jeff Gedmin will present at the 4th London Gas & LNG Forum 2017, U.S. Energy Stream, London, UK, September 13-14, 2017.

Sally Painter will participate at The Concordia Annual Summit, New York, NY, September 18-19, 2017.

Dan Erikson will serve on the panel "Cuba 2018: What to Expect," Council on Foreign Relations, October 2, 2017.

Blue Star Strategies welcomes aboard new team member Tamar Gegechkori, who will serve as an Associate in our Washington, DC office. A native of the Republic of Georgia, Tamar will focus on research and analysis of Eastern European political affairs and trade, including using her language skills in Russian, Georgian, and English.

Tamar joins us having served in previous roles at the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, ACT Research, UNICEF, and the Ministry of Defense of Georgia.

We are very happy to welcome Tamar to the team.

Seasonal Cuisine...On Maine's Sea Coast

Karen Tramontano recommends...

Blue Hill Inn, a short walk from the scenic and secluded sea village's inner harbor on Maine's lovely coast.

This authentic 1835 Federal-style inn on the National Register of Historic Places serves a special, Monday evenings-only seasonal tasting menu with exquisite food and wine pairings prepared by local guest chef, Chef La Mason.

Blue Hill Inn, 40 Union Street, P.O. Box 403,
Blue Hill, Maine 04614. Tel. +1 207 374 2844