US Opinion and Commentary

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What Is America Without Influence? Trump Will Find Out

Posted December 13th, 2016 at 12:14 pm (UTC-5)
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The liberal order led by the U.S. favored an open world connected by the free flow of people, goods, ideas and capital, a world grounded in the principles of self-determination and sovereignty for nations and basic rights for their citizens….The postwar order that America built now is facing acute challenges, including from old competitors.

Here’s a Problem with the TPP that Hillary Clinton Ignores at her Peril

Posted July 25th, 2016 at 11:29 am (UTC-5)
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There is not a single mention of climate change or human rights in the treaty text….While leaked documents from the TPP negotiations suggest the U.S. acquiesced to other countries attempts to weaken the agreement, history shows that tying environmental and human rights issues into larger strategic agreements actually strengthens these treaties.

How to Get Tough with China

Posted April 27th, 2016 at 1:43 pm (UTC-5)
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Public anger over corruption is probably what scares the Communist Party of China’s leadership the most….Expose ruling-class corruption—perhaps starting with the top fifty CPC leaders and their families—and trumpet it repeatedly and widely. The United States is aware of part of the problem, but it can uncover much more with proper effort.

Obama Can Make His Asia Pivot Endure

Posted February 16th, 2016 at 4:01 pm (UTC-5)
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Only steady, consistent engagement can overcome doubts about U.S. staying power. After some early stumbles, Obama has set a good precedent by committing the U.S. to several regional meetings, which should forge stronger bonds well into the future.

President Obama Needs to Fight for His New Trade Deal

Posted October 6th, 2015 at 8:40 am (UTC-5)
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…Monday’s agreement is just the end of the beginning for TPP: Obama still has to get Congress to pass it, and that’s no done deal.

Congress Derails Obama’s Pitch for “Fast Track” Trade Authority

Posted June 12th, 2015 at 12:07 pm (UTC-5)
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In a stunning defeat, Democrats deserted their president on a vote for the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a bill that would have bolstered his negotiating power in trade deals with 11 other Pacific Rim countries. Ironically, House Republicans largely supported the measure that would have allowed Obama to make deals with far less congressional meddling.