Blue Star Brief: October 2016

Blue Star Strategies is a global strategic consulting, public affairs, and government relations firm based in Washington, DC. We work with public and private sector partners to solve their business investment, economic development, and political reform challenges around the world.

The BLUE STAR BRIEF is complimentary to all subscribers. For more information about how Blue Star Strategies can work with your organization, please contact us or visit us online at:

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Dear Friends,

Welcome to our redesigned monthly e-newsletter...

-- THE BLUE STAR BRIEF --

Why new, you ask?

Many of you asked that we share more of our personal insights, accumulated knowledge, and descriptions of what we've learned and garnered from the field. You also expressed interest in reading more about what we do and where we work.

We extend you a warm welcome to this first issue of the new BLUE STAR BRIEF,
in which you will find:

insight and analysis from our recent engagements
political and market developments
events and happenings from near and far
curated tips and recommendations

If you like what you see, please consider sharing BLUE STAR BRIEF.

As always, we welcome your feedback, suggestions, and comments.

With best regards,

The Blue Star Strategies Team

Political & Market Updates

Blue Star Strategies works around the world with global businesses, governments, political reformers, and organizations. Click here for examples of our recent engagements.

From Europe...

In the Baltics, the U.S. affirmed Western support for the region in light of increased fears of Russia, while Vice President Biden congratulated Latvia on its recent accession to the OECD.

In Washington, new legislation passed in the House to bolster U.S. support for Ukraine, while the IMF announced that the country would receive $1 billion in support as it moves to implement continued domestic economic and structural reforms.

In Hungary, a public referendum rejected an EU plan to allocate migrants and asylum seekers across Europe. Although the results were declared legal invalid due to voter turnout being less than the required 50 percent, aftershocks of the plebiscite were felt in nearby countries as well as in Brussels.

From Latin America...

U.S. Secretary of State Kerry met with President Maduro of Venezuela for the first time, amidst an ongoing humanitarian and political crisis in the country where massive public demonstrations have taken place in Caracas. As Venezuela faces increasing instability and a desire for political change, the U.S. has lent support for a recall referendum of its political leadership before the close of this year.

In Colombia, voters narrowly rejected a nationwide referendum to ratify a peace accord to end its 52-year old conflict that had been recently reached between the government and the country's largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The deal was rejected by a margin of 50.2 to 49.8 and although both sides have vowed not to return to fighting, efforts to build a stable peace will now take center stage.

Blue Star Strategies, LLC

Solving the complex problems facing today's
global businesses, governments, and organizations

Our Name
We named our firm after the Native American Hopi tradition which teaches that when the Blue Star appears, it will provide answers to global challenges confronting us today. Our name signifies our commitment to pursue truth and excellence until the star appears. We work with companies, leaders, and partners who understand these challenges and drive the solutions that will bring about a better and more integrated world community.