A year of national service for young Americans could restore trust in government

This op-ed was originally published in the Kansas City Star. Over the last few years, we've seen the public's trust in government reach historic lows. This lack of connectivity with our political leaders and institutions is acute with today's millennial generation showing low voter turnout and half of them identifying as politically independent. When government ceases attracting top talent it deepens government inefficiency and public mistrust. Unfortunately, there is evidence that a cycle of distrust and cynicism is already beginning as members of the next generation dedicate themselves to careers outside government. According to a recent Bipartisan Policy Center report,……Continue Reading A year of national service for young Americans could restore trust in government

Weapons of Mass Deception: Part Two

This article was written by CCLP visiting fellow Vasily Gatov and was originally published by the Institute of Modern Russia. In part one of his essay, prominent Russian media analyst Vasily Gatov explained the origins of Putin's anti-Western narrative and the current Russian propaganda campaign. In this second installment, he focuses on the twisted logic behind this narrative and the mistakes of the West, and he provides recommendations on how to counter the Kremlin's offensive. Launching an Offensive Against the West There is another side of the story that I merely touched on at the beginning of this article. By……Continue Reading Weapons of Mass Deception: Part Two

Weapons of Mass Deception: Part One

This article was written by CCLP visiting fellow Vasily Gatov and was originally published by the Institute of Modern Russia. The overwhelming scale and deeply destructive nature of the Kremlin's information war has only recently drawn attention of the Western mainstream media and policymakers. In part one of his essay, prominent Russian media analyst Vasily Gatov, visiting fellow at the Center of Communication Leadership and Policy, University of Southern California, explains the origins of the Russian propaganda and Putin's anti-Western narrative. As consumption of mass media has increased dramatically in modern times, outscoring all other human habits in absorbing hours……Continue Reading Weapons of Mass Deception: Part One

How phone companies redline cell phone customers into digital ghettos

This op-ed was originally published in The Hill Why can't most inexpensive cell phones receive life-saving emergency weather alerts? Why, unlike people in the rest of the world, can't Americans listen to emergency information broadcasts on their cell phones? These are not accidents or unanticipated consequences. These are the results of deliberate decisions that have been made on the design, regulation and operation of the U.S. cell phone system. Nearly a decade ago, Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), who now chairs the House Energy & Commerce Committee, anticipated the need to expand access to emergency information. "With nearly 200 million Americans……Continue Reading How phone companies redline cell phone customers into digital ghettos

‘The Little Red Dot’ turns 50: Singapore’s five decades of soft power

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Singapore's emergence from a tiny third world island nation to a first world power – with no natural resources and a population smaller than some U.S. cities – was the topic of discussion at a CCLP forum here on Monday. Ashok Kumar Mirpuri, Singapore's Ambassador to the United States, noted that decades ago, Singapore was dismissed as "a little red dot." But what may have been intended as an insult became a term of pride, with "Little Red Dot" institutions sprouting through the country. Ashok Kumar Mirpuri, Singapore's Ambassador to the United States "In 1965 Singapore was……Continue Reading ‘The Little Red Dot’ turns 50: Singapore’s five decades of soft power