Politics and government Books

Book SynopsisThis series gathers and presents original research in the study of the Presidency of the United States. Each article has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial topical data across a broad spectrum. Topics discussed in this compilation include the constitutional and institutional implications of presidential signing statements; an overview of the executive budget process; submission of the President''s budget in transition years; how the electoral college works in contemporary presidential elections; the counting of electoral votes and an overview of procedures at the joint session, including objections by members of Congress; and a discussion of presidential appointee positions requiring Senate confirmation and committees handling nominations.

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Book SynopsisCongress has maintained significant interest in Mexico and played an important role in shaping bilateral relations. Recently, the centrist Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) that governed Mexico from 1929 to 2000 retook the presidency after 12 years of rule by the conservative National Action Party (PAN) in the 1 July 2012 elections. The party also captured a plurality in Mexico''s Senate and Chamber of Deputies. PRI President Enrique Pena Nieto, a former governor of the state of Mexico, took office on 1 December 2012, pledging to enact bold structural reforms and broaden relations with the United States beyond security issues. This book provides an overview of the leadership, priorities, and prospects for Mexico''s new administration. An analysis of how those priorities may affect key bilateral issues of interest to the 113th Congress is discussed with a focus on assessing the Pena Nieto Administration and its impact on U.S.-Mexican relations.

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Book SynopsisThe U.S. strategic goal for Afghanistan is to defeat and prevent the return of al Qaeda and its affiliates. Since fiscal year 2002, U.S. costs reported for U.S. military, U.S. diplomatic, and reconstruction and relief operations in Afghanistan have been over $500 billion. Given U.S. strategic goals and the level of U.S. resources expected to support Afghanistan in the future, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has identified a number of key issues for the 113th Congress to consider in developing oversight agendas and determining the way forward in Afghanistan. This book suggests specific areas of oversight on the topics of: Afghanistan''s security environment; transition of lead security to Afghan security forces; future cost and sustainability of Afghan security forces; and Department of Defense planning for the draw-down of equipment in Afghanistan.

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Book SynopsisPublic diplomacy involves U.S. government activities to conduct U.S. foreign policy and promote U.S. national interests through direct outreach and communication with the population of foreign countries. Public diplomacy and international broadcasting activities, conducted by the Department of State, U.S. diplomatic personnel abroad, and U.S. international broadcasters such as the Voice of America, include providing information to foreign public through broadcast and Internet media and at libraries and other outreach facilities in foreign countries; conducting cultural diplomacy, such as arts exhibits and music performances; and administering international educational and professional exchange programs. This book examines the challenges, prohibitions and considerations of public diplomacy and federal communications with a focus on legislative proposals to amend prohibitions on disseminating materials to domestic audiences; an assessment of public diplomacy platforms that could help improve State Department plans to expand engagement; Congressional oversight of agency public communications; and federal government advertising.

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Book SynopsisU.S.-India engagement on shared security interests is a topic of interest to the U.S. Congress, where there is considerable support for a deepened U.S. partnership with the world''s largest democracy. Congressional advocacy of closer relations with India is generally bipartisan and widespread; House and Senate caucuses on India and Indian-Americans are the largest of their kind. Caucus leaders have encouraged the Obama Administration to work toward improving the compatibility of the U.S. and Indian defence acquisitions systems, as well as to seek potential opportunities for co-development or co-production of military weapons systems with India. A deepened strategic partnership with India will be critical to the promotion of core mutual national interests in the 21st century. This book reviews the major facets of U.S.-India security relations with a focus on military-to-military contracts, counter-terrorism and intelligence co-operation, and defence trade.

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Book SynopsisThe American presidency has become one of the most powerful offices in the world with the ascendancy of American power in the 20th century. ''White House Studies Compendium'' brings together piercing analyses of the American presidency - dealing with both current issues and historical events. The compendia are the bound issues of ''White House Studies'' with the addition of a comprehensive subject index.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides an overview of general legal and technical requirements for food and agricultural imports and exports imposed by the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Many of Russia''s food and trade regulations have or are undergoing reform as the Russia-Belarus-Kazakhstan Customs Union (CU) continues policy integration. Russia also continues to adjust policies pursuant to its recent WTO accession. In practice, Russia continues coordinating policy reform closely with the European Union, and as a result, changes in regulation reflect those of its primary trade partner. Additionally, the Ukraine possesses a complicated and costly food safety system inherited from the Soviet Union. Controls are implemented by various state agencies that often have overlapping functions. In late 2010, the Government of Ukraine started a major reform of the regulatory system aimed at reducing the number of controlling bodies and clear separation of their authorities.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides a framework for understanding India''s involvement in both Africa and Afghanistan. Indo-African ties are long standing, arising from a unique historical experience that stretches from pre-colonial trade patterns through modern India''s generous financial and diplomatic support for African liberation movements in the late 20th century. Motivating India''s current activities in Africa is its quests for resources, business opportunities, diplomatic influence, and security. Of particular note is the significant investment that India has made in African security, reflected in both support for and participation in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations, and providing a selective security umbrella and training for some African military leaders. Additionally, this book examines the changing trajectory of Indian policy toward Afghanistan since 2001 and argues that New Delhi has been responding to a strategic environment shaped by other actors in the region. As the U.S.-led North Atlantic Treaty Organization forces prepare to leave Afghanistan in 2014, India stands at a crossroads as it remains keen to preserve its interests in Afghanistan.

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Book SynopsisSince its establishment in 1945, the United Nations has undergone numerous reforms as international stakeholders seek ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the U.N. system. During the past two decades, controversies such as corruption in the Iraq Oil-For-Food Program, allegations of sexual abuse by U.N. peacekeepers, and instances of waste, fraud, and abuse by the U.N. staff have focused attention on the need for change and improvement of the United Nations. Many in the international community, including the United States, continue to promote substantive reforms. The 113th Congress may focus on U.N. reforms as it considers appropriate levels of U.S. funding to the United Nations and monitors the progress and implementation of ongoing and previously approved reform measures. This book examines policy and reform issues relating to the United Nations; the United Nations Human Rights Council; the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); and the UNESCO World Heritage Convention.

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Book SynopsisCuba remains a one-party communist state with a poor record on human rights. The country''s political succession in 2006 from the long-ruling Fidel Castro to his brother Raul was characterised by a remarkable degree of stability. In February 2013, Castro was re-appointed to a second five-year term as president, and selected a 52-year old former Education Minister Miguel Diaz-Canel as his First Vice President, making him the official successor in the event that Castro cannot serve out his term. Raul Castro has implemented a number of gradual economic policy changes over the past several years, including an expansion of self-employment. A party congress held in April 2011 laid out numerous economic goals that, if implemented, could significantly alter Cuba''s state-dominated economic model. Few observers, however, expect the government to ease its tight control over the political system. This book provides an overview of Cuba''s current political and economic situation; U.S. policy toward Cuba; and select issues in U.S.-Cuba relations.

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Book SynopsisA story of hope, courage, and perseverance . Carol misses red flags about Joe’s need for control before she marries him, dashing her dreams for herself and her family. Trouble escalates after their daughter Ellie is paralyzed by the polio virus and Joe returns from WWII. Carol realizes how brutal waking life can be, and she conceals bruises and protects her children the best she can. The Moments Between Dreams is a captivating story of a 1940s housewife who conforms to the rulebook of society until Joe pushes her too far. His constant intimidation shrinks Carol’s confidence while she tries to boost Ellie’s. Church-going neighbors in Carol’s tight-knit Polish community are complacent, but Sam, a handsome reporter, stirs up Carol’s zest for life. Despite impossible circumstances, Carol plans a secret escape. Along a risky path, she empowers her daughter to know no limits and teaches her son to stop the cycle of violence and gender discrimination.

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Book SynopsisU.S.-Ghanaian relations are warm, as signalled by President Barack Obama''s travels in 2009 to Ghana, where he laid out his view on democratisation and governance in Africa in his single major Africa-focused policy address. President Obama''s visit was premised on Ghana''s record of having built a relatively robust democracy and a growing economy, albeit in the face of widespread poverty and diverse development challenges, making it a stable country in an often unstable region. Ghana has also contributed to efforts to maintain stability and end conflict in the surrounding West Africa region, and regularly contributes to international peacekeeping operations elsewhere. It receives U.S. capacity-building assistance in this area, as well as aid to help counter threats posed by international narcotics trafficking. This book provides an overview of recent developments in Ghana and relations with the U.S., focusing on Ghana as an emergent oil producer; Ghana''s Global Health Initiative Strategy.

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Book SynopsisIn recent years, analysts and U.S. policymakers have noted Africa''s growing strategic importance to U.S. interests. Among those interests are the increasing importance of Africa''s natural resources, particularly energy resources, and mounting concern over violent extremist activities and other potential threats posed by under-governed spaces, such as maritime piracy and illicit trafficking. In addition, there is ongoing concern for Africa''s many humanitarian crises, armed conflicts, and more general challenges, such as the devastating effect of HIV/AIDS. In 2006, Congress authorised a feasibility study on the creation of a new command for Africa to consolidate current operations and activities on the continent under one commander. On 6 February 2007, the Bush Administration announced the creation of a new unified combatant command, U.S. Africa Command or AFRICOM, to promote U.S. national security objectives in Africa and its surrounding waters. This book examines U.S. strategic interests and the role of the U.S. military in Africa.

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Book SynopsisThe current legislative and oversight activity with respect to electronic surveillance under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) has drawn national attention to several overarching issues. This book outlines three such issues and touches upon some of the perspectives reflected in the ongoing debate. These issues include the inherent and often dynamic tension between national security and civil liberties, particularly rights of privacy and free speech; the need for the intelligence community to be able to efficiently and effectively collect foreign intelligence information from the communications of foreign persons located outside the United States in a changing, fast-paced, and technologically sophisticated international environment or from United States persons abroad, and the differing approaches suggested to meet this need; and limitations of liability for those electronic communication service providers who furnish aid to the federal government in its foreign intelligence collection. Two constitutional provisions are implicated in this debate - the Fourth and Fifth Amendments.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides an overview of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) members and their investment climates. The economics and business affairs of the following countries are discussed: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

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Book SynopsisSince the 1980s, Guatemala, the most populous country in Central America with a population just over 14 million, has continued its transition from a centuries-long tradition of mostly autocratic rule toward representative government. A democratic constitution was adopted in 1985, and a democratically elected government was inaugurated in 1986. A 36-year civil war that ravaged Guatemala ended in 1996. This book provides an overview of Guatemala''s current political and economic conditions, relations with the United States, and several issues likely to figure in future decisions by Congress and the Administration regarding Guatemala. With respect to continued co-operation and foreign assistance, these issues include security and governance; protection of human rights and human rights conditions on some U.S. military aid to Guatemala; support for the International Commission against impunity in Guatemala; combating narcotics trafficking and organised crime; trade relations; and inter-country adoption.

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Book SynopsisSince Israel''s founding in 1948, successive U.S. Presidents and many Members of Congress have demonstrated a commitment to Israel''s security and to maintaining close U.S.-Israel defence, diplomatic, and economic co-operation. U.S. and Israeli leaders have developed close relations based on common perceptions of shared democratic values and religious affinities. U.S. policymakers often seek to determine how regional events and U.S. policy choices may affect Israel''s security, and Congress provides active oversight of executive branch dealings with Israel and the broader Middle East. Israel is a leading recipient of U.S. foreign aid and is a frequent purchaser of major U.S. weapons systems. The United States and Israel maintain close security co-operation -- predicated on a U.S. commitment to maintain Israel''s "qualitative military edge" over other countries in its region. The two countries signed a free trade agreement in 1985, and the United States is Israel''s largest trading partner. Israel has many regional security concerns. Israeli leaders calling for urgent international action against Iran''s nuclear program hint at the possibility of a unilateral military strike against Iran''s nuclear facilities. In addition to concerns over Iran, Israel''s perceptions of security around its borders have changed since early 2011 as several surrounding Arab countries -- including Egypt and Syria -- have experienced political upheaval. Israel has shown particular concern about threats from Hezbollah and other non-state groups in ungoverned or minimally governed areas in Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt''s Sinai Peninsula, as well as from Hamas and other Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip. Israel''s political impasse with the Palestinians on core issues in their longstanding conflict shows little or no sign of abating. Since the end of the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Israel has militarily occupied and administered the West Bank, with the Palestinian Authority exercising limited self-rule in some areas since 1995. This book provides current background and historical perspective on Israel and its U.S. relations.

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Book SynopsisThe U.S. government considers its relationship with Nigeria, Africa''s largest producer of oil and its second largest economy, to be among the most important on the continent. Nigeria is Africa''s most populous country, with over 170 million people, roughly divided between Muslims and Christians. U.S. diplomatic relations with Nigeria, which is regularly among the top six suppliers of U.S. oil imports, have improved since the country made the transition from military to civilian rule in 1999, and Nigeria is a major recipient of U.S. foreign aid. The country is an influential actor in African politics, having mediated disputes in several African countries and ranking among the top five troop contributors to U.N. peacekeeping missions. Nigeria is a country of significant promise, but it also faces serious social, economic, and security challenges that have the potential to threaten the stability of both the state and the region, and to affect global oil prices. The country has faced intermittent political turmoil and economic crises since independence. Political life has been scarred by conflict along ethnic, geographic, and religious lines, and corruption and misrule have undermined the authority and legitimacy of the state. This book examines current conditions, issues and U.S. relations with Nigeria, with a focus on human rights; religious freedom; and economic and business affairs.

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Book SynopsisThis book examines human rights issues in the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, with a focus on Bahrain; Kuwait; Oman; Qatar; Saudi Arabia; and the United Arab Emirates.

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Book SynopsisIn 1993, Russia formally applied for accession to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade(GATT). In 1995, its application was taken up by the World Trade Organization (WTO), the successor organisation of the GATT. Russia is the largest economy not in the WTO; after a number of fits and starts during the 18-year process, the then-153 members of the WTO, on December 16, 2011, invited Russia to join the WTO during the Ministerial Conference in Geneva. On July 10 and July 18, 2012, respectively, the lower house of the Russian parliament -- the State Duma -- and the upper house -- the Federal Council -- approved the protocol of accession. President Putin signed the measure into law on July 21, allowing Russia to formally join the WTO on August 22. The immediate policy issue for Congress was whether to enact legislation authorising the President to grant permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status for Russia, a status that all WTO members are required to provide each other. Some Members of Congress viewed congressional consideration of PNTR legislation as the opportunity to ensure that the conditions on which Russia is invited to join the WTO reflected U.S. concerns and that Russia fulfil its commitments. This book examines Russian select trade and investment analyses, with a focus on Russia''s accession to the WTO; Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status for Russia and U.S.-Russian economic ties; recent sales of military equipment and technology to European NATO allies to Russia; and a Russian 2013 investment climate analysis.

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Book SynopsisSeismic cultural and political shifts are under way in the Arab Gulf monarchies. The political upheavals and transitions that have swept through the Arab world over the last 2 years have not toppled the Arab Gulf rulers, but did not leave them untouched either. Rulers of Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) states face heightened internal and external challenges and uncertainties. Pro-democracy protests and calls are extending from Bahrain to other oil-rich countries of the Arabian Peninsula. The expectations of GCC citizens, particularly the educated youth, are increasingly moving from socio-economic demands to political ones. They are now not only asking for jobs or wage increases, but also for more political participation and accountability. Chief among internal challenges is the resurgence in several GCC countries, particularly Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, of a decades-long sectarian rift between the Sunni regimes and their Shia subjects. The Gulf regimes'' already tense relations with Iran have worsened on the basis of alleged Iranian interference inflaming sectarian tensions in Bahrain and across the broader region. In this book, the authors assess the challenges facing the region''s rulers, and propose meaningful political reform as a means of mitigating them.

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Book SynopsisThe U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) is the second-largest U.S. FTA (next to NAFTA). South Korea is the seventh largest trading partner of the United States, and the United States is South Korea''s third-largest trading partner. The KORUS FTA covers a wide range of trade and investment issues and, therefore, could have substantial economic implications for both the United States and South Korea. KORUS FTA encompasses a range of bilateral economic activities: trade in manufactured goods, agricultural products, and services; foreign investment; government procurement; intellectual property rights; and worker rights and environment protection, among other issues. The United States and South Korea entered into the KORUS FTA as a means to further solidify an already strong economic relationship by reducing barriers to trade and investment between them and to resolve long-standing troublesome economic issues. The United States specifically sought increased access to South Korean markets for agricultural products, services, and foreign investment. For South Korean leaders, the KORUS FTA is a mechanism to promote reform in its own economy and also to gain a competitive advantage in the U.S. market for autos and other manufactured goods. This book examines the provisions of the KORUS FTA in the context of the overall U.S.-South Korean economic relationship, U.S. objectives, and South Korean objectives. It also examines some of the issues that have arisen during its implementation.

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Book SynopsisOver the last two years, many U.S. policymakers, Members of Congress, and their European counterparts have struggled with how best to respond to the wide range of challenges posed by the popular uprisings and political upheaval in many countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Almost immediately after the onset of the so-called "Arab Spring" in early 2011, U.S. and European leaders alike declared their intention to put greater emphasis than in the past on democratic reform and economic development in formulating their respective policies toward countries such as Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan, and Morocco. In Libya, the United States and many European allies participated in the NATO-led military intervention in support of rebel forces that ultimately toppled the Qadhafi regime. And as demonstrations in Syria escalated into a bloody civil war, the United States and the European Union (EU) have imposed sanctions, called for an end to the ruling Asad regime, and are considering greater material and financial support to the Syrian political and armed opposition. Possibilities for U.S.-European Co-Operation and Potential Obstacles In light of the immense changes and what many have long viewed as common U.S. and European interests in the Middle East and North Africa, numerous analysts have advocated for significant U.S.-European co-operation to promote a more peaceful and prosperous MENA region. Such collaboration, they argued, would help prevent a wasteful duplication of Western diplomatic and economic resources amid competing domestic political priorities and financial constraints on both sides of the Atlantic. This book provides a broad overview of European and U.S. responses to the changes in six MENA countries (Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan, Morocco, Libya, and Syria).

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Book SynopsisFor several years, some Members of Congress have favoured "comprehensive immigration reform" (CIR), a label that commonly refers to omnibus legislation that includes increased border security and immigration enforcement, expanded employment eligibility verification, revision of non-immigrant visas and legal permanent immigration, and legalisation for some unauthorised aliens residing in the country. Leaders in both chambers have identified immigration as a legislative priority in the 113th Congress. While Members of the House reportedly have considered several different approaches to immigration reform during the spring of 2013, debate in the Senate has focused mainly on a single CIR bill: the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act (S. 744). This book summarises major provisions of S. 744, as reported by the Senate Judiciary Committee. It also discusses H.R. 1417, as reported by the House Homeland Security Committee, a bill that focuses more narrowly on border security strategies and metrics. The analysis focuses on eight major policy areas that encompass the U.S. immigration debate: comprehensive reform "triggers" and funding; border security; interior enforcement; employment eligibility verification and worksite enforcement; legalisation of unauthorised aliens; immigrant visas; non-immigrant visas; and humanitarian provisions. This book provides a detailed discussion of major legislation related to each of these issues.

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Book SynopsisThe Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries have witnessed important complex economic, social and political changes and transition recently. These changes resulted from not only social and political reasons called "the Arab Spring" but also economic reasons from the global economic crisis. External and internal dynamics of the MENA region force governments into an important transformation in terms of better democratic mechanisms, better governance and better social, political and economic environment. It is vital for the MENA region to establish a modern and world class social, political and economic structure in order to increase sustainable improvements of the welfare of the society as soon as possible. MENA economies have a great degree of heterogeneity across countries. The main source of economic growth is natural resources especially oil, natural gas and primary goods for many MENA economies. For this reason, the fluctuations in energy prices in the global economy deeply affect the economic performance and macroeconomic indicators of these economies. Therefore, MENA economies are exposed to macroeconomic vulnerability in the case of internal and external economic and political shocks because of their structural economic problems, low productivity and also global competitiveness level and foreign dependency in intermediate goods and finance. In this perspective, the main aim of this book is to shed light on the main economic, social and political problems and characteristics of MENA economies by considering the latest in the global and regional turmoil.

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Book SynopsisYemen''s "Arab Spring" uprising paralysed that country''s government and shattered its military into hostile factions for over a year beginning in early 2011. This prolonged crisis prevented Yemen''s government, under President Ali Abdullah Saleh, from doing much more than attempting to survive. Saleh used those military units that remained loyal to him for regime protection against anti-government demonstrators and troops who defected to those demonstrators. The uprising subsequently led to a security vacuum that helped allow Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and its insurgent force, Ansar al-Shariah, to expand their activities beyond terrorism due to the government''s preoccupation with the Arab Spring. Although AQAP and the Arab Spring demonstrators felt no kinship towards each other, AQAP was more than willing to take advantage of the disorder produced by the uprising. In this new security environment, the militants were able to seize and hold significant amounts of territory in southern Yemen. This book provides an overview and analysis of U.S.-Yemeni relations amidst evolving political change in Yemeni leadership; ongoing U.S. counter-terrorism operations against Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula operatives at large in Yemen''s hinterlands; and international efforts to bolster the country''s stability despite an array of daunting socio-economic problems.

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Book SynopsisIn 2000, Congress passed the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a U.S. trade preference program, in order to help spur market-led economic growth and development in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and deepen U.S. trade and investment ties with the region. Since its enactment, Congress has amended AGOA five times, making some technical changes and renewing the trade preferences through September 30, 2015. According to the Assistant U.S. Trade Representative, (USTR) for Africa, "AGOA is the cornerstone of America''s trade and investment policy with sub-Saharan Africa." Economic conditions in Africa, however, have changed considerably since Congress passed the initial AGOA legislation. Annual real gross domestic product (GDP) growth in SSA was nearly a full percentage point lower than global GDP growth (2.3% vs. 3.2%) in the decade leading up to AGOA''s passage (1990-2000). Over the last ten years, however, SSA''s growth averaged 5.7%, two points higher than the 3.7% world average. While the region still contains many of the world''s poorest countries and faces significant economic challenges, some observers and policymakers argue that changing economic conditions warrant an evolution in U.S. policy toward SSA, focused more strongly on private sector investment and increasing two-way trade. In recent years, SSA''s growing economic potential and abundant natural resources have attracted other foreign investors, including state- supported enterprises from countries such as China, which is now the region''s largest trading partner. This book seeks to inform the discussion on the potential reauthorization of AGOA through analysis of: (1) the components of the AGOA legislation; (2) U.S. import trends associated with AGOA; (3) the impact of AGOA on African economies and U.S.-Africa trade; and (4) the issues surrounding the reauthorization process.

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Book SynopsisThe West Bank and Gaza are comprised of about 2,400 square miles and have a combined population of 4.3 million people. The Palestinian Authority and Israel administer areas within the West Bank, and the Hamas-controlled de facto authorities operate in Gaza. A negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a core U.S. national security objective. The U.S. government''s foreign assistance program in the West Bank and Gaza is designed to advance progress toward the two-state solution by helping the Palestinian Authority build the institutions of a future Palestinian state, creating an atmosphere that supports negotiations, and improving the everyday lives of Palestinians, thereby contributing to the overall stability and security of the region. The U.S. government has provided assistance to the West Bank and Gaza both bilaterally and multilaterally for several decades. According to the State Department, the U.S. government is one of the largest donors to the Palestinian Authority, providing about $3 billion in bilateral assistance for fiscal years 2008 through 2012 to support education and social services, economic development, and humanitarian assistance, among other sectors. This book describes (1) the nature and scope of U.S. government involvement with the Palestine Investment Fund (PIF), and (2) the processes for vetting PIF and other non-U.S. entities. To address these objectives, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reviewed and analysed annual reports, U.S. antiterrorism policies, agency-specific vetting policies and procedures, and applicable program agreements obtained from PIF and relevant U.S. agencies and their implementing partners.

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Book SynopsisThe Treaty on the European Union provides for a Member State to leave the EU, either on the basis of a negotiated withdrawal agreement or without one. If the UK were to leave the EU following a referendum, it is likely that the Government would negotiate an agreement with the EU, which would probably contain transitional arrangements as well as provide for the UK''s long-term future relations with the EU. There is no precedent for such an agreement, but it would in all likelihood come at the end of complex and lengthy negotiations. The full impact of a UK withdrawal is impossible to predict, but from an assessment of the current EU role in a range of policy areas, it is possible to identify issues and estimate some of the impacts of removing the EU role in these areas. The implications would be greater in areas such as agriculture, trade and employment than they would in, say, education or culture. As to whether UK citizens would benefit from leaving the EU, this would depend on how the UK Government of the day filled the policy gaps left by withdrawal from the EU. In some areas, the environment, for example, where the UK is bound by other international agreements, much of the content of EU law would probably remain. In others, it might be expedient for the UK to retain the substance of EU law, or for the Government to remove EU obligations from UK statutes. Much would depend on whether the UK sought to remain in the European Economic Area (EEA) and therefore continue to have access to the single market, or preferred to go it alone and negotiate bilateral agreements with the EU.

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Book SynopsisRegarding U.S. relief and reconstruction plans, programs, and operations in Iraq, the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR) provides independent and objective: oversight and review through comprehensive audits, inspections, and investigations; advice and recommendations on policies to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness; prevention, detection, and deterrence of fraud, waste, and abuse; and information and analysis to the Congress, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, and the American people. This book provides a review of SIGIR''s history, delving into the perennial challenges and various successes in Iraq and examines events in Iraq this last quarter marked by a sharp rise in violence. Final assessments of the Special Inspector General and post-U.S. withdrawal developments are discussed.

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Book SynopsisSouth Africa is a multi-racial, majority black southern African country of nearly 52 million. It held its first universal suffrage elections in 1994, after a transition from white minority rule under apartheid, a system of state-enforced racial segregation and socio-economic discrimination. South Africa is influential regionally, due to its political engagement and trade and investment across Africa and its active role within the African Union. It is viewed as a U.S. strategic partner in Africa, despite periodic differences over some foreign policy issues. In late June 2013, President Obama travelled to South Africa after visiting Senegal, prior to a visit to Tanzania. The trip centred on U.S.-African partnership in the areas of trade and investment, development, democracy and youth leadership development, and peace and security. Key issues addressed in South Africa included bilateral political and economic ties, development co-operation, and shared U.S.-South African aims regarding conflict mitigation, increased trade and investment, and development across Africa. This book provides an overview of current conditions, issues and U.S. relations corresponding to South Africa, with a focus on the most recent human rights and international religious freedom reports; trafficking-in statistics and economic investment climate.

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Book SynopsisThis book is one of the latest attempts to chronicle the problems and prospects of Africa. However, this is done differently from many others that have come before it. What makes this book a compelling read for everyone and particularly students aspiring to be introduced to African studies is its comprehensive approach to the study of the continent. It takes the student literally by the hand and leads him or her through a rather complex historical, economic and of course political account of Africa and its peoples in a way that is detailed but yet not cumbersome, especially for the beginner''s mind. It is about the trials and tribulations of an aspiring continent, whose high hopes will soon collide with the harsh realities of domestic and global politics. More importantly, it strikes an optimistic chord for the future of the continent, thus not only just looking forward, but doing so with positivity, something many books of its genre fail to do. A post-Nkrumah era was not exactly what the "radicals" envisaged. Instead of the United States of Africa, they got first the Organization of African Unity and then the African Union, while the best shot at economic integration is anagrammed ECOWAS. This book explains why many of these attempts at political integration may not have been Africa''s best bet. Perhaps the most interesting thing about the book is its constant juxtaposition of the good, the bad and even the ugly. The reader is introduced to an Africa which has made progress in democratising itself especially in the last two decades, but through that same journey learns that the continent, thanks to political violence in the likes of Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and now Mali, may very well be contending for the world capital of disease, rape and ethnic cleansing. Indeed more shocking for the prospective learner is the fact that the continent is unequivocally one of the richest in the world in natural and (yes) to some extent in human resources but nevertheless is host to some of the world''s poorest countries. Yet, this same continent has fought through it all surviving colonialism, the Cold War, apartheid and has even managed to produce Nobel laureates and a country (Ghana) that as of 2012 leads the rest of the world in economic growth. That is the Africa brought to you by this book.

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Book SynopsisNigeria is one of the pivotal states of Africa and is extremely important to U.S. diplomatic and economic interests on that continent. However, Americans'' general lack of knowledge or misunderstanding of Nigeria undercuts our interactions with this crucial state to the detriment of both sides. Nigeria is considered a key power on the African continent, not only because of its size, but because of its political and economic role in the region. In the southern Niger Delta region, local grievances related to oil production in the area have fuelled simmering conflict and criminality for over a decade. This book focuses on the government''s efforts to negotiate with local militants which have quieted the restive region, but the peace is fragile and violent criminality continues.

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Book SynopsisSenators and Representatives are frequently asked to support or sponsor proposals recognizing historic events and outstanding achievements by individuals or institutions. Among the various forms of recognition that Congress bestows, the Congressional Gold Medal is often considered the most distinguished. This book responds to congressional inquiries concerning the nature, history, and contemporary application of the process for awarding Gold Medals, and includes a historical examination and chronological list of these awards.

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Book SynopsisThis book examines the evidence for the effectiveness of prison and programmes in the community aimed at reducing reoffending and some of the claims and counter-claims for whether "prison works". The main focus of this book is the high prison population and austere financial climate in England and Wales, the challenges these present for the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) and particularly HM Prison Service, and the emerging evidence of "what works" in reducing reoffending.

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Book SynopsisThis book gives a history of the Parliamentary franchise and shows the incremental stages which led to universal suffrage across the UK by drawing on several of the recognised sources which have dealt with the subject and by referring to the key legislation. It also provides background to the provisions relating to overseas voters in the Representation of the People Act 1985 which was subsequently amended by the Representation of the People Act 1989 and the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. There has been considerable concern about the under-registration of the Armed Forces, especially those serving overseas, and the difficulties they face in participating in the electoral process generally. This book continues with giving details of recent changes to legislation, including the provisions of the Electoral Administration Act 2006, and information about measures taken to increase the electoral registration of service personnel. The final chapter of the book briefly draws together library material on the issue of prisoners'' voting rights.

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Book SynopsisIn April 2012, Hofstra University hosted a symposium comparing the presidencies of George W Bush and Barack Obama. In the 2008 presidential campaign, Obama promised major departures from the Bush administration''s approach to political negotiations and policies. But in the White House, several, though certainly not all, of Obama''s actions have suggested more continuity than change with his predecessor. What is the Bush (43) Presidency''s legacy in American politics and the world? How has that legacy shaped the policies of President Obama? This assessment of both presidencies provides a timely discussion of their leadership successes and challenges in the White House, with attention to immediate results as well as long-term effects. This book presents the symposium findings, with updates that incorporate the 2012 elections and the start of Obama''s second term. The first part examines each president''s ability to mobilise public support and exercise political leadership, both within his own political party and more broadly. The second part compares foreign policy in the two administrations, focusing on Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Middle East. Contributors include experts on the American presidency, executive-legislative policy making, and U.S. foreign policy.

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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