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1612. Democracy in Post-Invasion Iraq
- Author:
- Melani Cammett
- Publication Date:
- 02-2013
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University
- Abstract:
- In the decade since the U.S. invasion in 2003, procedural democracy was established in Iraq. A new constitution was adopted, creating a federal parliamentary democratic system, and multiple rounds of national and provincial elections have been held. The existence of institutional forms of democracy, however, is not enough to ensure the quality of democracy. This paper evaluates the quality of Iraqi democracy, using indicators ranging from corruption levels to living conditions and political freedoms. Compared to the era of Ba'ath Party rule under Saddam Hussein, Iraqis enjoy greater civic and political liberties and multiple political factions compete for power. However, the democracy that has emerged is limited in significant ways, and it has not brought peace and prosperity to much of the population.
- Political Geography:
- United States and Iraq
1613. To judge NSA reforms, look to the tech industry
- Author:
- Mieke Eoyang
- Publication Date:
- 01-2013
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Third Way
- Abstract:
- In 1976, Senator Edward Kennedy first introduced the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to rein in government scrutiny of Americans. That law made America’s telecommunications companies the gatekeepers of the public’s information. But back then, “Ma Bell” was still around — AT&T wasn’t broken up until 1982 — and mobile phones were a distant dream. Now, nearly 40 years and a tech revolution later, President Obama faced similar questions on how to protect the American people’s privacy.
- Topic:
- Security, Defense Policy, Science and Technology, Surveillance, and Civil Liberties
- Political Geography:
- United States and North America
1614. A Clash of Cultures: Hate Speech, Taboos, Blasphemy, and the Role of News Media
- Author:
- Jane Sasseen
- Publication Date:
- 10-2013
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- National Endowment for Democracy
- Abstract:
- CIMA is pleased to release A Clash of Cultures: Hate Speech, Taboos, Blasphemy, and the Role of News Media, by Jane Sasseen. The ability of individuals to openly speak their minds is a core principle not only of American journalism, but American democracy. Even when speech is insulting or disrespectful to others-speech that might run afoul of hate speech laws throughout Western Europe or be banned outright in much of the rest of the world-it is generally permitted in the United States. But the rise of the Internet and the instantaneous global communications it enables have raised a host of new questions about how to handle hate speech and other potentially offensive speech when it can be seen by audiences in other countries that do not share those values.
- Topic:
- Media, News Analysis, Journalism, and Hate Speech
- Political Geography:
- United States and North America
1615. The Trilateral Bond: Mapping a New Era for Latin America, the United States, and Europe
- Publication Date:
- 05-2013
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Atlantic Council
- Abstract:
- For too long, the United States and Europe have failed to embrace Latin America as a partner in a broader transatlantic community. Modern Latin America, like the United States, springs from a common European heritage and shares the historical, political, and philosophical roots that bind the West so closely together. The region is of growing strategic importance, with its expanding markets, energy resources, and global economic reach. But while Latin America is changing rapidly, the United States and Europe have been slow to sufficiently recognize and embrace this new world, missing crucial policy and business opportunities.
- Topic:
- Economics, International Cooperation, and International Trade and Finance
- Political Geography:
- United States, Europe, and Latin America
1616. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership: Ambitious but Achievable
- Author:
- Garrett Workman and Tyson Barker
- Publication Date:
- 04-2013
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Atlantic Council
- Abstract:
- As leaders in the United States and Europe prepare for the formal launch of Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) talks, the Bertelsmann Foundation and the Atlantic Council have conducted a survey of trade policy experts from the public and private sectors on both sides of the Atlantic to gauge their expectations for the results of negotiations. This policy brief examines the results of this survey and analyzes its policy implications in three possible scenarios. The United States and Europe have discussed a transatlantic free trade area in various guises for decades. But as negotiations for a new Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) begin, this time seems different. Both sides recognize the need to stimulate their stagnant economies in the aftermath of the financial and Eurozone crises. In an age of austerity, as debt and deficit problems have led to a major loss of market confidence in the United States and Europe's ability to recover in a sustainable manner, a deepened trade relationship marks a path forward without adding to national debt levels. Furthermore, the rise of the emerging markets—particularly China—which often subscribe to a different economic model focused on state-owned enterprises and government directed investment decisions, marks a historic decision-point for the transatlantic community.
- Topic:
- Debt, International Trade and Finance, and Reform
- Political Geography:
- United States, Europe, and Atlantic Ocean
1617. Time to Move from Tactics to Strategy on Iran
- Publication Date:
- 04-2013
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Atlantic Council
- Abstract:
- President Barack Obama faces a relatively short timeframe in which to peacefully address the most significant near-term foreign policy and security challenge for his second term. Due to Iran's persistent nuclear advances, Obama's repeated pledge that the United States would stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons could well be tested in the coming months, requiring intensified diplomatic engagement and careful calculation of the repercussions (regionally and globally) of a military response.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Economics, Humanitarian Aid, Sanctions, and Nuclear Power
- Political Geography:
- United States, Iran, and Atlantic Ocean
1618. Envisioning 2030: US Strategy for the Coming Technology Revolution
- Publication Date:
- 12-2013
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Atlantic Council
- Abstract:
- This report has a simple message: We are not prepared for the negative consequences of many new technologies or as well-positioned as we should be to take full advantage of the benefits. Emerging technologies are likely to be more beneficial than detrimental, but the opposite could be true if we are not careful. This report examines emerging technologies in three broad areas—energy, smart cities, and manufacturing—that are playing critical yet disruptive roles: all present opportunities for the US and its partners, but also huge challenges and risks.
- Topic:
- Economics, International Trade and Finance, Science and Technology, and Hegemony
- Political Geography:
- United States
1619. US and EU: Lack of Strategic Vision, Frustrated Efforts Toward the Arab Transitions
- Author:
- Amy Hawthorne and Danya Greenfield
- Publication Date:
- 09-2013
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Atlantic Council
- Abstract:
- The United States and Europe have yet to show the requisite political will or to develop sustainable strategies to help Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, and Yemen in their democratic transitions more than two years after a wave of popular revolutions toppled decades-old autocracies. To be sure, deepening political, economic, and security challenges in these countries from June 2012 to August 2013, the period analyzed in this report, complicated efforts to provide support. Yet the United States and the European Union (EU) missed important opportunities to capitalize on openings where they existed or to send consistent and sustained diplomatic messages where needed. Faced with the vast amounts of cash the Gulf countries could provide rapidly to the transition countries, especially to Egypt, some in Washington and Brussels wondered if the United States and the EU even had much to offer. In the past year, fatigue and frustration more than energy and hope have characterized US and European engagement with these countries.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Democratization, and Social Movement
- Political Geography:
- United States, Europe, Middle East, Libya, Yemen, Egypt, and Tunisia
1620. China-US Cooperation: Key to the Global Future
- Publication Date:
- 09-2013
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Atlantic Council
- Abstract:
- The world has achieved unprecedented peace, prosperity, and interdependence, but past achievements—and further progress—are threatened by a host of looming challenges. Global institutions that served us well and transformed the world are becoming victims of their own success and must be reformed or replaced to deal with new challenges and take advantage of new opportunities. Governments everywhere face rising expectations and increasing demands but find themselves less able to manage the challenges they face.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, International Cooperation, and Bilateral Relations
- Political Geography:
- United States, China, and Asia