NAFTA’s failure could create an immigration crisis in the United States

Although the controversy surrounding the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) typically revolves around jobs and trade, NAFTA impacts more than just trade relations; it also has a major influence on immigration patterns in the United States. President Trump threatened to include immigration control as part of NAFTA re-negotiations when he recently tweeted “[t]hey must … Read more

Trouble in the Arctic?

The Arctic, a region that proved elusive to explorers for centuries, is now more important than ever. As ice thaws and the Arctic warms at a rate twice that of the global average,[1] international interest and attention in the region has piqued. The combination of natural resources, potential new trade routes, and strategic interests holds … Read more

The Trans-Pacific Partnership: Where Do You Stand?

On February 4, 2016, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or “TPP”, was signed by the United States and eleven other countries as one of the most ambitious international trade deals in world history. Through its seven years of grueling negotiations, the criticism of this deal has been, for the lack of a better term, loud.  The TPP … Read more

The Hidden Cost of Shrimp: Forced Labor in Thailand’s Fishing Industry

Imagine a pirate boat, surrounded by miles of unending water. Exhausted, scared people trapped aboard that floating prison, forced to work up to twenty-four hours nonstop for little or often no pay. They are living in inhumane conditions only on rice, parts of fish that no one else would touch, and unclean, unhealthy water. They … Read more

The Trans-Pacific Partnership: Exploring concerns over an Investor-State Dispute Settlement mechanism

After years of negotiations, this week saw the conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement (“TPP”). The TPP unites eleven pacific-rim nations and the United States–a collection of 40% of global gross domestic product and one-third of world trade–making it the largest regional trade agreement in history. Although the terms of the agreement have not been … Read more

Aligning International Trade with Sustainable Development

The New York Times Editorial Board recently published an article explaining the need for greater transparency and stricter environmental regulations in trade agreements. The Times missed the opportunity to explain the history of international trade and investment agreements and their tenuous relationship to sustainable development. With globalization has come greater intergovernmental cooperation, increased trade, and … Read more

Critical Analysis: Economic Espionage and International Law

Economic espionage involves a state’s attempts to covertly acquire trade secrets held by foreign private enterprises. Many countries have long considered economic espionage important to national security and economic development. Several economic trends have escalated the risk and prevalence of trade secret theft, including the globalization of trade and interconnected supply chains, the growing important … Read more

Critical Analysis: U.S. Federal Government Shutdown Impact on International Exports

As we wrap up week one of the federal government shutdown, impacts on international exports are being felt in a major way.  Visit the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) website and you find the following disclaimer: The Federal Government is currently shut down due to a funding lapse. As a result, … Read more