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1322. Stronger U.S. – EU Trade Creates Everyday Benefits
- Author:
- Jeff Okun-Kozlowicki and Gabe Horwitz
- Publication Date:
- 12-2013
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Third Way
- Abstract:
- The economic relationship between the United States and the European Union (EU) is so strong and so deeply integrated into multinational supply chains that policymakers often forget about it. Even with recent economic turbulence, the EU is America's largest trading partner. The EU remains one of the most important markets for the United States in terms of exports, two-way investment, and domestic job creation. But our marriage could be even stronger—especially at a time when both sides are seeking to recover from several years of lean economic growth. Breaking down trade barriers and spurring cooperation in key sectors would have significant benefits for American manufacturers and consumers in terms of the movies you watch, the car you drive, and the products you use.
- Topic:
- Economics, International Trade and Finance, and Treaties and Agreements
- Political Geography:
- United States, America, and North America
1323. North American Competitiveness: The San Diego Agenda
- Author:
- Christopher Sands, Duncan Wood, and Laura Dawson
- Publication Date:
- 11-2013
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Hudson Institute
- Abstract:
- The 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) among Canada, Mexico, and the United States was a bold experiment in economic integration and regional cooperation. To be successful, the initiative demanded political leadership and a commitment to regionalism. It required a vision that extended beyond short-term national interest and it demanded creative thinking about how three large countries could integrate their markets in a meaningful way.
- Topic:
- Economics, International Trade and Finance, and Treaties and Agreements
- Political Geography:
- United States, Canada, North America, and Mexico
1324. Institutional Choices for Regulating Oil and Gas Wells
- Author:
- Lee Lane
- Publication Date:
- 02-2013
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Hudson Institute
- Abstract:
- Hydraulic fracturing (HF) is one of the technologies that have enabled large increases both in the current production of natural gas and in estimates of recoverable reserves. However, as new technology has triggered a boom in onshore U.S. gas exploration and production (E), environmental concerns have multiplied. Much of the concern centers on use of HF. As public concern has risen, so have calls for federal regulatory control. The Interior Department has adopted tighter controls on the use of HF on public lands. Also, two former Obama White House aides, Carol Browner and Jody Freeman, have argued for more EPA regulation of all use of HF in oil and gas drilling. To achieve this control, they propose to repeal the partial oil and gas exemption under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Bills to this effect, dubbed the FRAC Act, were proposed in the last two Congresses, but they were not adopted.
- Topic:
- Economics, Environment, International Trade and Finance, and Natural Resources
- Political Geography:
- United States and North America
1325. The US and the Gulf States: Uncertain Partners in a Changing Region
- Author:
- Richard LeBaron
- Publication Date:
- 02-2013
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Atlantic Council
- Abstract:
- Two important issues are testing relations between the United States and its allies in the Gulf: democratic transitions in the Arab world and regional security. Their outcome will either strengthen or disrupt what has been a long-term partnership. The United States and its Gulf allies are well into their second year of reacting to, and attempting to influence, the rapid political change in the Middle East and North Africa, but their efforts are informed by differing motivations. Meanwhile the looming threat of Iran attaining nuclear weapons has brought greater urgency to efforts to enhance Gulf security, but also some disquiet in the Gulf about any possible US deal with Iran that would serve global non-proliferation interests but threaten their vital regional security interests.
- Topic:
- Democratization, International Security, and Bilateral Relations
- Political Geography:
- United States, Middle East, North Africa, and North America
1326. An Economic NATO: A New Alliance for a New Global Order
- Author:
- C. Boyden Gray
- Publication Date:
- 02-2013
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Atlantic Council
- Abstract:
- In the aftermath of World War II, the greatest concern facing the United States and its European allies was restraining the Soviet Union and preventing the spread of communism. Cooperation on military security was paramount, and the United States and Europe rose to the challenge by creating NATO, a new type of multilateral defense agreement. Once again, the transatlantic relationship is at a new and perilous crossroads. But now it is economic, rather than military security that is at risk. Crisis grips the economies of Europe, just as the United States, mired in historic levels of unemployment in the wake of the 2008 recession, is rethinking its strategic priorities and place in the world. As before, fears mount concerning the future of liberal democracy and Western capitalism. The question is whether transatlantic cooperation will again rise to the challenge.
- Topic:
- NATO, Economics, International Trade and Finance, Treaties and Agreements, Financial Crisis, and Reform
- Political Geography:
- United States, Europe, and North America
1327. A Strategy for US Engagement in the Middle East: Contain Threats, Embrace Dignity
- Author:
- Michele Dunne and Barry Pavel
- Publication Date:
- 03-2013
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Atlantic Council
- Abstract:
- In President Barack Obama's first term, his administration withdrew US forces from Iraq, ratcheted up pressure to thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions, began the adjustment to relations with post-authoritarian governments in Arab countries including Egypt, struggled with how best to handle an increasingly bloody rebellion in Syria, and attempted to restart diplomacy on the Israeli/Palestinian problem. At the beginning of his second term, US interests are at significant risk as the region continues to undergo profound changes, and Arab and European allies are asking for greater US engagement. The region also presents the United States with unanticipated opportunities, such as the development of Arab democracies and a reduction in Iranian influence. The challenge facing the United States is how to lead without dominating, and how to protect and promote US interests without absolving other actors of responsibility. Thus, the task for this administration is to develop a strategy: to match the president's positive rhetoric with meaningful follow-up in terms of diplomacy, assistance, and security cooperation.
- Topic:
- Diplomacy, International Security, and Bilateral Relations
- Political Geography:
- United States, Europe, Middle East, North Africa, and North America
1328. US-Iran Cultural Engagement: A Cost Effective Boon to US National Security
- Author:
- Barbara Slavin and Ramin Asgard
- Publication Date:
- 06-2013
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Atlantic Council
- Abstract:
- This issue brief of the Atlantic Council's Iran Task Force outlines the 179-year history of US contacts with Iran, which have experienced periods of breakdown but currently are continuing at a low level despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties. It also recommends actions to advance these exchanges as a national security imperative—especially as the nuclear dispute with the Iranian government could well persist.
- Topic:
- Diplomacy, Nuclear Weapons, and Bilateral Relations
- Political Geography:
- Middle East and North America
1329. Iran: How a Third Tier Cyber Power Can Still Threaten the United States
- Author:
- Barbara Slavin and Jason Healey
- Publication Date:
- 07-2013
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Atlantic Council
- Abstract:
- When most people think of the "military option" against Iran, they imagine a US attack that takes out Iran's most important known nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow, Arak, and Isfahan. They expect Iran to retaliate by closing the Strait of Hormuz, sending missiles into Israel, and/or supporting terrorist attacks on US personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan.
- Topic:
- Security, Science and Technology, and Terrorism
- Political Geography:
- United States, Iran, Middle East, and North America
1330. Is NATO Set to Go on Standby?
- Author:
- Karl-Heinz Kamp
- Publication Date:
- 09-2013
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Atlantic Council
- Abstract:
- While the withdrawal of all combat forces from Afghanistan by the end of 2014 will be welcomed in most NATO capitals, it raises stark questions for the future of the Atlantic Alliance. Can it justify its existence without a direct threat to the security of its members? Is it enough for NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen to state that the Alliance has to evolve from “deployed NATO to prepared NATO,” without answering the question: prepared for what? Or will NATO have to accept that it is now less relevant, placing itself in standby mode to hibernate until it is reawakened by a new mission inside or outside Europe?
- Topic:
- Defense Policy, International Cooperation, and Military Strategy
- Political Geography:
- Afghanistan, Europe, and North America