U.S. Middle East Economic Policy: Are Trade-Based Initiatives an Effective Tool in the War on Terrorism

摘要

The events of September 11 made it painfully clear that the political, social and economic problems of other countries have a direct impact on American national security. While the roots of terrorism are complex, it is safe to say that the United States was attacked by a terrorist organization that in large part has had great success in recruiting new members in nations which offer young men little political voice and limited economic opportunity. Even before the smoke had settled from the attacks in New York and Northern Virginia, United States Trade Representative Robert Zoellick launched a series of speeches arguing that global trade liberalization was a central plank of the counter-offensive against terrorism. In a thoughtful essay, 'Countering Terror With Trade,' Zoellick's main premise was that: America's trade leadership can build a coalition of countries' Open markets are vital for developing nations, many of them fragile democracies that rely on the international economy to overcome poverty and create opportunity; we need answers for those who ask for economic hope to counter internal threats to our common values. To address the relationship between trade agreements and other international objectives the President has proposed that we build on openness and growth in developing countries with a tool box of cooperative policies.