Politics and government Books

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Book SynopsisRussia made uneven progress in democratisation during the 1990s, but this limited progress was reversed after Vladimir Putin rose to power in 1999-2000, according to many observers. During this period, the State Duma (lower legislative chamber) became dominated by government-approved parties, gubernatorial elections were abolished, and the government consolidated ownership or control over major media and industries, including the energy sector. The Putin government showed low regard for the rule of law and human rights in suppressing insurgency in the North Caucasus, according to critics. Dmitriy Medvedev, Putin''s long-time protégé, was elected president in 2008; President Medvedev immediately designated Putin as prime minister and continued Putin''s policies. This book discusses in further detail, the politics and economics in Putin''s Russia; and provides insight on the Russian political, economic, and security issues and United States interests.

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Book SynopsisThe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly called the Food Stamp Program, is designed primarily to increase the food purchasing power of eligible low-income households to help them buy a nutritionally adequate low-cost diet. This book describes the rules related to eligibility for SNAP benefits as well as the rules for benefits and their redemption. SNAP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture''s Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS). A variety of benefits may also be available to unemployed workers to provide them with income support during a spell of unemployment. The cornerstone of this income support is the joint federal-state Unemployment Compensation (UC) program, which may provide income support through the payment of UC benefits for up to a maximum of 26 weeks. This book describes three kinds of unemployment benefits which are the regular Unemployment Compensation, Extended Benefit, and Emergency Unemployment Compensation. The book explains their basic eligibility requirements, benefits, and financing structure.

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Book SynopsisThis book is designed to provide Congress with a perspective on the contemporary political system of China, the only Communist Party-led state in the G-20 grouping of major economies. China''s Communist Party dominates state and society in China, is committed to maintaining a permanent monopoly on power, and is intolerant of those who question its right to rule. Nonetheless, analysts consider China''s political system to be neither monolithic nor rigidly hierarchical. Jockeying among leaders and institutions representing different sets of interests is common at every level of the system. This book also provides a concise, chart- and table-based introduction to China''s political institutions and current leaders. The book is intended to assist Members and their staffs seeking to understand where political institutions or individuals fit within the broader Chinese political system and to identify which Chinese officials are responsible for specific portfolios.

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Book SynopsisThe North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) entered into force on January 1, 1994. The overall economic impact of NAFTA is difficult to measure since trade and investment trends are influenced by numerous other economic variables, such as economic growth, inflation, and currency fluctuations. NAFTA continues to be of interest to Congress because of the importance of Canada and Mexico as U.S. trading partners, and also because of the implications NAFTA has for U.S. trade policy. This book provides an overview of North American trade liberalisation before NAFTA, an overview of NAFTA provisions, the economic effects of NAFTA, and policy considerations. It also examines the provisions of the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) in the context of the overall U.S.-South Korean economic relationship, U.S. objectives, and South Korean objectives. The book examines some of the issues that have arisen during the implementation of KORUS FTA, and analyses the issues related to the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the state and substance of the negotiations, the specific areas under negotiation, the policy and economic contexts in which the TPP would fit, and the issues for Congress that the TPP presents.

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Book SynopsisThis book discusses developments in the United States'' exports and imports of professional services, with a focus on education, healthcare, and legal services. The United States continues to be a world leader in professional services, which generated a cross-border trade surplus of nearly $50 billion in 2011. The expansion of professional services trade in recent years has been driven by a number of factors. Globalisation, including businesses setting up operations in foreign markets, has created trade opportunities for diverse professional services providers, such as legal and management consulting professionals. This book focuses on United States trend reports from 2012 and 2013.

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Book SynopsisFor over 2 decades, Somalia has been the prime example of a collapsed state. For almost a generation, Somalia has been a byword for state failure, defying the combined efforts of diplomats and soldiers to restore some semblance of order, to say nothing of a functional national government. In the absence of an effective sovereign, the country is a backdrop for multiple humanitarian crises. The purpose of this book is to provide insight on the state collapse, insurgency, and counterinsurgency of Somalia.

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Book SynopsisInsecurity, poor governance, and a long-running humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) present a range of challenges for U.S. policymakers, including the U.S. Congress. Chronic instability in eastern DRC, an area rich in minerals and other natural resources, has caused widespread human suffering and inhibited private sector investment throughout the Great Lakes region -- which includes DRC and its neighbors to the east. This book discusses the background and United States policy of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and provides insight on the DRC''s conditions and issues.

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Book SynopsisIn the twenty years since Richard Nixon''s death, both his achievements and his failures remain hotly contested. His domestic achievements included revenue sharing, the end of the military draft, new anticrime laws, and a broad environmental program. In terms of foreign policy, he opened relations with the People''s Republic of China, signed the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty with the Soviet Union, and ended the war in Vietnam. For these achievements, he was re-elected in 1972 by one of the largest margins in American history, defeating Democratic candidate Senator George McGovern. In the 20th century, the only comparable victories were Franklin D Roosevelt in 1936 and Lyndon B Johnson in 1964. The shadow of Watergate continues to hang over Nixon''s presidency, and is often the first thing most people associate with Richard Nixon. Fairly or unfairly, there remains much to learn about Watergate and Nixon''s presidency due to the large number of records and White House tapes still being opened. In addition, as subsequent presidential scandals have occurred, Watergate fades slightly, although it does not completely disappear. Only gradually have scholars turned their attention to subjects other than Watergate, observing the plea by President Clinton in his eulogy of Nixon that we judge the 37th president on his full record, and not just his shortcomings. As more records from his presidency are opened, he will continue to receive fuller biographical treatment.

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Book SynopsisThis series addresses new developments, issues and U.S. relations with countries around the world. Topics discussed in this compilation include U.S. relations with North Korea; U.S. and Cambodia relations; U.S. relations with Sri Lanka; and political developments and implications for U.S. interests with Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.

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Book SynopsisThe book is a critique of the capitalist world, including both the injustices it inflicts and the acts of resistance it provokes, which end up reproducing it. The book is also a critique of the ideas about this world, especially some of the ideas which are considered to be progressive. The book talks about why so-called critical thought as it exists is inadequate; why genuine critique is possible and necessary; what its different forms and attributes are; and who it is aimed toward: the masses or academia? This book presents what it considers to be the most adequate form of critique: the Marxist critique. This is a critique which explains humanity''s problems, mainly in terms of the conflict-ridden social relations that determine how society''s resources are used, which seeks to democratically transcend the current arrangements to establish popular democracy in all spheres of life; economic, political and cultural. The book then employs the principles of the Marxist critique to shed light on specific issues in the world as they exist or on the so-called progressive ideas about these issues, such as poverty and inequality in India; industrial disasters in the US; labour unfreedom in the capitalist North and South; the relation between economic and political power in modern society; social democracy; development of capitalism in rural areas and imperialism; pharmaceutical fraud and the consequent threat to human health in the US and the Maoist movement and protest politics (of the anarchist type'' left) against dispossession and other forms of injustice.

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Book SynopsisU.S.-Thailand relations are of interest to Congress because of Thailand''s status as a long-time military ally and a significant trade and economic partner. For many years, Thailand was also seen as a model of stable democracy in Southeast Asia, although this image, along with U.S. relations, have been complicated by deep political and economic instability in the wake of a September 2006 coup that displaced Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a popular but divisive figure who remains a flashpoint for many divisions within Thailand. This book provides a background of Thailand and U.S. relations. It also discusses Thailand''s 2012 international religious freedom report along with a 2013 investment climate statement.

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Book SynopsisStates and localities have not invested adequate resources, planning, or training to meet architectural and physical access compliance standards required to increase participation and improve the experience of voters with disabilities. The book documents the experiences of voters with disabilities during the 2012 general election cycle and offers concrete policy and procedural recommendations to improve voter participation and accessibility for citizens with disabilities now and in future elections.

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Book SynopsisCongress enacted the Wilderness Act in 1964. This act created the National Wilderness Preservation System, reserved to Congress the authority to designate wilderness areas, and directed the Secretaries of Agriculture and of the Interior to review certain lands for their wilderness potential. The Wilderness Act defined wilderness as an area of undeveloped federal land, but, due to differing perceptions of wilderness and its purpose, did not establish criteria or standards to determine whether an area should be designated. In general, wilderness areas are undeveloped, and commercial activities, motorised access, and roads, structures, and facilities are generally prohibited in wilderness areas. This book presents background information on wilderness protection and a discussion of issues in the wilderness debate -- the pros and cons of wilderness designation generally; possible considerations for specific legislation; and a discussion of possible wilderness study area designation and protection.

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Book SynopsisThe qualifications required to hold the office of U.S. Senator or Representative to Congress are established and set out within the U.S. Constitution. These constitutional qualifications are the exclusive qualifications for congressional office, and may not be changed or added to by the Congress, nor may these qualifications be added to or changed unilaterally by a state. The duties carried out by a Member of Congress are understood to include representation, legislation, and constituent service and education, as well as political and electoral activities. The expectations and duties of a Member of Congress are extensive, encompassing several roles that could be full-time jobs by themselves. This book discusses in further detail the qualifications and duties of a Member of Congress.

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Book SynopsisBecause of the high volume and complexity of its work, Congress divides its tasks among committees and subcommittees. Both the House and Senate have their own committee systems, which are similar but not identical. Within chamber guidelines, however, each committee adopts its own rules; thus, there is considerable variation among panels. This book provides an overview of the organisation and operations of House and Senate committees.

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Book SynopsisArticle I, Section 3, clause 5 of the U.S. Constitution authorises the Senate to choose its officers, but does not specifically identify them by title. The officers currently elected by the Senate are the President pro tempore, Secretary of the Senate, Sergeant at Arms, chaplain, secretary for the majority, and secretary for the minority. The Senate has also established appointive offices to handle certain other administrative functions that are under the direction of the legal counsel, legislative counsel, and parliamentarian. This book provides an overview of Senate administrative officers and officials, their authorities, and main responsibilities.

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Book SynopsisBook & CD-ROM. After the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, legislation had been urged for over two decades to create a national voter registration system designed to make registration easier and more uniform from state to state. The National Voter Registration Act of 1993, the so-called "motor-voter" bill, was signed into law by President Clinton on 20 May 1993. It required states to establish voter registration procedures for federal elections so that eligible citizens might apply to register to vote simultaneously while applying for a driver''s license, by mail, and at selected state and local offices that serve the public. This book provides the history, the implementation and the effects the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. It also discusses the Uninformed Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

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Book SynopsisThe term "data breach" generally refers to the unauthorised or unintentional exposure, disclosure, or loss of sensitive information. A data breach can leave individuals vulnerable to identity theft or other fraudulent activity. Although federal agencies have taken steps to protect personally identifiable information (PII), breaches continue to occur on a regular basis. The book''s objectives are to determine the extent to which selected agencies have developed and implemented policies and procedures for responding to breaches involving PII and assess the role of DHS in collecting information on breaches involving PII and providing assistance to agencies. The book also identifies the federal laws and guidance issued to protect personally identifiable information from unauthorised use or disclosure and describes agencies'' progress in developing policies and documented procedures that respond to recent guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to protect personally identifiable information that is either accessed remotely or physically transported outside an agency''s secured physical perimeter.

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Book SynopsisThe deep recession that began in December 2007 and ended in June 2009, has had a lasting effect on the labour market. More than four and a half years after the end of the recession, employment has risen sluggishly -- much more slowly than it grew, on average, during the four previous recoveries that lasted more than one year. At the same time, the unemployment rate has fallen only partway back to its pre-recession level, and a significant part of that improvement is attributable to a decline in labour force participation that has occurred as an unusually large number of people have stopped looking for work. This book discusses this slow recovery of the labour market, as well as assesses the relative magnitudes of cyclical and structural unemployment as they respond to different policy measures.

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Book SynopsisA refugee is a person fleeing his or her country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) there are approximately 15.4 million refugees in the world. The vast majority of these refugees will receive support in the country to which they fled until they can voluntarily and safely return to their home country. A small number of refugees will be allowed to become citizens in the country to which they fled, and an even smaller number -- primarily those who are at the highest risk -- will be resettled in a third country. While UNHCR reports that less than 1 percent of all refugees are eventually resettled in third countries, the United States welcomes over half of these refugees, more than all other resettlement countries combined. This book provides regional overviews of the refugee situation around the globe, country conditions, data on refugees world-wide and programs for refugee admittance to the United States.

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Book SynopsisOn 16 September 2013, Aaron Alexis, a Navy contractor employee with a Secret security clearance, shot and killed 12 U.S. Navy civilian and contractor employees and wounded several others at the Washington Navy Yard. Alexis was also killed. Alexis was employed by The Experts, Inc, a private information technology firm cleared under the National Industrial Security Program. The Experts was a subcontractor to Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Services, which was performing work under a contract with the Department of the Navy. Alexis had legitimate access to the Navy Yard as a result of his work as a contractor employee and used his valid building pass to gain entry to Building 197. Shortly after his arrival in the building and over the course of about one hour, Alexis used his Remington 870 shotgun and a Beretta handgun he obtained during the attack to kill 12 individuals and wound 4 others before he was shot and killed by law enforcement officers. On September 30, 2013, the Secretary of Defense initiated concurrent independent and internal reviews to identify and recommend actions that address gaps or deficiencies in DoD programs, policies, and procedures regarding security at DoD installations and the granting and renewing of security clearances for DoD employees and contractor personnel. This book discusses and provides an overview of the Washington Navy Yard Shooting. It also provides insight on the security from within.

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Book SynopsisLike many of its peers in sub-Saharan Africa, Ghana''s journey to democracy has been a tortuous one indeed. To the extent that governance is about the equitable distribution of societal resources, Ghana, like many African societies, has been grappling with the problem of governance since time immemorial. Before the advent of colonial rule, several African societies had established a variety of political systems with corresponding political, economic, and social institutions which dealt with allocation of resources, law-making, and social and political control based, for the most part, on family and kinship relations associated with communalism and consensual decision making. Besides the fact that the inauguration of the colonial project curtailed the natural evolution of the democratic governance engendered by the rule of chiefs during this period in Africa''s history, colonial rule was generally based on both economic exploitation and racial injustice. It entailed economic exploitation of natural resources and social and political exclusion of indigenous Africans from decision making. This twin evil of the colonial project became the main motivation for the adoption of socialist principles of organisation by many African states in the immediate post-independence period. This book discusses several topics on Ghana''s social, economic and political issues. These include Pan-African connections, development and the experiences of the historic Agrican Diaspora; women in Ghana; the use of iron in West Africa; ethnicity and political participation in Ghana; the nuclearisation of Ghanaian families; evaluation of the health financing sub-functions; and a study of migrants in Tema.

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Book SynopsisIn its 2004 report, the 9/11 Commission identified what it perceived were shortcomings in the appointment process during presidential transitions. The report asserted that delays in filling top executive branch leadership positions, such as those experienced during the 2000-2001 transition, could compromise national security policymaking in the early months of a new Administration. Although the unique circumstances of the 2000 presidential race truncated the ensuing transition period, the commission''s observations could be applied to other recent transitions; lengthy appointment processes during presidential transitions, particularly between those of different political parties, have been of concern to observers for more than 20 years. The process is likely to develop a bottleneck during this time, even under the best of circumstances, due to the large number of candidates who must be selected, vetted, and, in the case of positions filled through appointment by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate (PAS positions), considered by that body. The appointment process has three stages: selection and vetting, Senate consideration, and presidential appointment. Congress has taken steps to accelerate appointments during presidential transitions. This book describes and analyses the processes, during a presidential transition, by which top-level executive branch PAS positions are filled. It also discusses nominations to cabinet positions during inter-term transitions; temporarily filling Presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed positions; senate consideration of Presidential nominations; and Presidential appointee positions requiring Senate confirmations and committees handling nominations.

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Book SynopsisIn 2012, federal agencies reported to the Federal Real Property Council (FRPC) -- an organisation comprised of all real property holding federal agencies -- that they are responsible for operating over 480,000 federally owned structures. Information about these structures is recorded in the FRPC''s Federal Real Property Profile (FRPP), the government''s comprehensive database that describes the nature, use, and extent of federal real property. About 176,000 of those structures are operated by civilian federal agencies. The federal government manages a wide variety of structures. Some of these are common across agencies, such as roads and parking structures, while some are more specific to agencies'' missions, such as historic structures or particle accelerators. This book examines the scale and scope of federally owned or leased structures; how federal agencies track and categorise federal structures; and the extent to which the challenges federal agencies face in managing buildings also apply to structures. This book also identifies actions agencies have taken to manage historic federal buildings; and any challenges they have faced.

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Book SynopsisMalaysia, a majority Muslim nation in Southeast Asia, has long been a partner in U.S. security and economic initiatives in the region, although political sensitivities in Malaysia have constrained both sides from forging deeper ties or even acknowledging how close the relationship is. Bilateral relations have improved over the past decade, especially under Prime Minister Najib Razak, who has made relations with the United States a priority. The Obama Administration has emphasised deeper engagement with Malaysia and other "emerging partners" in Southeast Asia as part of the strategic "rebalancing" of U.S. resources and attention to the Asia-Pacific region. Congress has expressed interest in a variety of issues in U.S.-Malaysia relations over the years, especially regarding trade, security co-operation, human rights, and Malaysia''s diplomacy. This book analyses U.S.-Malaysia relations and the economy, domestic politics, and diplomacy of Malaysia. The book also provides background information on current events and policy debates related to Malaysia.

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Book SynopsisThe United States and the Republic of the Philippines maintain close ties stemming from the U.S. colonial period (1898-1946), the bilateral security alliance bound by the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951, and common strategic and economic interests. In the past decade, the Philippines has been one of the largest recipients of U.S. foreign assistance in Southeast Asia, including both military and development aid. Many observers say that U.S. public and private support to the Philippines following Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), which struck the central part of the country on 8 November 2013, bolstered the already strong bilateral relationship. This book discusses the United States interests in the Republic of the Philippines. It also examines the impact of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), which struck the central Philippines on 8 November 2013, and the U.S. and international response; the Philippines 2013 human rights report; the 2012 international religious freedom report; and the 2013 investment climate statement.

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Book SynopsisSince the 2011 U.S. withdrawal from Iraq, sectarian divisions have widened, fuelling a revival of a Sunni Muslim insurgent challenge to Iraq''s stability. Iraq''s Sunni Arab Muslims resent Shiite political domination and perceived discrimination by the government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. Iraq''s Kurds are embroiled in separate political disputes with the Baghdad government over territorial, political, and economic issues, particularly their intent to separately export large volumes of oil produced in the Kurdish region. Fighting also continues across Syria, pitting government forces and their foreign allies against a range of anti-government insurgents, some of whom also are fighting amongst themselves. The ongoing conflict that began in March 2011 in Syria has created one of the most pressing humanitarian crises in the world. Three years later, as of early March 2014, an estimated 9.3 million people inside Syria, nearly half the population, have been affected by the conflict. This book discusses the political, and internal conflicts of both Iraq and Syria. It provides information on the politics, governance, and human rights in Iraq; an overview of armed conflict in Syria, as well as the United States response; and an overview of the humanitarian response in Syria as well.

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Book SynopsisThe North Caucasus region has been a source of instability for the past several centuries. Underlying social, economic, and political issues of the region remain. A low-level insurgency persists in the North Caucasus region, with occasional terrorist attacks in the Russian heartland. Chechnya functions as a de facto independent entity; Islamist influence in Dagestan is growing, as terror attacks continue, and the rest of the North Caucasus requires massive presence of Russian security services to keep the situation under control. This book examines these underlying issues and finds few reasons to expect any substantial improvement in the situation for years to come.

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Book SynopsisSeveral Turkish domestic and foreign policy issues have significant relevance for U.S. interests, and Congress plays an active role in shaping and overseeing U.S. relations with Turkey. This book provides background information on Turkey and discusses possible policy options for Members of Congress and the Obama Administration. U.S. relations with Turkey -- a long-time North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally -- have evolved over time. Turkey''s economic dynamism and geopolitical importance have increased its influence regionally and globally. Although Turkey still depends on the United States and other NATO allies for political and strategic support, its increased economic and military self-reliance since the Cold War allows Turkey relatively greater opportunity for an assertive role in foreign policy. Along with the background of Turkey and their relations with the United States, this book discusses the Turkey-Kurdish regional government relations after the United States withdrawal from Iraq.

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Book SynopsisPuerto Rico has access to many federal programs, and is subject to certain federal tax laws; however, for some programs and for some aspects of tax law, Puerto Rico is treated differently than the states. Options for Puerto Rico''s political status include statehood. This book examines potential changes to selected federal programs and related spending changes, and changes to selected federal revenue sources that would be expected should Puerto Rico become a state. This book also discusses economic and fiscal factors under statehood that could influence changes in spending and revenue.

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Book SynopsisTwo key long-term energy trends are shifting the strategic balance between superpower rivals, the United States and China, in the 21st century: first, the frenetic and successful search for hydrocarbons in Africa is making it an increasingly crucial element in China''s energy diversification strategy; second, a domestic boom in U.S. shale oil and gas is dramatically boosting America''s energy security. America''s increasing energy security and China''s increased dependence on energy imports from Africa and the Middle East until well past 2040 despite its own shale discoveries will make Beijing''s own increasing energy insecurity be felt even more acutely, pushing the People''s Liberation Army to accelerate adoption of a "two ocean" military strategy that includes an enduring presence in the Indian Ocean as well as the Pacific Ocean. This book discusses Africa''s booming oil and natural gas exploration and production. The book also examines China''s oil diplomacy, equity investments in strategic minerals, and food policy toward Africa.

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Book SynopsisThe United States relationship with China touches on an exceptionally broad range of issues, from security, trade, and broader economic issues, to the environment and human rights. Congress faces important questions about what sort of relationship the United States should have with China and how the United States should respond to China''s "rise." After more than 30 years of fast-paced economic growth, China''s economy is now the second-largest in the world after that of the United States. This book provides an overview of the U.S. and China relationship, recent developments in the relationship, Obama Administration policy toward China, a summary of legislation related to China in the 113th Congress, and reviews major policy issues in the relationship. In addition, the book examines the major issues in the United States policy on Taiwan, Burma. Moreover, it analyzes the U.S. support for judicial reform efforts in Mexico and raises issues for Congress to consider as it oversees current U.S. justice sector programs and considers future support to Mexico.

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Book SynopsisPresident Obama established the National Policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and the Great Lakes by Executive Order on July 19, 2010. The National Ocean Policy (Policy) highlights our responsibility to improve and maintain the health of the ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes and recognizes the importance of working with States, tribes, and other partners to tackle key challenges through common sense, science-based solutions. This book discusses the Policy which aims to ensure that our Valuable Ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources will continue to provide a wealth of benefits that support the Nation''s well-being, safety, and prosperity. Fundamentally, the National Ocean Policy coordinates, through establishment of the National Ocean Council, the ocean-related activities of Federal agencies to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness, with a focus on reduced bureaucracy, improved coordination and integration, and fiscal responsibility. The Policy helps coordinate the implementation of existing regulations and authorities by all Federal agencies in the interest of more efficient decision-making. This National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan (Plan) provides clear direction to Federal agencies and increased specificity to partners and stakeholders. The Plan reflects a commitment to develop and apply the latest science and information, conduct the business of government more efficiently, and collaborate more effectively with State, tribal, and local authorities, marine industries, and other stakeholders. This Plan describes specific actions that translate the goals of the National Ocean Policy into on-the-ground change to address key challenges, streamline Federal operations, save taxpayer dollars, and promote economic growth.

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Book SynopsisThe National Strategy for the Arctic Region sets forth the United States Government''s strategic priorities for the Arctic region. This strategy is intended to position the United States to respond effectively to challenges and emerging opportunities arising from significant increases in Arctic activity due to the diminishment of sea ice and the emergence of a new Arctic environment. It defines U.S. national security interests in the Arctic region and identifies prioritized lines of effort, building upon existing initiatives by Federal, state, local, and tribal authorities, the private sector, and international partners, and aims to focus efforts where opportunities exist and action is needed. This book discusses the national strategy for the Arctic region and its implementation plan. It also examines the background of the changes in the Arctic and includes issues this is causing for Congress.

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Book SynopsisCongress has maintained interest in El Salvador, a small Central American country that has a large percentage of its population living in the United States, since the country''s civil conflict. Whereas in the 1980s the U.S. government spent billions of dollars supporting the Salvadoran government''s efforts against the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) insurgency, the United States is now working with the country''s second consecutive democratically-elected FMLN Administration. Despite the potential challenges involved for both sides, analysts predict that U.S.-Salvadoran relations will remain constructive during Salvador Sánchez Cerén''s presidency, as they did during Mauricio Funes'' term. El Salvador is facing significant economic and security challenges that the country is unlikely to be able to address without substantial external support. This book discusses the issues and the U.S. relations with El Salvador. It also examines its current conditions.

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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 a 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. It also discusses the U.S. relations with Honduras, and El Salvador.

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Book SynopsisDespite conflict on its borders, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan appears to remain a relatively stable and reliable partner for the United States in the Arab world. Jordan''s strategic importance to the United States may be increasing given the ongoing civil war in Syria, fighting in western and central Iraq, uncertainty over the trajectory of Palestinian and Egyptian politics, and ongoing global counter-terrorism operations. In each of these arenas, U.S.-Jordanian military, intelligence, and diplomatic co-operation seeks to empower political moderates, reduce sectarian conflict, and eliminate terrorist threats. This book provides an overview of Jordanian politics and current issues in U.S.-Jordanian relations. It provides a brief discussion of Jordan''s government and economy and of its co-operation with U.S. policy objectives in the Middle East, including the promotion of Arab-Israeli peace.

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