July 9, 2008
The 2008 Index: How to Escape the "Curse of Oil"
By James M. Roberts and Daniel J. Leahy
(WebMemo #1983)
An examination of the rankings of oil-rich counties in the 2008 Index of Economic Freedom reveals that, for the most part, citizens of oil-producing countries ...
June 26, 2008
Addressing the Global Food Crisis
By Brett D. Schaefer, Ben Lieberman, and Brian M. Riedl
(Backgrounder #2151)
Measures to deal with the food crisis should include eliminating the artificial demand created by ethanol and other biofuel mandates, making food assistance more effective ...
June 19, 2008
American Companies, Taiwan, and U.S. Anti-boycott Law
By John J. Tkacik, Jr.
(WebMemo #1962)
The recent news that China threatened Boeing Aircraft because of the company's dealings with Taiwan only sharpens the sense of cynicism prevalent among critics of ...
May 27, 2008
Argentina Farmers Strike: Refusing to Foot the Bill for the Kirchners’ Populist Politics
By James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #1938)
Peronists Néstor Kirchner and Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, the presidential couple who have ruled Argentina since 2003, have exploited record-high commodity prices to finance their ...
May 23, 2008
International Trade as an Engine for Development
By Ambassador Terry Miller
(WebMemo #1936)
International trade is fulfilling its promise as the most significant source of external financing for development, surpassing all other external sources combined. In the first ...
May 8, 2008
China's Undervalued Currency Benefits Americans
By Ambassador Terry Miller
(WebMemo #1919)
Politicians looking for quick fixes to perceived U.S. economic ills have focused yet again on trade. The China Currency Manipulation Act of 2008 was introduced ...
May 7, 2008
The Best U.S. Export-Promotion Strategy: Free Trade
By Daniella Markheim
(Heritage Lecture #1084)
U.S. government programs that subsidize risk offer above-market returns by privatizing gains while socializing losses. Advancing freer trade through a comprehensive and substantive conclusion to ...
May 2, 2008
Free Trade Agreements: Promoting Prosperity in 2008
By Daniella Markheim
(Backgrounder #2132)
Congress has an opportunity to help America reap the rewards of free trade. If lawmakers can separate myth from fact and assess upcoming trade initiatives ...
April 30, 2008
The U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement: Strengthening a Good Friend in a Rough Neighborhood
By James M. Roberts
(Backgrounder #2129)
On April 10, the congressional leadership forced a vote that has indefinitely delayed consideration of the U.S.–Colombia Free Trade Agreement. Defeat of this agreement would ...
April 30, 2008
Executive Summary: The U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement: Strengthening a Good Friend in a Rough Neighborhood
By James M. Roberts
(Executive Summary #2129)
On April 10, the congressional leadership forced a vote that has indefinitely delayed consideration of the U.S.–Colombia Free Trade Agreement. Defeat of this agreement would ...
April 17, 2008
Getting Better, Not Bitter, in Pennsylvania
By Ambassador Terry Miller
(WebMemo #1895)
The recent firestorm over Senator Barack Obama's comments about Pennsylvania's "bitter" voters has focused on charges of condescension and on the perceived denigration of gun ...
April 15, 2008
Losing Latin America? A Protectionist Congress Is Destroying U.S. Credibility
By James M. Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1890)
In American election years, a theme sure to grab the nation’s attention is who "lost" a certain country. In 1952, it was "Who lost China?" ...
April 15, 2008
Stalling the Colombia FTA: A Major Blow to U.S. Public Diplomacy
By Anthony B. Kim
(WebMemo #1893)
In the Democratic response to President George W. Bush's 2004 State of the Union Address, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi said, "As a nation we must show ...
April 8, 2008
African Development: Promise and Peril
By Karol Boudreaux
(Heritage Lecture #1074)
Africa's future lies in the entrepreneurial spirit. More and more young Africans are being entrepreneurial, and as they move Africa forward in the 21st century, ...
April 4, 2008
Economic Pessimism: No Excuse for Protectionism
By Anthony B. Kim
(WebMemo #1883)
Especially in a presidential election year, Congress must take a long-term view focused on strengthening economic fundamentals.
April 3, 2008
Economic Freedom: Revolutionary Empowerment for Women
By Ambassador Terry Miller
(Heritage Lecture #1073)
To be informed voters, we have to read between the lines, be aware of nuance, judge emotional intensity, and look at the candidates’ records. Trade ...
April 1, 2008
Trade Policy and Election Promises: Does the Rhetoric Match the Facts?
By Ambassador Terry Miller
(Heritage Lecture #1072)
To be informed voters, we have to read between the lines, be aware of nuance, judge emotional intensity, and look at the candidates’ records. Trade ...
March 18, 2008
Economic Freedom Underpins Human Rights and Democratic Governance
By Anthony B. Kim
(WebMemo #1861)
Economic freedom is an indispensable means toward promoting effective, lawful, and democratic governance.
March 6, 2008
Sovereign Wealth Funds and U.S. National Security
By Daniella Markheim
(Heritage Lecture #1063)
Sovereign wealth funds are coming under growing scrutiny due to concerns about the investment strategies underlying these funds and the fear that these funds could ...
March 6, 2008
Spain Must Opt for Economic Freedom
By James M. Roberts and Anthony B. Kim
(WebMemo #1838)
With elections approaching on March 9, Spain's slackening economy is in need of fundamental reforms.
February 27, 2008
Want More Economic Stimulus? Pass the Pending Free Trade Agreements!
By James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #1830)
Congress should pass the pending FTAs with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea.
January 29, 2008
Enabling ASEAN's Economic Vision
By Walter Lohman and Anthony B. Kim
(Backgrounder #2101)
Enhancing economic freedom is at the heart of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' economic vision. By demonstrating serious, sustained interest in ASEAN's economic life, ...
January 29, 2008
Executive Summary: Enabling ASEAN's Economic Vision
By Walter Lohman and Anthony B. Kim
(Executive Summary #2101)
Enhancing economic freedom is at the heart of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' economic vision. By demonstrating serious, sustained interest in ASEAN's economic life, ...
January 11, 2008
To Render Unto Caesar: Tax Policy for Developing Countries
By Ambassador Terry Miller
(Heritage Lecture #1056)
No tax policy is likely to succeed (certainly not in a democracy) unless basic questions of fairness and justice are answered to the satisfaction of ...
January 10, 2008
A Safe and Bountiful Harvest: How to Ensure America's Food Safety
By Daniella Markheim and Caroline Walsh
(Backgrounder #2096)
Legislating an unwise food safety policy could seriously undermine the primary benefits of international trade and harm U.S. households and the economy as a whole. ...
December 21, 2007
Cut Shoe Tariffs to Help Low-Income Families
By Edward Gresser and Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #1756)
Congress should repeal the tariffs on shoe imports and help all Americans save a few dollars on their next pair of work boots, pumps, or ...
December 20, 2007
Conservative Landslide Marks New Era in South Korea
By Bruce Klingner
(WebMemo #1758)
The election of Lee Myung-bak is good news for the United States on the diplomatic, security, and economic fronts.
December 5, 2007
Europe: No Economic Juggernaut
By Daniella Markheim and Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #1720)
Europe must suppress its socialist inclinations and embrace open markets if it hopes to be competitive with the United States.
December 4, 2007
The U.S.-Peru Trade Agreement: A Winning Proposition for Both Countries
By Daniella Markheim and James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #1718)
Free trade agreements between the United States and Latin American countries will pave the way for a future of friendship, peace, and prosperity throughout the ...
November 30, 2007
Sovereign Wealth Funds No Cause for Panic
By Terry Miller, Daniella Markheim, and Anthony B. Kim
(WebMemo #1713)
Policymakers should not consider stricter investment controls in the wake of Abu Dhabi's purchase of 4.9 percent of Citicorp.
November 1, 2007
IMF Report: U.S. Economy on Track for a Soft Landing
By Ambassador Terry Miller
(WebMemo #1686)
A positive assessment of the global economy is a reminder that economic freedom and open economies lead to sustained growth and prosperity.
October 30, 2007
Trade Adjustment Assistance: Getting Reform Right
By Daniella Markheim and James Sherk
(WebMemo #1682)
Expanding a program like TAA that has no demonstrated results would be irresponsible; expanding such a program while adding restrictions likely to make it even ...
October 23, 2007
The World Needs Less IMF, Not More
By Brett D. Schaefer and Anthony B. Kim
(WebMemo #1675)
The IMF today is an institution without a clear role; it should be transformed into a leaner institution better suited to current circumstances.
October 18, 2007
Free Trade: Media Should Include Facts with Opinion Polls
By Ambassador Terry Miller
(WebMemo #1670)
Stories that focus on negative attitudes toward free trade should include information about the undeniable benefits that free trade generates.
October 10, 2007
New Homeland Security Strategy Misses the Mark
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1659)
The Administration's new strategy obfuscates rather than clarifies the government’s homeland security mission.
October 9, 2007
Congress Must Implement CSC Treaty to Reinvigorate U.S. Nuclear Industry
By Jack Spencer
(WebMemo #1658)
The Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage will better enable U.S. companies to engage in peaceful international nuclear commerce.
October 4, 2007
Costa Rica and CAFTA: Chavista Rhetoric Threatens Trade Deal's Benefits
By James M. Roberts and Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #1656)
Protectionists are waging a campaign of misinformation to dissuade Costa Ricans from voting to join CAFTA.
September 28, 2007
The Link between Economic Freedom and Human Rights
By Anthony B. Kim
(WebMemo #1650)
Freedom is the engine that drives sustainable economic growth and provides increased access to prosperity for people everywhere.
September 13, 2007
Expanded Trade Ties with Peru Will Benefit America
By James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #1613)
Congress should act to approve a trade agreement that would strengthen U.S. energy security, reinforce democracy and markets in South America, and further U.S. national ...
September 11, 2007
China's Yuan: Manipulated, Misaligned, or Just Misunderstood?
By Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #1608)
Proposals from Congress would only hurt American families and businesses. None would provide a boost to U.S. manufacturing, exports, or jobs by making America more ...
August 17, 2007
The U.S.–Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement: Don’t Let Progress Fall Victim to D.C. Politics
By James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #1588)
To bolster prosperity and security for both the United States and Latin America, Congress must promote free trade with Colombia and assistance for its anti-narcotics ...
August 15, 2007
Free Trade with Taiwan Is Long Overdue
By John J. Tkacik, Jr., and Daniella Markheim
(Backgrounder #2061)
A U.S.–Taiwan free trade agreement would (among other things) increase U.S. auto, rice, poultry, and livestock exports and open a significant new market for new ...
July 31, 2007
Congress Should Extend Trade Preferences to Asia's Poorest
By Daniella Markheim and Walter Lohman
(WebMemo #1578)
Congress should act this year to extend the benefits of lowered tariffs to Asia's poorest countries.
July 30, 2007
TAA Reform Is Not Enough
By Tim Kane, Ph.D., and Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #1574)
Rather than expand an ineffective job training program, Congress should consolidate all federal employment initiatives into one program that saves tax dollars and provides real ...
July 27, 2007
Surprises in the Bullish GDP Report
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1572)
Congress must reject protectionist measures for strong economic growth to continue for the rest of the year.
June 28, 2007
Trade Promotion Authority Could Vanish with a Whimper
By Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #1531)
Congress must renew the President's TPA so that the United States continues to lead and benefit from the global economy.
June 19, 2007
Senate Bill 1419, Title VII: A Partial Measure to Increase U.S. Energy Security
By Ariel Cohen, Ph.D. and Owen Graham
(WebMemo #1514)
While Title VII has some laudable features, it ignores many short- and long-term threats to U.S. energy security.
June 11, 2007
Trade Deficits and Stolen Jobs: April Update
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1496)
After years of scaring voters with stories of economic decline, protectionists are now pursuing mistaken policies to reap what they have sown.
May 11, 2007
The New Shape of America's Trade Policy
By Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #1454)
Details of the more controversial aspects of the trade accord between Congress and the Administration provide insight into the future direction of U.S. trade policy. ...
April 16, 2007
Why Free Trade Works for America
By Daniella Markheim
(Backgrounder #2024)
Renewing the President's trade promotion authority to facilitate the completion of bilateral free trade agreements, reforming and reducing the scope of the farm bill to ...
April 9, 2007
U.S. Trade Policy Tracker: April 2007 Update
By Daniella Markheim and Anthony B. Kim
(WebMemo #1417)
A summary of the current status of U.S. trade negotiations, agreements, and legislation.
April 2, 2007
The U.S.-South Korea FTA: A Defining Moment
By Bruce Klingner and Anthony B. Kim
(WebMemo #1413)
Ratification would mean a new era for U.S. economic engagement with East Asia and expanded opportunities for the American economy. Failure, however, would strike a ...
March 27, 2007
Free Trade Is Dead. Long Live Free Trade
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1409)
"Free trade" isn't what it once was. A series of crucial votes in coming months will show whether the U.S. continues to embrace the trade ...
March 8, 2007
A Higher Minimum Wage Equals Less Economic Freedom
By Tim Kane, Ph.D., and Anthony B. Kim
(WebMemo #1385)
Raising the minimum wage by 40 percent would lower the United States' score in the Index of Economic Freedom.
March 8, 2007
Renew Trade Promotion Authority
By Daniella Markheim
(Backgrounder #2014)
Congress should renew TPA as it is without adding new conditions that open the door to protectionist policies that undermine America’s ability to remain a ...
February 28, 2007
The Coming Chinese Slowdown: Resolving the Paradox of Freedom and Growth
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1375)
The 9 percentage point plummet of Chinese equities in one day, the worst performance in a decade, sends a warning that that China is strong ...
February 21, 2007
Promoting U.S. and Indian Prosperity Through Freer Trade and Economic Liberalization
By Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #1365)
An improved political climate alone will not be enough to break down the many barriers to economic activity between the U.S. and India.
February 14, 2007
What Trade Deficits Really Mean
By Brian S. Wesbury
(Heritage Lecture #992)
Bad analysis about the U.S. trade deficit and the way the international financial system works contributes to the conventional wisdom that America has become increasingly ...
February 5, 2007
Farm Subsidies, Free Trade, and the Doha Round
By Daniella Markheim and Brian M. Riedl
(WebMemo #1337)
The United States must make a meaningful offer to cut agricultural protection if Doha is to progress.
February 5, 2007
No TV Left Behind: Digital Transition Subsidies for Basement Televisions?
By James Gattuso
(WebMemo #1340)
For the sake of taxpayers, the Bush Administration should decline to subsidize the basement TVs of households that subscribe to satellite or cable television.
January 16, 2007
The four pillars of Reaganomics
By Arthur Laffer
(WebMemo #1311)
The following is Arthur Laffer's November 13 address to members of The Heritage Foundation’s President's Club at the fall 2006 President’s Club meeting, held at ...
January 12, 2007
Reauthorize Trade Promotion Authority Without New Restrictions
By Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #1307)
Congress should renew TPA as it is, allowing America to continue reaping the benefits of good policy.
December 8, 2006
U.S. Trade Policy in the 110th Congress
By Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #1281)
American and global prosperity have a real chance to flourish under the 110th Congress, but chance is dependent upon both the Administration and Congress having ...
December 4, 2006
Congress Should Extend Developing Country Trade Preferences
By Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #1271)
Congress must act on two expiring trade preference programs, and two new proposals, before the end of the year.
November 29, 2006
Feulner on Friedman: A Tribute
By Edwin J. Feulner, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1266)
Heritage Foundation President Edwin Feulner pays tribute to Milton Friedman in this collection of speeches and essays.
November 20, 2006
Milton Friedman, the Father of Economic Freedom
By Tim Kane, Ph.D., Bill Beach, and Andrew Peek
(WebMemo #1259)
Milton Friedman's accomplishments and ideas, particularly in the realm of economic liberty, continue to transform the world today.
November 14, 2006
An Agreement Among Allies: Advancing the Korea-U.S. FTA
By Anthony B. Kim
(WebMemo #1253)
The Korea-U.S. free trade agreement would benefit both countries by strengthening their strategic and economic alliance.
October 23, 2006
Promote Andean Free Trade But Limit Preferences
By Ana Isabel Eiras and Stephen Johnson
(Executive Memorandum #1014)
Congress should act quickly on bilateral free trade agreements signed between the United States and allies Peru and Colombia. Such agreements benefit the economies of ...
October 4, 2006
U.S. Trade Policy Tracker: An Update
By Anthony Kim and Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #1229)
With 13 trade agreements under consideration, Congress and the Administration have the opportunity to boost America’s future prosperity.
September 26, 2006
The Economic and Strategic Rewards of the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement
By Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #1223)
The U.S.-Oman free trade agreement advances America’s strategic and economic objectives.
September 14, 2006
Reforms for the World Bank and International Monetary Fund
By Ana Isabel Eiras
(WebMemo #1213)
The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund each face challenges.
July 25, 2006
Commit to Farm Subsidy Reform to Revive the WTO's Doha Round
By Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #1175)
The U.S. should commit to reforming its farm support programs, giving the Doha WTO round a chance to conclude successfully
July 24, 2006
Six Strategic Reasons to Support a U.S.-Peru Free Trade Agreement
By Ana Isabel Eiras and Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #1172)
With U.S. influence in Latin America on the wane and China and Venezuela ascendant, a trade agreement makes sense.
July 13, 2006
How Will Greater Foreign Aid Help the Poor This Time?
By William Easterly, Ph.D.
(Heritage Lecture #950)
For long-run development, most of the hope is not from aid at all; it's from home-grown, private entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs, reformist politicians, and political activists ...
July 13, 2006
U.S.-Oman FTA Promotes Freer Trade and America's Strategic Interests
By Daniella Markheim and James Phillips
(WebMemo #1158)
On June 29, the Senate ratified the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and after a contentious and partisan markup session, the House Ways and Means ...
July 12, 2006
The Case for Permanent Normal Trading Relations with Vietnam
By Dana R. Dillon and Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #1152)
On May 31, America and Vietnam signed a bilateral market access agreement detailing the requirements for Vietnam's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
July 12, 2006
Congress Should Advance U.S.-Peruvian Free Trade Ties
By Ana I. Eiras and Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #1156)
On April 12, the United States and Peru concluded negotiations for the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, a major advance in economic and security relations ...
July 7, 2006
U.S. Trade Policy Tracker
By Anthony Kim and Daniella Markheim
(Backgrounder #1949)
Continued American leadership depends not only on U.S. trade negotiators' intensive efforts, but also on con¬gressional support for free trade. Domestic priorities, such as fostering ...
June 16, 2006
On the Road Again: Four Goals for the new U.S. Trade Representative
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1130)
Susan Schwab began work this week as U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) at a difficult time for free trade. Free traders have promised results for decades, ...
June 5, 2006
The Free Trade Future of AGOA
By Brett D. Schaefer and Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #1108)
This week Washington will host the fifth Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum, which will bring together governments and representatives of the private sector ...
May 10, 2006
Facts Ease Labor Pains Over U.S.-Oman FTA
By Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #1068)
A vote against the FTA on labor grounds would signal that America's stance on labor rights is more rhetoric than substance.
April 18, 2006
Free Trade and American Prosperity
By Daniella Markheim and Anthony Kim
(WebMemo #1040)
Americans have long reaped the benefits of free trade, yet the place of free trade in policymaking is far from secure.
April 18, 2006
China's Economic Invasion: One Year Later
By Tim Kane, Ph.D., Marc Miles, Ph.D., and Anthony Kim
(WebMemo #1044)
The U.S trade deficit is neither unsustainable nor likely to cause a decline in the value of the dollar.
April 17, 2006
The Senate's Blank Check to International Financial Institutions
By Ana Isabel Eiras
(Backgrounder #1928)
The Multilateral Debt Relief Act would effectively write a blank check to international financial institutions and ignore their irresponsible lending practices. The U.S. should forgive ...
March 7, 2006
How the Scope of Government Shapes the Wealth of Nations
By Brett D. Schaefer
(Heritage Lecture #925)
For development to occur, governments must remove obstacles to growth, which includes reducing the excessive size and scope of government. Developed countries can help by ...
March 4, 2006
Free Trade with the UAE Supports America's National Security Interests
By Daniella Markheim and Anthony B. Kim
(WebMemo #1006)
Increased trade is no threat to security; quite the opposite.
February 22, 2006
Moving Forward After Hong Kong
By Daniella Markheim
(Backgrounder #1915)
For further progress to be made toward concluding the Doha Round in 2006, countries need to remember that gaining market access for exports is just ...
February 3, 2006
How Economic Freedom Is Central to Development in Sub-Saharan Africa
By Brett D. Schaefer
(Heritage Lecture #922)
Developed countries can assist development by encouraging good policy and opening their markets to developing country products, but success in development ultimately depends on developing ...
February 2, 2006
Time for a U.N. Security Council Resolution on Burma
By Dana R. Dillon
(Executive Memorandum #990)
Ever since 1962, when the Burmese military overthrew the civilian government, the international community has unanimously condemned the junta's behavior. Yet the junta will survive ...
January 25, 2006
Despite Conservative Win, Don't Take Canada for Granted
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #967)
Is progress in the cards for U.S.-Canada relations? Only if Washington makes an effort.
January 23, 2006
Time to Put a U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement on the Fast-Track Agenda
By Anthony B. Kim and Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #964)
With the countries' strong ties and recent moves by Korea to open its market to U.S. goods, now is time.
January 13, 2006
Promoting Economic Prosperity Through the Millenium Challenge Account
By Brett D. Schaefer
(Heritage Lecture #920)
By focusing on countries that are committed to policies conducive to economic growth and development, the Millennium Challenge Account sends the right message that developing ...
January 12, 2006
Free Trade with Switzerland: Time for Action
By Daniella Markheim and James E. Dean
(WebMemo #960)
Now is the time for the U.S. and Switzerland to begin formal trade negotiations.
January 4, 2006
The Fiscal Burden of Government Is Undercutting U.S. Competitiveness
By Ana Isabel Eiras
(Backgrounder #1906)
The Bush Administration and Congress should cut spending to balance the federal budget, lower corporate and personal income taxes, and continue to support the expansion ...
December 13, 2005
WTO Hong Kong Meeting Deserves America's Support
By Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #937)
Free trade benefits consumers the world over, and strong U.S. leadership is necessary to ensure that the pace of liberalization does not slow.
November 14, 2005
Unconditional Debt Relief Is a Big Mistake
By Ana Isabel Eiras
(WebMemo #914)
A Senate bill adopts an unpromising approach to putting poor countries on the road to prosperity.
November 14, 2005
Proposals for an Environmental Indicator for the MCA Should Be Resisted
By Brett D. Schaefer
(Backgrounder #1896)
Economic growth is key to increasing environmental protection in developing nations and is associated with greater economic freedom, property rights, and the rule of law: ...
November 2, 2005
America's Free Trade Agenda: The State of Bilateral and Multilateral Trade Negotiations
By Daniella Markheim
(Backgrounder #1891)
Congress should objectively debate the merits both of approving and implementing the U.S.–Bahrain Free Trade Agreement and of supporting U.S. leadership and negotiations in the ...
October 30, 2005
Time to Repeal the Byrd Amendment
By Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #900)
Congress finally has a real opportunity to eliminate this costly and distortionary barrier to free trade.
September 26, 2005
The U.N.'s World Summit is Wrong on Development Assistance
By Brett D. Schaefer
(Backgrounder #1881)
While foreign assistance can be useful, increasing developed country economic assistance to 0.7 percent of GNP will not improve economic growth and development in poor ...
September 16, 2005
Cutting Tariffs Will Speed Post-Katrina Rebuilding
By Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #845)
To speed rebuilding and prevent price spikes, the Administration should exercise its authority to significantly reduce tariffs.
September 16, 2005
Time for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank to Reconsider the Strategy for Millennium Development Goals
By Ana Isabel Eiras
(Backgrounder #1880)
People desire a world without extreme poverty, lawlessness, hunger, and disease, but the Millennium Development Goals focus largely on alleviating symptoms of poverty, not its ...
September 14, 2005
A Back-Door Threat to Free Trade
By Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #838)
An amendment to an appropriations bill places the U.S. trade agenda in jeopardy.
July 13, 2005
DR–CAFTA Yes, Sugar No
By Daniella Markheim
(Backgrounder #1868)
DR–CAFTA's "fatal flaw" is that it does not go far enough to open the U.S. sugar market to the rigors of international competition. Political unwillingness ...
July 6, 2005
The G-8 Summit: Advancing U.S. Leadership on Africa
By Nile Gardiner, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #784)
There are better ways to stoke development in Africa than foreign aid.
June 28, 2005
CAFTA's Covert Opponent: China
By John J. Tkacik, Jr.
(WebMemo #778)
Why does China want to see CAFTA fail?
June 27, 2005
Congress Should Fully Fund the Millennium Challenge Account
By Brett D. Schaefer
(WebMemo #776)
Cut traditional foreign aid, not the MCA.
June 23, 2005
Fatally Flawed: DR-CAFTA or the Sugar Program?
By Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #771)
DR-CAFTA would barely make a dent in U.S. sugar protectionism.
June 16, 2005
Economic Freedom, Not Debt Relief, Is the Real Cure for Poverty
By Ana Eiras
(WebMemo #766)
Debt relief gives poor countries a great opportunity. Without economic freedom, it will come to nought.
June 16, 2005
Just the Facts: Debunking Some Myths About DR-CAFTA
By Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo )
Congress should ignore the myths of DR-CAFTA and look at the facts. The trade pact will improve U.S. economic performance, support American jobs, and promote ...
June 2, 2005
A Blueprint for Paul Wolfowitz at the World Bank
By Ana Isabel Eiras and Brett D. Schaefer
(Backgrounder #1856)
The World Bank should focus its assistance on the world's poorest nations and cease lending to wealthier nations that have access to capital markets. Assistance ...
May 31, 2005
The Brutal Price of a Dollar
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #1855)
The value of a dollar has little to fear from lower taxes, high imports, or foreign meddling (mercantilist foreign countries prefer stronger dollars). The only ...
May 31, 2005
Executive Summary: The Brutal Price of a Dollar
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(Executive Summary #1855)
The value of a dollar has little to fear from lower taxes, high imports, or foreign meddling (mercantilist foreign countries prefer stronger dollars). The only ...
May 25, 2005
From Crisis to Commonwealth: CAFTA and Democracy in Our Neighborhood
By The Honorable Robert B. Zoellick
(Heritage Lecture #884)
The proposed CAFTA free trade agreement will strengthen the foundations of democracy by promoting growth and cutting poverty, creating equality of opportunity, and reducing corruption. ...
May 13, 2005
The Critical Role of CAFTA in a Freedom Agenda for the Americas
By Daniel W. Fisk
(Heritage Lecture #879)
CAFTA will stimulate growth and positive structural change in Central America and the Dominican Republic, strengthening the region's transformation to one of thriving democratic institutions ...
May 12, 2005
Trade Deficits, Dollars, and China: Wrong Lessons Make Dangerous Policy
By Tim Kane, Ph.D., and Marc Miles, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #743)
Could it be that trade deficits are not a drag on growth?
April 20, 2005
The Democratic Benefits of a Free Trade Agreement with Central America
By Ana Isabel Eiras
(Backgrounder #1846)
The United States has an important opportunity to expand trade with countries in this hemisphere through DR–CAFTA, a free trade agreement with the Dominican Republic, ...
April 18, 2005
The U. S. Free Trade Agreement with Central America and the Dominican Republic: How Everyone Benefits
By His Excellency Tomás Dueñas, His Excellency Salvador Stadthagen, His Excellency Rene León, His Excellency Flavio Dario Espinal, His Excellency Guillermo Castillo, Brett D. Schaefer, and John G. Murphy
(Heritage Lecture #872)
DR–CAFTA, which would liberalize trade between the United States, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, offers a framework for increasing ...
April 6, 2005
China's Influence in the Western Hemisphere
By Peter T.R. Brookes
(Testimony )
When China unleashed its unprecedented economic reforms almost 20 years ago, no one could have imagined the effect it would have on China—or the world. ...
March 22, 2005
Wolfowitz at the World Bank
By Brett D. Schaefer
(WebMemo #700)
Europe should accept that Wolfowitz is a strong candidate to lead the Bank.
March 21, 2005
Congress Should Support Extension of TPA
By Brett D. Schaefer
(Executive Memorandum #965)
Presidential trade promotion authority has helped the U.S. to make rapid progress in negotiating and concluding new free trade agreements. Congress should support the extension ...
March 16, 2005
The Lifting of the EU Arms Embargo on China
By Peter T.R. Brookes
(Testimony )
Later this year, the European Union (EU) will consider lifting the Tiananmen Square arms embargo against the People's Republic of China (PRC).
March 8, 2005
Congress Should Fund the Millennium Challenge Account
By Brett D. Schaefer
(Executive Memorandum #963)
The MCA is a new approach that focuses development assistance on countries that are committed to policies conducive to economic growth and development, and the ...
March 4, 2005
Unemployment Rates of Modern Presidents
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #675)
The latest numbers and how George W. Bush stacks up.
February 4, 2005
Bush's First-Term Record on Job Growth
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #647)
Did the economy create jobs during President George W. Bush's first term?
January 28, 2005
The Big Picture on GDP Growth
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #644)
How sure are you that the new economy was a mirage? With the release of fourth quarter GDP data for 2004 today, there may be ...
January 11, 2005
Four Reforms to Regain U.S. Leadership in Economic Freedom
By Ana Isabel Eiras
(Backgrounder #1815)
Economic freedom is the foundation of U.S. economic strength, and economic strength is the foundation of America's standard of living, military power, and status as ...
December 30, 2004
American Generosity is Underappreciated
By Brett D. Schaefer
(WebMemo #630)
Is the U.S. 'stingy' when it comes to foreign aid? Hardly.
December 20, 2004
Multilateral Economic Development Efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa
By Brett D. Schaefer
(Heritage Lecture #858)
Despite development assistance (often at extremely subsidized interest rates and generous repayment schedules), sub-Saharan Africa has performed dismally on various economic indicators. Developing countries must ...
October 8, 2004
Improving Trade with Uruguay: Cementing Economic Reforms and Advancing a Hemispheric Pact
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Memorandum #944)
Uruguay is a stable, democratic ally that has steadily liberalized its economy. October Uruguayan presidential elections could result in a populist government. The United States ...
October 6, 2004
Revising the Payroll Survey Benchmark: What To Expect
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #581)
Will an annual adjustment to the payroll survey send job numbers soaring?
September 14, 2004
The U.S. Should Support Free Trade with Central America and the Dominican Republic
By Brett D. Schaefer and Stephen Johnson
(Executive Memorandum #941)
DR-CAFTA represents a watershed moment for America's trade agenda. By approving the agreement, Congress would bolster political stability and encourage economic liberalization among close neighbors, ...
September 14, 2004
Homeland Security and Emerging Economies
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and Ha Nguyen
(Backgrounder #1795)
Leaving developing economies outside emerging international security regimes would both widen the gap between the developed and developing worlds and create new opportunities and sanctuaries ...
August 10, 2004
Free Trade by Any Means: How the Global Free Trade Alliance Enhances America's Overall Trading Strategy
By Edwin J. Feulner, Ph.D., John C. Hulsman, Ph.D., and Brett D. Schaefer
(Backgrounder #1786)
The Bush Administration should consider a Global Free Trade Alliance (GFTA) as a complementary part of America's existing trade agenda of promoting free trade by ...
July 30, 2004
GDP, Trade, and the Gods of Economic Statistics
By Tim Kane, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #546)
It is too easy to take progress for granted, and the expectation of constant improvement clouds appreciation for what the American economy has achieved.
July 23, 2004
The United States is No Longer the Champion of Economic Freedom
By Ana Isabel Eiras
(Backgrounder #1781)
The United States is losing ground on economic freedom for two reasons: (1) Other countries around the world are freeing their markets faster than the ...
July 15, 2004
Congress Should Cut Traditional Foreign Aid, Not the Millennium Challenge Account
By Brett D. Schaefer
(WebMemo #537)
Taking more money from MCA, which Congress is already set to fund below the President's request, would be a mistake.
June 10, 2004
Insurgency in Thailand: The U.S. Should Support the Government
