The United States' Economic Strategy and Presence in the Maghreb
Before the 9/11 events, US-Maghreb relations were growing stronger, especially after the United States had long left the floor to the Maghreb’s “natural” European partner. Therefore, the American action in this region was in line with a mechanism previously set off by Clinton Administration member, Stuart Eizenstat, which aimed at reducing intra-regional obstacles and stimulating American investments towards an area where Americans were little-represented. Hence Washington seemed more involved in promoting the emergence of a strong, world-economy-integrated Maghrebi market.
Ampo at 50: The Faltering US-Japan Relationship
For the last 50 years the governance of the US-Japan alliance has often been characterized by secret diplomacy and discretionary choices. In the post-war period Japan's strategic choices have given overall priority to sustaining a strong security alliance with the United States.
Understanding the Issue of U.S. Military Bases in Okinawa
The failure of Prime Minister Hatoyama to transfer the dangerous U.S. military base of Futenma out of Okinawa hastened his resignation, announced on June 2nd.
Internet et politique aux Etats-Unis
The growing use of the internet by citizens (blogs, social networks, on-line donations, etc...) certainly impacts the way politics are done in the United States. However, the internet may not be as democratizing a political tool as it seems. The author, François Vergniolle de Chantal, is a lecturer at the University of Burgundy and the co-editor-in-chief of the review Politique Américaine.
Disaster in Gulf not a Disaster for Obama
Pundits argue that the BP accident in the US Gulf is a final nail in the coffin of President Obama’s energy and environment legislation. They conclude that American energy and environment policy will be left in disarray with little hope for key decisions before the crucial Cancun climate change talks.
Au coeur de l'Amérique ? Le mouvement des Tea Parties
Since the beginning of 2009, conservatism in America has morphed into a spontaneous and decentralized form called the Tea Party Movement. Anne-Lorraine Bujon, a distinguished commentator on U.S. policy and society, analyses this new phase in American history.
Russia, China and the United States: From Strategic Triangularism to the Postmodern Triangle
Over the past decade, there has been much talk about a new world order, in which American "unipolarity" would be superseded by more equal arrangements between the great powers. One such idea is a return to the Russia-China-US triangle. In truth, however, the time for such geopolitical schemes has long passed.
President Obama Snubs Europe: The US Perspective on the EU
Introduction
With the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty completed the EU is undergoing profound institutional changes. How does the US perceive the EU and these changes?
To analyze American perceptions of the EU it is first necessary to distinguish between the general American public and the American political elite.
Russia, China and the United States: From Strategic Triangularism to the Postmodern Triangle
Over the past decade, there has been much talk about a new world order, in which American "unipolarity" would be superseded by more equal arrangements between the great powers. One such idea is a return to the Russia-China-US triangle.
U.S. Space Policy in 2009-2010: Towards New Choices?
Congress and the Administration have launched a series of space policy reviews in 2009, regarding in particular Nasa's exploration policy, the loosening of ITAR regulations and space security. On each of these issues, the U.S. government may adopt more international-leaning policies in 2010.
NATO and Nuclear Weapons
The changes in the way that NATO operates raise the question of whether the nuclear weapons stationed in Europe would, in a time of crisis, be an instrument of solidarity, or lead instead to divisiveness.
France’s “Return” to NATO: An Inopportune Decision
The French decision to re-enter NATO’s integrated military structure is merely the confirmation of a series of shifts that started a long time ago. But it is no less questionable a decision. It is a symbolic decision that affects France’s image internationally. It by no means guarantees that the Alliance will evolve in a way that corresponds to France’s national interests; nor does it shed light on France’s ambiguous future. It does, however, in a very real way, risk diminishing France’s will to defend itself.
NATO: From Washington (1949) to Strasbourg/Kehl (2009)
The Alliance cannot avoid a strategic debate about its role, missions and resources. This may be painful, but it will ensure clarity and prepare the Alliance for future challenges.
A la veille de Copenhague, Obama et l'environnement
On the eve of the Copenhagen Conference, this note takes stock of the evolutions of the different U.S. actors on climate change and the environment. The author, Yves-Marie Péréon teaches American Civilization at the Université de Rouen.
With this publication, the U.S. Program at Ifri launches its new collection of on-line notes, the Potomac papers.
Negotiating a Korea-EU Free Trade Agreement: Easier Said Than Done
Internal and Foreign Policies in the United States: the 20th Century Parenthesis ?
The United Kingdom, 1900-2000: from a World Empire to an Island Kingdom
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