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2. U.S. Diplomacy Can Prevent Canadian Transboundary Mining Pollution on the Northern Border
- Author:
- Michael Freeman
- Publication Date:
- 04-2023
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- Center for American Progress - CAP
- Abstract:
- The Biden administration’s America the Beautiful initiative1 has recently bolstered conservation and economic activity in southeast Alaska.2 Yet only a few miles away, Canada is allowing dangerous gold mines in British Columbia to put Alaskans, Alaska Native communities, and the ecosystems they rely on at risk. The United States must exercise its rights under the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty3 to address these mining and diplomatic malpractices. The United States’ ability to clean up mining activity at home and abroad will soon be put to the test as the world moves to secure new supplies of the critical minerals needed to build a clean energy economy. New mining developments are moving forward in the transboundary region of British Columbia along the Alaskan border without the consent of Tribes and Alaskan communities downstream. Despite U.S. complaints under the Boundary Waters Treaty, both the Canadian federal government and the provincial government of British Columbia are pushing ahead. Much of this new mining activity is focused within the watersheds of the Taku, Stikine, and Unuk-Nass rivers. These rivers flow from Canada’s boreal forest into Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, the site of one of President Joe Biden’s largest 4 conservation achievements5 and a bastion of ecosystem resilience for the state’s salmon fisheries.6 The dams used to capture and retain the toxic mine tailings—or waste—associated with gold-copper mining are prone to leakage and collapse, putting southeast Alaska communities, Tribes, and ecosystems at serious risk. Provincial mining activity in this region is recklessly underregulated, and efforts to introduce safeguards have faced diplomatic stonewalling from both the Canadian government and the provincial government of British Columbia. Low British Columbian bonding requirements, lax environmental protections, and no requirement to consult with the United States on new projects have attracted large gold mining operations to the region without consent or sufficient protections for downstream communities in Alaska. The International Joint Commission (IJC), a forum created to help the United States and Canada work out cross-border waterway issues and governed by the Boundary Waters Treaty,7 has been receiving increased attention as communities and Tribes call on both governments to find protective resolutions.8 The Biden administration should exercise its authority under the Boundary Waters Treaty—which Canada may already be violating by allowing British Columbian pollution to enter U.S. waters—to engage the government of Canada on these important transboundary environmental concerns: The United States should press Canada to join IJC proceedings to work out the mining pollution issues along the British Columbia-Alaska border. Through this process, the IJC should consider setting up watershed boards co-led by local Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Similarly, the IJC should follow Indigenous nations’ recommendation to pause all mine permitting in the transboundary British Columbia region until watershed protections are implemented. Both Canada and the United States should also strengthen bonding requirements for mine liabilities so communities are not left holding the bag for tailings dam breaches.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, Diplomacy, Environment, Mining, Renewable Energy, Pollution, and Public Lands
- Political Geography:
- Canada, North America, and United States of America
3. A Primer on the 2022 National Security Strategy
- Author:
- Peter Juul and Heba Malik
- Publication Date:
- 10-2022
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Center for American Progress - CAP
- Abstract:
- The 2022 National Security Strategy introduces new ideas on navigating strategic competition with China and Russia, investing at home, and a renewed focus on the fight against climate change.
- Topic:
- Security, Climate Change, National Security, Rivalry, and Strategic Interests
- Political Geography:
- Russia, China, Europe, Asia, North America, and United States of America
4. How the Inflation Reduction Act Will Drive Global Climate Action
- Author:
- Frances Colon, Cassidy Childs, and Anne Christianson
- Publication Date:
- 08-2022
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Center for American Progress - CAP
- Abstract:
- The Inflation Reduction Act puts the United States on track to meeting its Paris Agreement commitment and to reclaiming the mantle of global climate leadership.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, Energy Policy, Environment, International Cooperation, and Inflation
- Political Geography:
- North America and United States of America
5. Will Viktor Orbán Bring His Racist Rhetoric to the United States this Week?
- Publication Date:
- 08-2022
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Center for American Progress - CAP
- Abstract:
- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's embrace of far-right racism should prompt American conservatives to cut ties with the autocratic Hungarian leader.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Leadership, Discrimination, and Far Right
- Political Geography:
- Europe, Hungary, North America, and United States of America
6. Rising Anti-China Sentiment in South Korea Offers Opportunities To Strengthen US-ROK Relations
- Author:
- Haneul Lee, Alan Yu, and Tobias Harris
- Publication Date:
- 08-2022
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- Center for American Progress - CAP
- Abstract:
- The Yoon administration’s posture toward China has important implications for the U.S.-ROK alliance and America’s strategic approach in the region
- Topic:
- Security, Diplomacy, Military Strategy, Bilateral Relations, and Strategic Interests
- Political Geography:
- China, Asia, South Korea, North America, and United States of America
7. How the United States Should Respond if Russia Invades Ukraine
- Author:
- Max Bergmann
- Publication Date:
- 01-2022
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- Center for American Progress - CAP
- Abstract:
- A Russian invasion of Ukraine must come at a high cost to the Kremlin.
- Topic:
- Defense Policy, Military Strategy, Conflict, and Russia-Ukraine War
- Political Geography:
- Russia, Europe, Ukraine, North America, and United States of America
8. Southeast Asia: The Next Frontier of the U.S.-South Korea Alliance
- Author:
- Tobias Harris, Abigail Bard, and Haneul Lee
- Publication Date:
- 12-2021
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- Center for American Progress - CAP
- Abstract:
- As the United States and South Korea expand their bilateral cooperation beyond Northeast Asia, here are some ideas on how they can chart a path forward in Southeast Asia.
- Topic:
- Diplomacy, Bilateral Relations, Alliance, and Strategic Interests
- Political Geography:
- Asia, South Korea, North America, Southeast Asia, and United States of America
9. Strategic Reengagement in the Middle East
- Author:
- Brian Katulis and Peter Juul
- Publication Date:
- 12-2021
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- Center for American Progress - CAP
- Abstract:
- The Biden administration can rebalance America’s policy in the Middle East through diplomacy, economic statecraft, and security cooperation—all while shifting away from direct military action.
- Topic:
- Security, Diplomacy, Economics, International Cooperation, Military Strategy, and Strategic Interests
- Political Geography:
- Middle East, North America, and United States of America
10. The China Difference in the U.S.-South Korea Alliance
- Author:
- Tobias Harris, Haneul Lee, and Abigail Bard
- Publication Date:
- 12-2021
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- Center for American Progress - CAP
- Abstract:
- It is important to understand why the United States and South Korea do not see eye to eye on how to confront challenges presented by China.
- Topic:
- Security, Diplomacy, Bilateral Relations, and Alliance
- Political Geography:
- China, Asia, South Korea, North America, and United States of America
11. Prospects for Diplomacy With North Korea
- Author:
- Tobias Harris, Haneul Lee, and Abigail Bard
- Publication Date:
- 11-2021
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- Center for American Progress - CAP
- Abstract:
- Given political considerations in the United States and South Korea, a diplomatic approach with North Korea is likely unsustainable in the long term.
- Topic:
- Diplomacy, International Cooperation, Conflict, and Peace
- Political Geography:
- Asia, South Korea, North Korea, North America, and United States of America
12. Seeking a New Balance for U.S. Policy in the Middle East
- Author:
- Brian Katulis and Peter Juul
- Publication Date:
- 09-2021
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- Center for American Progress - CAP
- Abstract:
- The Biden administration signaled an effort to shift overall U.S. policy by prioritizing diplomacy and making some modest shifts on the military front, but key human security challenges loom on the horizon.
- Topic:
- Security, Diplomacy, International Cooperation, and Military Strategy
- Political Geography:
- Middle East, North America, and United States of America
13. Advancing Gender Equality at Home and Abroad by Leveraging Women, Peace, and Security
- Author:
- Carolyn Kenney
- Publication Date:
- 08-2021
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- Center for American Progress - CAP
- Abstract:
- To achieve even greater gains in gender equity and equality around the world, the Gender Policy Council should leverage and expand the U.S. government’s existing women, peace, and security mandate and architecture.
- Topic:
- Security, Women, Equality, and Gender
- Political Geography:
- North America, Global Focus, and United States of America
14. The Case for EU Defense
- Author:
- Max Bergmann, Siena Cicarelli, and James Lamond
- Publication Date:
- 06-2021
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- Center for American Progress - CAP
- Abstract:
- U.S. opposition to EU defense efforts since the 1990s has been a strategic mistake that has undermined both the EU and NATO. It’s time for a new U.S. approach that encourages ambitious EU defense strategies.
- Topic:
- Defense Policy, NATO, Regional Cooperation, Military Strategy, European Union, and Alliance
- Political Geography:
- Europe, North America, and United States of America
15. A Plan To Reform U.S. Security Assistance
- Author:
- Max Bergmann and Alexandra Schmitt
- Publication Date:
- 03-2021
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- Center for American Progress - CAP
- Abstract:
- The U.S. security assistance system that provides arms, training, and support to foreign partners is not fit for today’s global challenges; the Biden administration should reform it to ensure it supports overall U.S. goals.
- Topic:
- Security, Diplomacy, Military Strategy, and Strategic Interests
- Political Geography:
- North America and United States of America
16. The United States Should Prioritize Energy Cooperation With Taiwan
- Author:
- Patrick Yu
- Publication Date:
- 01-2020
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- Center for American Progress - CAP
- Abstract:
- Solving Taiwan’s energy problems is an opportunity for the United States to achieve multiple goals.
- Topic:
- Energy Policy, International Cooperation, Strategic Interests, and Energy Crisis
- Political Geography:
- China, Taiwan, Asia, North America, and United States of America
17. U.S. Trade Policy in North America, China, and Beyond
- Author:
- Andy Green and Daniella Zessoules
- Publication Date:
- 02-2019
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Center for American Progress - CAP
- Abstract:
- In recent decades, economic, political, and technological barriers to international trade and investment have collapsed around the world. This rapid globalization of commerce has lifted many out of poverty in developing countries, but due in part to a lack of meaningful labor and environmental standards and enforcement, it has also resulted in an outsourcing of production and jobs as well as downward pressure on workers’ real wages in developed countries such as the United States.1 The key trade agreements and international institutions put in place to manage globalization, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and China’s entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO), have failed to rebalance the rules to enable globalization to work on behalf of all workers—not just in the United States, but in Mexico, China, and more broadly. And in many cases, the trade rules have exacerbated economic pressures on many U.S. workers.2 For years, progressive voices in the United States have called for efforts to make globalization work better for working families, communities, and the environment.3 Now, the Trump administration has sought claim to the trade reform mantle. Those claims, however, should be met with skepticism. The 2017 congressional Republican tax law slashed taxes for corporations and the wealthy on the false promise of raising wages for workers.4 Corporate profits, share buybacks, and mergers and acquisitions have all boomed, but working-class wages have barely budged.5 The international provisions of the 2017 tax law further incentivize offshoring operations at the expense of domestic investments and sourcing.6 The Trump administration’s domestic economic agenda of financial deregulation, budget cuts, and attacks on workplace safety and labor rights protections will simply make matters worse for working families. The administration’s record on trade policy has been mixed and largely incoherent. The president railed against NAFTA and other trade agreements for harming workers and U.S. jobs yet renegotiated a new NAFTA deal that fails to make labor and environmental standards meaningfully enforceable.7 His administration has slapped tariffs on adversaries and allies alike with little strategy—often in the name of national security and without addressing the root causes of the problem. Threatening further tariffs, the administration now is engaged in negotiations with China over intellectual property theft, market access for foreign multinationals, and a state-led industrial strategy.8 The president announced a delay in the additional tariffs, suggesting a deal with China is coming together, but concerns have long existed that the administration may settle for high-profile spot sales of U.S. commodities while effectively letting structural impediments and China’s industrial policies continue.9 The cost of what may be President Donald Trump’s high-profile deal with China could be real concessions for the United States, including in the technology and national security space, without providing lasting, solidly enforceable benefits more broadly.10 As U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer makes his first appearance this week before the new U.S. House of Representatives, the Trump administration will finally have to answer for its approach. Here are several questions that Congress should ask in order to hold the administration accountable to the American people.
- Topic:
- Security, International Cooperation, International Trade and Finance, and Science and Technology
- Political Geography:
- China, Asia, North America, and United States of America