| Foreign Investment in U.S. Securities |
18-Nov-2009 |
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| Authors:
James K Jackson; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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 | Foreign capital inflows are playing an important role in the U.S. economy by bridging the gap between domestic supplies of and demand for capital. In 2008, as the financial crisis and global economic downturn unfolded, foreign investors looked to U. S. Treasury securities as a safe haven investment, while they sharply reduced their net purchases of corporate stocks and bonds. In the first two quarters of 2009, foreign capital inflows ... |
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| U.S. Nuclear Cooperation with India: Issues for Congress |
05-Nov-2009 |
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| Authors:
Paul K Kerr; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| India, which has not signed the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) and does not have International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards on all nuclear material in peaceful nuclear activities, exploded a peaceful nuclear device in 1974, convincing the world of the need for greater restrictions on nuclear trade. The United States created the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) as a direct response to India's test, halted nuclear exports to India a few years ... |
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| China-U.S. Relations: Current Issues and Implications for U.S. Policy |
29-Jul-2009 |
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| Authors:
Kerry Dumbaugh; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| The bilateral relationship between the U.S. and the People's Republic of China (PRC) is vitally important, touching on a wide range of areas including, among others, economic policy, security, foreign relations, and human rights. U.S. and PRC interests are bound together much more closely now than even a few years ago. These extensive inter-linkages have made it increasingly difficult for either government to take unilateral actions without inviting far-reaching, unintended ... |
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| U.S. Trade and Investment Relationship with Sub-Saharan Africa: The African Growth and Opportunity Act |
24-Jul-2009 |
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| Authors:
Vivian C Jones; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Following the end of the apartheid era in South Africa in the early 1990s, the United States sought to increase economic relations with Sub-Saharan Africa. President Clinton instituted several measures that dealt with investment, debt relief, and trade. Congress required the President to develop a trade and development policy for Africa. The economic challenges facing Africa today are serious. Unlike the period from 1960 to 1973, when economic growth in ... |
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| Peru: Current Conditions and U.S. Relations |
21-Jul-2009 |
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| Authors:
Maureen Taft-Morales; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Peru shows promising signs of economic and political stability and the inclination to work with the United States on mutual concerns. President Alan Garcia is, however, facing challenging times during this, the third year of his 5-year term. Widespread social unrest has increased as growing inflation combines with unmet expectations that social conditions for Peru's poorest citizens would improve with Peru's economic growth. Peru's economy has been stronger than virtually ... |
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| The Global Financial Crisis: Analysis and Policy Implications |
10-Jul-2009 |
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| Authors:
Dick K Nanto; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| The world has entered a global recession that is causing widespread business contraction, increases in unemployment, and shrinking government revenues. Some of the largest and most venerable banks, investment houses, and insurance companies have either declared bankruptcy or have had to be rescued financially. Nearly all industrialized countries and many emerging and developing nations have announced economic stimulus and/or financial sector rescue packages, such as the American Recovery and Reinvestment ... |
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| The Global Financial Crisis: Analysis and Policy Implications |
02-Jul-2009 |
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| Authors:
Dick K Nanto; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| The world has entered a global recession that is causing widespread business contraction, increases in unemployment, and shrinking government revenues. Some of the largest and most venerable banks, investment houses, and insurance companies have either declared bankruptcy or have had to be rescued financially. Nearly all industrialized countries and many emerging and developing nations have announced economic stimulus and/or financial sector rescue packages, such as the American Recovery and Reinvestment ... |
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| China's Currency: A Summary of the Economic Issues |
17-Jun-2009 |
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| Authors:
Marc Labonte; Wayne M Morrison; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Many Members of Congress charge that China's policy of accumulating foreign reserves (especially U.S. dollars) to influence the value of its currency constitutes a form of currency manipulation intended to make its exports cheaper and imports into China more expensive than they would be under free market conditions. They further contend that this policy has caused a surge in the U.S. trade deficit with China in recent years and has ... |
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| North Korea: Economic Leverage and Policy Analysis |
04-Jun-2009 |
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| Authors:
Emma Chanlett-Avery; Dick K Nanto; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| In 2009, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea) embarked on a course that includes a series of extremely provocative military actions, a shift in power toward the military, emphasis on ideological purity, rising criticism of the United States, and going forward with its nuclear and missile program in spite of sanctions and objections from much of the rest of the world. Two factors that seem to ... |
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| Iran's Activities and Influence in Iraq |
04-Jun-2009 |
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| Authors:
Kenneth Katzman; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| With conventional military and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) threats from Saddam Hussein's regime removed, Iran seeks to ensure that Iraq can never again become a threat to itself, either with or without U.S. forces present in Iraq. Some believe that Iran's intentions go well beyond achieving Iraq's neutrality -- that Iran wants to try to harness Iraq to Iran's broader regional policy goals and to help Iran defend against ... |
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| China and the Global Financial Crisis: Implications for the United States |
03-Jun-2009 |
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| Authors:
Wayne M Morrison; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Over the past several years, China has enjoyed one of the world's fastest growing economies and has been a major contributor to world economic growth. However, the current global financial crisis threatens to significantly slow China's economy. Several Chinese industries, particularly the export sector, have been hit hard by crisis, and millions of workers have reportedly been laid off. This situation is of great concern to the Chinese government, which ... |
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| Rising Dragon: Infrastructure Development and Chinese Influence in Vietnam |
Jun-2009 |
89 pages |
| Authors:
Thomas D Moon; NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA
|
 | This thesis will contribute to the on-going debate over whether China's rise as a regional and potential global power will be benign or disruptive for Southeast Asia. The central argument is that China is creating mechanisms that can exert influence on Vietnam by developing infrastructure links and creating regional economic dependencies. These mechanisms are being formed as a consequence of economic development programs associated with bilateral and regional initiatives. These ... |
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| South Africa: Current Issues and U.S. Relations |
20-May-2009 |
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| Authors:
Lauren Ploch; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Over a decade after the South African majority gained its independence from white minority rule under apartheid, the Republic of South Africa is firmly established as a regional power. With Africa's largest GDP, a diverse economy, and a government that has played an active role in the promotion of regional peace and stability, South Africa is poised to have a substantial impact on the economic and political future of Africa. ... |
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| France: Factors Shaping Foreign Policy, and Issues in U.S.-French Relations |
20-May-2009 |
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| Authors:
Paul Belkin; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| The factors that shape French foreign policy have changed since the end of the Cold War. The perspectives of France and the United States have diverged in some cases, although their core interests remain similar. Both countries' governments have embraced the opportunity to build stability in Europe through an expanded European Union and NATO. Each has recognized that terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction are the most ... |
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| German Foreign and Security Policy: Trends and Transatlantic Implications |
20-May-2009 |
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| Authors:
Paul Belkin; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| German Chancellor Angela Merkel took office in November 2005 promising a foreign policy anchored in a revitalized transatlantic partnership. Most observers agree that since reaching a low-point in the lead-up to the Iraq war in 2003, relations between the United States and Germany have improved. U.S. officials and many Members of Congress view Germany as a key U.S. ally, have welcomed German leadership in Europe, and voiced expectations for increased ... |
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| Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests |
17-Apr-2009 |
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| Authors:
Jim Nichol; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States recognized the independence of all the former Central Asian republics, supported their admission into Western organizations, and elicited regional support to counter Iranian influence in the region. Congress was at the forefront in urging the formation of coherent U.S. policies for aiding these and other Eurasian states of the former Soviet Union. |
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| South Africa: Current Issues and U.S. Relations |
15-Apr-2009 |
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| Authors:
Lauren Ploch; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Over a decade after the South African majority gained its independence from white minority rule under apartheid, a system of racial segregation, the Republic of South Africa is firmly established as a regional power. With Africa's largest GDP, a diverse economy, and a government that has played an active role in the promotion of regional peace and stability, South Africa is poised to have a substantial impact on the economic ... |
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| Taiwan-U.S. Relations: Developments and Policy Implications |
14-Apr-2009 |
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| Authors:
Kerry Dumbaugh; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Policy toward and support for Taiwan are a key element in U.S.- relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC) and an important component of U.S. policy in Asia. Official U.S. relations with the Republic of China (ROC) government on Taiwan became a casualty of the U.S. decision to recognize the PRC government as China's sole legitimate government. Since then, unofficial U.S. relations with Taiwan have been built on the ... |
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| Moldova: Background and U.S. Policy |
14-Apr-2009 |
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| Authors:
Steven Woehrel; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Although a small country, Moldova has been of interest to U.S. policy makers due to its position between NATO and European Union (EU) member Romania and strategic Ukraine. In addition, some experts have expressed concern about alleged Russian efforts to extend its hegemony over Moldova through various methods, including a troop presence, manipulation of Moldova's relationship with its breakaway Transnistria region, and energy supplies and other trading links. Moldova's political ... |
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| U.S.-Mexico Economic Relations: Trends, Issues, and Implications |
03-Apr-2009 |
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| Authors:
M A Villarreal; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Mexico has a population of about 110 million people making it the most populous Spanish speaking country in the world and the third most populous country in the Western Hemisphere. Based on a gross domestic product (GDP) of $1.0 trillion in 2008 (about 7% of U.S. GDP), Mexico has a free market economy with a strong export sector. Economic conditions in Mexico are important to the United States because of ... |
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| The United States and the Asia-Pacific Region: National Interests and Strategic Imperatives (Strategic Forum, Number 239, April 2009) |
Apr-2009 |
7 pages |
| Authors:
James J Przystup; NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIV WASHINGTON DC INST FOR NATIONAL STRATEGIC STUDIES
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| Notwithstanding the 2008-2009 financial crisis, East Asia today remains the home of the world's most dynamic economies. In 1990, the region's share of global gross domestic product (GDP) amounted to 26.5 percent; in 2006, that figure stood at 37.5 percent. In 2006, the GDP growth rate for Asia's economies averaged 5.1 percent, compared to a world average of 3.9 percent. Driven in large part by China's economic resurgence and benefiting ... |
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| Energy Security Through 2030: Some Considerations 2009 |
Apr-2009 |
45 pages |
| Authors:
Jeffrey P Scofield; MARINE CORPS COMMAND AND STAFF COLL QUANTICO VA
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| The efforts established by the current energy policy do not put the United States, and the global community for that matter, on a course that will result in adequate independence of fossil fuels by 2030. In order to secure its energy security, the United States must achieve diversification both in source types of energy production and in supplier of fossil fuels. |
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| Ideas on Policy toward Latin America for the New Administration |
24-Mar-2009 |
30 pages |
| Authors:
Brian J Butcher; ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA
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| The new administration that assumes power on 20 January 2009 will face suboptimal relations with a region that is paradoxically quite important to the United States, yet often neglected. Years of focusing policy on the Middle East and certain U.S. diplomatic decisions have complicated the already problematic relations the United States has with many of its Latin American neighbors. This paper will briefly examine the history of U.S.-Latin American relations, ... |
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| US Policy Options Mitigating Venezuelan Sponsored Security Challenges |
12-Mar-2009 |
44 pages |
| Authors:
Dennis P LeMaster; ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA
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| Chavez's Bolivarian foreign policy seeks to establish Venezuela as an international heavyweight through a strategy designed to thwart U.S. influence in the global arena, particularly in the Western Hemisphere. Accordingly, Chavez is attempting to establish or renew relationships with China, Iran, and Russia and to expand oil markets and trade, to include nuclear technology. Venezuela also has entered into contentious relations with neighboring countries. These actions and policies may destabilize ... |
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| The Future of the U.S.-ROK Alliance and the Rise of China |
Mar-2009 |
85 pages |
| Authors:
Nam H Han; NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA
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| It is inevitable that the People's Republic of China (PRC) will continue to extend its influence over South Korea. Despite the anti-Americanism in South Korea, Seoul understands that there is a strong need for the U.S.-ROK alliance not only to deter North Korea, but also to ensure that U.S. maritime power can counterbalance against a Chinese intrusion in South Korean affairs. History shows that South Korea has preferred to rely ... |
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| Getting Over the Barrel- Achieving Independence from Foreign Oil in 2018 |
03-Feb-2009 |
47 pages |
| Authors:
Christopher S Haigh; ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA
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| The United States can achieve independence from foreign oil in 2018. Increasing production from current oil fields, developing untapped oil resources, converting coal to oil and oil shale extraction can produce an additional 4.1 million barrels per day. Increased ethanol production and proliferation of natural gas and hydrogen vehicles can produce the equivalent of 5.9 million barrels per day. Increased Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, federal gasoline taxes and proliferation ... |
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| Kiss the Embargo Goodbye |
Feb-2009 |
5 pages |
| Authors:
Glenn A Crowther; ARMY WAR COLL STRATEGIC STUDIES INST CARLISLE BARRACKS PA
|
| The embargo on Cuba has been in place for almost 50 years. Although it may have been an appropriate policy response to the Cuban Revolution in the milieu of the Cold War, the reality of the 21st century calls for its abolishment. It is time to kiss the embargo goodbye, while maintaining an unyielding stance that democracy is the only acceptable form of government in the Western Hemisphere. While the ... |
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| The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development |
30-Jan-2009 |
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| Authors:
James K Jackson; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is an intergovernmental economic organization in which the 30 member countries discuss, develop and analyze economic and social policy and shares expertise and exchanges with more than 70 developing and emerging economies. While all of the member countries are considered to be economically advanced and collectively produce three-fourths of the world's goods and services, membership is limited only by a country's commitment ... |
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| China's Currency: A Summary of the Economic Issues |
29-Jan-2009 |
|
| Authors:
Marc Labonte; Wayne M Morrison; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| Many Members of Congress charge that China's policy of accumulating foreign reserves (especially U.S. dollars) to influence the value of its currency constitutes a form of currency manipulation intended to make its exports cheaper and imports into China more expensive than they would be under free market conditions. They further contend that this policy has caused a surge in the U.S. trade deficit with China and has been a major ... |
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| Harmonious Society -- Rise of the New China |
Jan-2009 |
21 pages |
| Authors:
Geis; John P II; Blaine Holt; AIR WAR COLL MAXWELL AFB AL CENTER FOR STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY
|
| China and its political leaders have been managing change at a voracious pace since Deng Xiaoping led the nation on its new course of economic growth and openness. Chinese leaders' inclination to promote economic liberalization while retaining authoritarian control does not seem sustainable in the years ahead when accounting for information proliferation; a rising, expectant, middle class; and an increasing need for resources. Perhaps the political leadership's best acknowledgement of ... |
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| Asymmetric Interdependence: Do America and Europe Need Each Other? |
Jan-2009 |
16 pages |
| Authors:
Beate Neuss; CHEMNITZ UNIV OF TECHNOLOGY (GERMANY)
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| Under President Obama, the transatlantic allies are largely of one view about the tasks and threats that lie ahead in the 21st century. In the search for a correlation of interests -- whether it be in combating terrorism, shaping the world's financial systems, formulating climate policy, or dealing with matters of human rights, nonproliferation, or Middle East policy -- it soon becomes evident that there exists a greater congruency of ... |
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| Singapore: Background and U.S. Relations |
18-Dec-2008 |
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| Authors:
Emma Chanlett-Avery; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| A former colonial island trading and military outpost of the far-flung British Empire, the tiny Republic of Singapore has transformed itself into a modem Asian nation and a major player in the global economy, though it still largely restricts political freedoms in the name of maintaining economic growth. Singapore's heavy dependence on international trade makes regional stability and the free flow of goods and services essential to its existence. As ... |
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| Globalization and Its Impact on the Middle East |
Dec-2008 |
87 pages |
| Authors:
Erhan Ozdemir; NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA
|
| Participation in globalization would greatly contribute to stable economic growth among Middle Eastern states. Globalization and its affect on economic development have profound importance both for the region's stability and the global economy. Middle Eastern countries should find a way to use globalization to their benefit. The challenge to globalization exists at the state level in the Middle East. Most countries in the region have accepted the principles of economic ... |
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| Iran's Nuclear Program: Status |
20-Nov-2008 |
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| Authors:
Paul K Kerr; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| Although Iran claims that its nuclear programs are exclusively for peaceful purposes, they have generated considerable concern that Tehran is pursuing a nuclear weapons program. Indeed, the UN Security Council has responded to Iran's refusal to suspend work on its uranium enrichment and heavy-water nuclear reactor programs by adopting several resolutions which imposed sanctions on Tehran. Despite this pressure, Iran continues at its Natanz centrifuge facility to enrich uranium, expand ... |
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| 2008 Defense Economics Conference: The Economics of War |
17-Nov-2008 |
141 pages |
| Authors:
Cindy Williams; Andrew W Marshall; Martin S Feldstein; Stanley L Engerman; Michael Strobl; David S Chu; Stanley A Horowitz; J M Gilmore; MARK HARRISON; Ayeh Bandeh-Ahmadi; Jerry Pannullo; Joseph E Stiglitz; OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE WASHINGTON DC DIRECTOR PROGRAM ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION
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| This conference focuses on four specific topics: the economic causes of war, the use of resources in war, the impact of war on the economy, both positive and negative, and the use of economic tools in warfare. |
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| Operational Art of Maritime Straits |
29-Oct-2008 |
28 pages |
| Authors:
James P Lowell; NAVAL WAR COLL NEWPORT RI JOINT MILITARY OPERATIONS DEPT
|
| The world economy is growing more reliant on the volume and security of traffic in the maritime straits. Given the expanding role of asymmetric warfare in littoral sea control and the growing importance of strait integrity in the global economy, understanding the intricacies of operational factors in straits is vital to the Commander's employment of sound Operational Art. This paper examines operational factors as they pertain to the uniqueness of ... |
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| America COMPETES Act: Programs, Funding, and Selected Issues |
17-Oct-2008 |
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| Authors:
Deborah D Stine; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| On August 2, 2007, Congress passed the America COMPETES Act (H.R. 2272), which the President signed into law (P.L. 110-69) on August 9, 2007. The act responds to concerns that the United States may not be able to compete economically with other nations in the future due to insufficient investment today in science and technology research and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and workforce development. A similar concern ... |
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| South Africa: Current Issues and U.S. Relations |
07-Oct-2008 |
|
| Authors:
Lauren Ploch; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| Over a decade after the South African majority gained its independence from white minority rule under apartheid, the Republic of South Africa is firmly established as a regional superpower and is considered to be one of the United States' two strategic partners on the continent, along with Nigeria. With Africa's largest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and a government eager to play an active role in the promotion of regional peace ... |
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| Taiwan-U.S. Relations: Recent Developments and Their Policy Implications |
03-Oct-2008 |
|
| Authors:
Kerry Dumbaugh; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| U.S.-Taiwan relations have undergone important changes, sparked in part by the increasing complexity of Taiwan s democratic political environment and the continued insistence of Beijing that the separately ruled Taiwan is a part of the People's Republic of China (PRC). Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou, elected on March 22, 2008, in a surprisingly broad electoral victory, has moved quickly to repair Taiwan's relations with the PRC. Since President Ma assumed office ... |
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| China's Holdings of U.S. Securities: Implications for the U.S. Economy |
02-Oct-2008 |
|
| Authors:
Marc Labonte; Wayne M Morrison; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| Given its relatively low savings rate, the U.S. economy depends heavily on foreign capital inflows from countries with high savings rates (such as China) to help promote growth and to fund the federal budget deficit. China has intervened heavily in currency markets to limit the yuan's appreciation. As a result, China has become the world's largest and fastest growing holder of foreign exchange reserves (FER). China has invested a large ... |
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| The Haitian Economy and the HOPE Act |
01-Oct-2008 |
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| Authors:
J F Hornbeck; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| In December 2006, the 109th Congress passed the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2006 (HOPE I) to assist Haiti with expanding trade in the onetime thriving apparel industry as a way to stimulate economic growth. The act provided special rules for the duty-free treatment of select apparel imports from Haiti made from less expensive third country inputs (e.g., non-regional yarns, fabrics, and components) provided Haiti met rules ... |
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| The U.S. Financial Crisis: Lessons From Japan |
29-Sep-2008 |
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| Authors:
Dick K Nanto; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Japan's five bank bailout packages in the late 1990s may hold some lessons for the United States. Most of the packages were administered by the Deposit Insurance Corporation of Japan (DICJ). The packages had an announced value of $495 billion. The DICJ reports that it provided $399 billion to Japan s troubled financial institutions of which it has recovered $195 billion. Overcoming the crisis in Japan s banks took a ... |
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| The U.S. Trade Deficit, The Dollar, and The Price of Oil |
29-Sep-2008 |
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| Authors:
James K Jackson; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| Rapid changes in the price of oil and the impact of such price changes on economies around the globe has attracted considerable attention. In mid-2008 as the price of oil rose to unprecedented heights and then dropped sharply, the international exchange value of the dollar fell and then rose relative to a broad basket of currencies. For some, these two events seem to indicate a cause and effect relationship between ... |
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| Taiwan-U.S. Relations: Recent Developments and Their Policy Implications |
25-Sep-2008 |
|
| Authors:
Kerry Dumbaugh; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| U.S.-Taiwan relations have undergone important changes, sparked in part by the increasing complexity of Taiwan's democratic political environment and the continued insistence of Beijing that the separately ruled Taiwan is a part of the People's Republic of China (PRC). Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou, elected on March 22, 2008, in a surprisingly broad electoral victory, has moved quickly to repair Taiwan's relations with the PRC. Since President Ma assumed office on ... |
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| Generalized System of Preferences: Background and Renewal Debate |
25-Sep-2008 |
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| Authors:
Vivian C Jones; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) provides duty-free tariff treatment to certain products imported from designated developing countries. The United States, the European Union, and other developed countries implemented such programs in the 1970s in order to promote economic growth in developing countries by stimulating their exports. The U.S. program (as established by Title V of the Trade Act of 1974) was extended until December 31, 2008, in section 8002 ... |
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| Honduran-U.S. Relations |
25-Sep-2008 |
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| Authors:
Mark P Sullivan; Peter J Meyer; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| The Central American nation of Honduras, one of the hemisphere's poorest countries, faces significant challenges in the areas of crime, human rights, and improving overall economic and living conditions. While traditional agricultural exports of coffee and bananas are still important for the economy, nontraditional sectors, especially the maquiladora, or export-processing industry, have grown significantly over the past decade. Among the country's development challenges are a poverty rate over 70%, high ... |
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| Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests |
24-Sep-2008 |
|
| Authors:
Jim Nichol; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| The United States recognized the independence of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia when the former Soviet Union broke up at the end of 1991. The United States has fostered these states' ties with the West in part to end the dependence of these states on Russia for trade, security, and other relations. The United States has pursued close ties with Armenia to encourage its democratization and because of concerns by Armenian-Americans ... |
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| China's Technology Sector |
Sep-2008 |
93 pages |
| Authors:
Peggy S Christoff; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC FEDERAL RESEARCH DIV
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| This study provides a general assessment of major science and technology (S&T) developments in the People's Republic of China (PRC) between 2000 and 2007. It is organized into eight sections: key findings, introduction, an overview of China's political system, an overview of China's S&T policy, the research and development (R&D) establishment, key S&T sectors, China's international role, and a conclusion. Because the Chinese government blocks access to data on controversial ... |
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| Japan-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress |
30-Jul-2008 |
|
| Authors:
Emma Chanlett-Avery; William H Cooper; Mark E Manyin; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| The post-World War II U.S.-Japan alliance has long been an anchor of the U.S. security role in East Asia. The alliance facilitates the forward deployment of U.S. military forces in the Asia-Pacific, thereby undergirding U.S. national security strategy. For Japan, the alliance and the U.S. nuclear umbrella provide maneuvering room in dealing with its neighbors, particularly China and North Korea. The Bush Administration initially made significant strides in its goals ... |
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| Trade Remedies: A Primer |
30-Jul-2008 |
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| Authors:
Vivian C Jones; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| The United States and many of its trading partners use laws known as trade remedies to mitigate the adverse impact of various trade practices on domestic industries and workers. U.S. antidumping (AD) laws (19 U.S.C. 1673 et seq.) authorize the imposition of duties if (1) the International Trade Administration (ITA) of the Department of Commerce determines that foreign merchandise is being, or likely to be sold in the United States ... |
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE
