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• Toward an Ideal Security State for Northeast Asia 2025

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  "Northeast Asia is often considered to be a 'sub-region' of East Asia or the broader Asia-Pacific. In contrast to Europe, North America, or even Southeast Asia, it is characterized by the lack of regional institutions or infrastructure. Yet, Northeast Asia is home to the world's second and third largest economies, Japan and China, and home to two of the United States' most important allies in Asia, Japan and South Korea. It also is home to two of the most potentially dangerous unresolved conflicts across the demilitarized zone in Korea and across the Taiwan Straits. Four of the world's strongest powers, the United States, China, Japan and Russia, have direct interests and involvement in the region. In particular, the United States' commitment is demonstrated not just in the approximately 100,000 troops and the strong maritime presence that it maintains in the region, but also in the extensive commercial, diplomatic and civil society ties it has with nearly all countries in the region. With the dramatic economic growth of China and the growing leadership role that countries in the region play in a range of regional and global issues--such as climate change, trade liberalization, and anti-terrorism-- there is little question that the importance of Northeast Asia is on the rise. As such, the trajectory of the region, and the prospects for a continued peaceful environment in which the process of economic development and regional integration might continue, is of paramount importance to the United States, the countries of Northeast Asia, and ultimately the world. Recognizing these trends, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation, with support from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) through the Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) and in collaboration with the Committee on International Security and Arms Control (CISAC) of the National Academy of Sciences, organized a oneyear project designed to identify the 'ideal' state of peace and security in Northeast Asia in the year 2025 and further explore issues related to that ideal. The project commenced November 1, 2008 and involved two primary activities, a strategy session in Montana and an international workshop involving experts from throughout the region in Kanazawa, Japan." Note: This document has been added to the Homeland Security Digital Library in agreement with the Project on Advanced Systems and Concepts for Countering WMD (PASCC) as part of the PASCC collection. Permission to download and/or retrieve this resource has been obtained through PASCC.

  Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation

  Flake, L. Gordon, 1967-

  2010-04
• Remote Sensing and Mass Migration Policy Development

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  "Mass migration is a global problem affecting both displaced persons, their countries of origin, and the nations that voluntarily or involuntarily receive them. The 2010 U.S. National Security Strategy recognized the domestic and international perils that refugees and the underlying causes for their dislocation represent and acknowledged that future conflicts caused by scarce resources, environmental disasters, or refugees were possible. In his Congressional testimony regarding the 2010 Threat Assessment, Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair expressed concern about the prospect of mass migration from Cuba or Haiti to the United States. He also warned that population movements caused by climate change could have a negative impact in India, China, Southeast Asia, and Europe within 20 years, resulting in broad national security consequences for the United States. The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) stands as one of the first lines of defense against these potential catastrophes. It develops, acquires, and operates U.S. satellite systems that conduct space reconnaissance by collecting the imagery intelligence, signals intelligence, and measurement and signature intelligence required by its customers, including those in both Department of Defense (DoD) and non-DoD U.S. government agencies. It thus fulfills critical requirements necessary for the formulation of national strategy. Its national sensor systems provide the means to gather information beyond that required for military operations. The 2000 congressionally-chartered National Commission for the Review of the National Reconnaissance Office recommended the NRO 'focus on innovation' to preclude intelligence failures that 'have a direct influence on strategic choices facing the nation.' The NRO should therefore initiate procedures to identify and measure triggers for mass human migration and proactively participate in interagency forums developing policy pertaining to such events."

  Air University (U.S.). Air War College

  Dysart, Mary D.

  2011-02-16
• EMR-ISAC: InfoGram 34-07 [August 30, 2007]

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  The Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing and Analysis Center's (EMR-ISAC) InfoGram is a weekly publication of information concerning the protection of critical infrastructures relevant to members of the Emergency Services Sector. This issue includes the following articles: "Credible Threats or Hoaxes"; "Climatic Change Realities"; "Rail Safety Training Tour"; and "NIMS [National Incident Management System] Intrastate Mutual Aid Instruction".

  Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (U.S.)

  2007-08-30
• U.S.-China Joint Statement [November 17, 2009]

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  "At the invitation of President Hu Jintao of the People's Republic of China, President Barack Obama of the United States of America is paying a state visit to China from November 15-18, 2009. The Presidents held in-depth, productive and candid discussions on U.S.-China relations and other issues of mutual interest. They highlighted the substantial progress in U.S.-China relations over the past 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, and they reached agreement to advance U.S.-China relations in the new era. President Obama will have separate meetings with Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and Premier Wen Jiabao. President Obama also spoke with and answered questions from Chinese youth." The joint statement included the following issues: the U.S.-China relationship, building and deepening bilateral strategic trust, economic cooperation and global recovery, regional and global challenges, climate change, and energy and environment.

  United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary

  2009-11-17
• Joint Press Statement by President Obama and President Hu of China [November 17, 2009]

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  On November 17, 2009, President Obama and President Hu of China released a joint press statement which included a summary of their discussions. Topics included Korea, Iran, the China-U.S. strategic and economic relationship, the international financial situation, the international nuclear nonproliferation regime, climate change, and the one-China policy.

  United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary

  2009-11-17
• Fact Sheet: U.S.-China Energy Efficiency Action Plan [November 17, 2009]

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  "Today [November 17, 2009], President Barack Obama and President Hu Jintao announced the launch of a new U.S.-China Energy Efficiency Action Plan to strengthen the economy, improve energy security and combat climate change by reducing energy waste in both countries. The United States and China consume over 40 percent of global energy resources, costing businesses and households in the two countries roughly $1.5 trillion per year. Working together to improve energy efficiency in buildings, industry and consumer products, the United States and China can reduce spending on imported and highly polluting sources of energy and reinvest in new sources of economic growth and job creation. The U.S.-China Energy Efficiency Action Plan will help achieve this through the following:" green buildings and communities; industrial energy efficiency; consumer product standards; advanced energy efficiency technology; public-private engagement.

  United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary

  2009-11-17
• United States and the European Union: Building on Our Economic and Strategic Partnership

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  "The United States and the European Union (EU) share fundamental values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and respect for law. We work together to advance energy security, address global climate change, and promote economic development. We cooperate on counterterrorism and security issues. A robust transatlantic economy undergirds our ability to address global challenges and to promote global development and prosperity. In his 2013 State of the Union Address, President Barack Obama announced his intention for the United States to negotiate a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership [TTIP] with the EU. TTIP is a bold vision based on many potential areas of shared opportunity, and has the potential to become an historic agreement. It would be different from any trade agreement the United States has ever negotiated. TTIP will seek to break new ground by addressing bilateral non-tariff barriers and support high quality norms and practices in the global economic system. TTIP also is an opportunity to reaffirm and reinforce the strong economic, political, and social values the United States shares with Europe."

  United States. Department of State

  2013-06-24
• Multinational Experiment 7: Outcome 1: Maritime Security Region: The Arctic

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  "The analysis of the Arctic Region was done as part of the Multinational Experiment 7 (MNE7) assessment of six MSRs or Maritime Regions to empirically examine efforts to establish and maintain maritime security in different parts of the world. The insights gained from these studies have been used to inform and shape the MNE7 security concept and handbook. Each region has been analyzed from a cultural, political, economical and operational angle to assess the security order and specific threats and challenges to maritime security in the regions." This document gives a description of the Arctic and problems that affect the area, such as climate change, shipping routes, marine resources, and oil and gas. The main state actors, investors, and non-state actors active in the Arctic are discussed in relation to their purpose in the Arctic. The final section of this analysis details the political, military, economic, and legal order in the Arctic.

  United States. Joint Chiefs of Staff. Joint and Coalition Operational Analysis

  2013-07-08
• Race to the North: China's Arctic Strategy and Its Implications

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  "The Arctic, during the Cold War a locus of intense military competition between the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, is rapidly reemerging as a geostrategic flash point. As accelerating climate change melts the Arctic's perennial sea ice, littoral as well as peripheral actors are preparing to exploit emergent economic and strategic opportunities in the High North. Although the possibility of armed conflict over Arctic resources has been somewhat discounted, a fair amount of saber rattling in recent years among the 'Arctic Eight'--the United States, Russia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden--has given rise to the notion that circumpolar security actors may be priming for a 'new kind of Cold War' in the North. Russia, for example, has warned that countries could be at war within a decade over resources in the Arctic region. While a substantial body of literature has addressed the issue of Arctic sovereignty disputes and the potential for conflict between the circumpolar states, much less attention has been devoted to the 'globalization' of these affairs. Non-Arctic states, including China, India, and Italy, as well as the European Union collectively, are making preparations to exploit a seasonally ice-free Arctic, thus complicating the Arctic's already fragile security environment. As the Finnish foreign minister stated in 2009, 'The Arctic is evolving from a regional frozen backwater into a global hot issue.'"

  Naval War College (U.S.). Press

  Rainwater, Shiloh

  2013
• Asia-Pacific Rebalance: Impact on U.S. Naval Strategy

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  From the thesis abstract: "This thesis analyzes the development of the Asia-Pacific rebalance and its possible effects on United States naval strategy over the next several decades. The goal is to develop a better understanding of the Asian rebalance in order to improve future strategic choices governing the employment of the United States Navy in Asia. It argues that the Asia- Pacific rebalance and its effects continue to emphasize the importance of the U.S. Navy due to the increasing importance of U.S. economic, political and security interests regionally. In conjunction with increasing regional threats from China and North Korea, as well as non-traditional threats such as climate change or terrorism, the importance of U.S. naval presence and its interaction regionally will continue to be pivotal to future U.S. policy in the region. To accomplish this analysis it is necessary to describe the development of modern U.S. naval strategy, the historic involvement and role of the United States Navy in the Asia-Pacific and what the Navy has done substantively to integrate with the new strategy and how current policy choices can affect future U.S. naval objectives. Examining several different future scenarios and U.S. security policy goals in the Asia-Pacific, it will briefly look at costs and benefits of each situation with specific focus on the naval missions of conventional deterrence and the prevention of regional conflict as well as its impact on regional confidence building measures and the Navy's ability to assist in humanitarian disaster-relief operations. It concludes that the United States Navy can continue to adapt to the desired policy goals as set forth by the Asia- Pacific rebalance. It can achieve success through an increased prioritization of resources to the Asia-Pacific, increased political sustainability of U.S. naval forward presence in the region, and to develop a new U.S. maritime strategy that reflects new geo-strategic realities."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)

  Schelcher, Michael A.

  2014-03
• Grid Energy Storage

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  "Modernizing the electric system will help the nation meet the challenge of handling projected energy needs--including addressing climate change by integrating more energy from renewable sources and enhancing efficiency from non-renewable energy processes. Advances to the electric grid must maintain a robust and resilient electricity delivery system, and energy storage can play a significant role in meeting these challenges by improving the operating capabilities of the grid, lowering cost and ensuring high reliability, as well as deferring and reducing infrastructure investments. Finally, energy storage can be instrumental for emergency preparedness because of its ability to provide backup power as well as grid stabilization services. At present, the U.S. has about 24.6GW [watt] (approx. 2.3% of total electric production capacity) of grid storage, 95% of which is pumped storage hydro. Europe and Japan have notably higher fractions of grid storage. Pursuit of a clean energy future is motivating significantly increased storage development efforts in Europe and Asia, as well as the U.S. Energy storage technologies--such as pumped hydro, compressed air energy storage, various types of batteries, flywheels, electrochemical capacitors, etc., provide for multiple applications: energy management, backup power, load leveling, frequency regulation, voltage support, and grid stabilization. Importantly, not every type of storage is suitable for every type of application, motivating the need for a portfolio strategy for energy storage technology."

  United States. Department of Energy

  Gyuk, Imre; Johnson, Mark; Vetrano, John . . .

  2013-12
• China-Russia Gas Deal-Background and Implications for the Broader Relationship

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  "During President Vladimir Putin's state visit to Beijing on May 21, China and Russia signed a 30-year gas supply agreement worth $400 billion. By 2020, Russia intends to export 38 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas to China each year from untapped fields in East Siberia. To be implemented, the deal could require $80 billion worth of new production and pipeline infrastructure. President Putin claims that this will be the 'largest construction project in the world over the next four years.' The deal is notable not only for its size and duration but for its timing. Ten years of negotiations were finally concluded at a sensitive juncture for Russia, as it faces the threat of tougher sanctions over its handling of the Ukraine crisis. The deal has prompted divergent reactions. Some argue that China cut a good deal; others contend that it is incurring unnecessary risks. Some assert that the deal is purely about energy, prefaced by detailed negotiations between Russia's Gazprom and China's oil major China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC); others point to geopolitical calculations. Some analysts counsel us to 'ignore the hype,' given the deal's challenging and slow implementation; others see 'significant implications for relations between Beijing and Moscow, the European energy market, energy security in the Asia-Pacific, and even the pace of climate change.'"

  U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission

  Koch-Weser, Iacob; Murray, Craig

  2014-06-09
• Remarks Prior to a Meeting with President Xi Jinping of China in The Hague, Netherlands, March 24, 2014

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  From the remarks of President Obama: "Today, in addition to the important work that we're going to be doing at the Nuclear Security Summit, we'll have the opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues that are of mutual interest, including the denuclearization of North Korea, situations surrounding climate change, as well as world issues like the situation in Ukraine. And because of the numerous meetings and fora that we've been able to establish, we're able not only to work on those issues of mutual interest and concern, but we're also able to work through frictions that exist in our relations around issues like human rights or dealing with maritime issues in the South China Sea and in the Pacific region in a way that's constructive and, hopefully, will lead to resolutions and improved solutions for all parties concerned. […] So I think it's fair to say that this bilateral relationship has been as important as any bilateral relationship in the world, and we've made great strides. I believe ultimately that by working together, China and the United States can help to strengthen international law, respect for the sovereignty of nations, and establish the kinds of rules internationally that allow all people to thrive."

  United States. Office of the Federal Register

  Obama, Barack

  2014-03-24
• 2014 Quadrennial Homeland Security Review

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  "In this report, we conclude that we will continue to adhere to the five basic homeland security missions set forth in the first Quadrennial Homeland Security Review report in 2010, but that these missions must be refined to reflect the evolving landscape of homeland security threats and hazards. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, Hurricane Sandy in 2012, and the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 illustrate these evolving threats and hazards. We must constantly learn from them and adapt. The terrorist threat is increasingly decentralized and may be harder to detect. Cyber threats are growing and pose ever-greater concern to our critical infrastructure systems as they become increasingly interdependent. Natural hazards are becoming more costly to address, with increasingly variable consequences due in part to drivers such as climate change and interdependent and aging infrastructure. Meanwhile, this Nation's homeland security architecture has matured over the past four years, and we are determined that this progress continue. For example, our law enforcement and intelligence communities are becoming increasingly adept at identifying and disrupting terrorist plotting in this country. Programs such as TSA [Transportation Security Administration] Pre�"™ and Global Entry demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of risk-based security that can be achieved within budget constraints. It is also worth noting that, in late 2013, DHS received its first unqualified or 'clean' audit opinion; this occurred just 10 years after the Department's formation, which was the largest realignment and consolidation of Federal Government agencies and functions since the creation of the Department of Defense in 1947."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security

  2014-06-18
• Fact Sheets: The United States and Indonesia - Building a 21st Century Partnership [November 9, 2010]

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  This November 9, 2010 fact sheet provides information on the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership. It summarizes a variety of initiatives, including: Socio-Cultural, Security and Regional Cooperation, Science and Technology, Education, Environment and Climate Change, Health, Trade and Investment, and the Millennium Challenge Cooperation.

  United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary

  2010-11-09
• Remarks Following a Meeting with Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands in Amsterdam, Netherlands, March 24, 2014

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  From the remarks of Prime Minister Rutte: "And of course, we also spoke about a major international security issues in Syria, Iran, and Ukraine. Concerning the last, we both regard Russia's attempt to annex the Crimea as a flagrant breach of international law, and we condemn its actions in the strongest possible terms. The presence of so many world leaders in the Netherlands this week presents an important opportunity for the international community to discuss this subject, as well as other pressing issues that affect our common interests. Finally, we looked ahead at the Nuclear Security Summit today and tomorrow." From the remarks of President Obama: "Fourth, we discussed a range of global challenges. As the - and as the United States and the P-5-plus-1 [United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom, and France, plus Germany] partners continue negotiations with Iran, we have the basis for a practical solution that resolves concerns over Iran's nuclear program. But at the same time, I think it's important that everyone remember, during these negotiations, we'll continue to enforce the overall sanctions architecture that helped bring Iran to the table in the first place. I also wanted to commend the Netherlands for its leadership in the international effort to destroy Syria's chemical weapons, and that includes your role as the host of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. And more broadly, our two countries are going to keep working together to deliver humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people. And, finally, we reaffirmed our shared determination to confront climate change and its effects, including rising sea levels, which obviously is something that the Netherlands is concerned about, given your experience with seas and tides."

  United States. Office of the Federal Register

  Obama, Barack

  2014-03-24
• Structural, Environmental, and Political Conditions for Security Policy in the High North Atlantic: The Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Iceland

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  "Security policy in the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Iceland has historically taken place in a nexus of structural, environmental, and political conditions which pose particular challenges for such policy--a situation that continues and which will continue to take place. This article examines these conditions for broad security policy-making and implementation in the region in a historical, current and future perspective. It shows how these three societies have historically addressed and currently address security policy, where the experience of Iceland as the only fully independent state is enlightening. On this basis, the article discusses how these societies can address future developments with regard to climate change and increased self-government in the case of the Faroe Islands and Greenland, which is a central, but often overlooked, political development in the region. Security policy here is conceived broadly as covering the exercise of sovereignty, participation in international security orders such as NATO, well-grounded and researched debate and policy-making, law enforcement, intelligence, civil defense, marine resource management, environmental protection, provision of search and rescue, air and sea surveillance, among other issues. This article identifies structural, environmental, and political conditions as well as public administration and finance challenges for security policy in section two 'Conditions and Challenges for Security Policy in the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Iceland.'"

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Contemporary Conflict

  Bertelsen, Rasmus Gjedssø

  2010
• Strategic Multilateral Dialogue on Biosecurity

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  "Southeast Asia is a region of strategic importance to the United States. The Obama administration has endeavored to strengthen ties in the region, formally announcing a 'strategic pivot' to East Asia in its foreign engagement priorities in 2011.1 Within the region, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia have emerged as strong partners to the US in efforts spanning trade, diplomacy, and defense. These countries also share concerns about biological threats, particularly in light of recent high rates of human migration, climate changes, as well as growing terrorist activity in the region. In recognition of these worrisome trends, the UPMC [University of Pittsburgh Medical Center]. Center for Health Security (UPMC) initiated the first-of-its-kind Track II multilateral biosecurity dialogue in 2015, with delegations from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the US. The dialogue builds upon a bilateral biosecurity dialogue UPMC led between the US and Singapore in 2014. The effort has been supported by the Project on Advanced Systems and Concepts for Countering WMD and sponsored by the US Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The most recent multilateral dialogue session took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on December 2-3, 2015. The meeting consisted of four plenary sessions, followed by a tabletop exercise examining state and regional responses to an unusual and large outbreak of Nipah virus in Southeast Asia." Note: This document has been added to the Homeland Security Digital Library in agreement with the Project on Advanced Systems and Concepts for Countering WMD (PASCC) as part of the PASCC collection. Permission to download and/or retrieve this resource has been obtained through PASCC.

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Contemporary Conflict; University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Center for Health Security; United States. Defense Threat Reduction Agency

  Cicero, Anita; Ravi, Sanjana; Shearer, Matthew P. . . .

  2016-01
• Joint Statement by President George W. Bush and Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder on a Transatlantic Vision for the 21st Century [March 29, 2001]

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  This summarizes Transatlantic relations and European unification in a post-Cold War context. It expresses the need for new efforts to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, to combat global poverty, to address climate change, and to fight the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. The statement underscores the importance of the German-American friendship in promoting Transatlantic relations and security.

  United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary

  2001-03-29
• After-Action Review: Technical Guidance

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  "USAID [U.S. Agency for International Development] works to achieve its development mission, learning from experience is essential. The After-Action Review (AAR) is a leadership and knowledge sharing tool that helps professionals within USAID and across the partner community to better understand important events, activities, or programs. That knowledge, gleaned from and compiled by those closest to the review, can be used by senior leadership to improve results and then can be shared with others who are planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating similar efforts. Managed and conducted by those closest to the activity, AARs identify how to correct deficiencies, sustain strengths, and focus on improved performance of specific tasks, activities, events, or programs. It is essential that USAID understands the benefits of the AAR tool. When administered in a climate of openness, honest discussion, clarity, and commitment to identifying and recommending solutions, the AAR can yield many benefits. The participants in the review--managers, leaders, and those planning to pursue similar activities in the future-- will understand better what was originally intended, what actually happened, what went well and why, and what can be improved and how. Furthermore, the AAR report makes concrete and actionable recommendations for changes and improvements that will impact future success in carrying out this task or similar activities. This handbook--the USAID guide on how to plan, prepare, and conduct an AAR--was developed by USAID Knowledge for Development (KfD) using the United States Army's TC (Technical Circular) 25-20 as a guide. The Army developed the concept of AARs as an essential training methodology for soldiers in preparing for both combat duty and ongoing programs such as peacekeeping."

  United States. Agency for International Development

  2006-02
• Silver Jackets: Quarterly Newsletter [January 2012]

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  "The purpose of this newsletter is to share recent Silver Jackets news and to provide a forum for team support, sharing successes, lessons learned, and resources." Articles that are listed include: "Senior Leadership Support for Silver Jackets" ; New Flood Risk Management Program Leader" ; Spot light on … Silver Jackets Success in Minnewaukan, North Dakota" ; "Don't Let Lack of Charter Stop You: Hawaii 2060: Visioning Hawaii's Adaptation to Climate Change" ; "Arkansas Charter Demonstrates Teamwork" ; "Reevaluating the National Flood Insurance Program" ; "A Risk Informed Approach in the USACE [U.S. Army Corps of Engineers] Levee Safety Program" ; "Natural Hazard Mitigation Association Practitioners Workshop" ; "Demonstrating Benefits of Silver Jackets Pilot Projects" ; "FloodSmart Offers Tools and Resources to Help Communicate Flood Risk" ; National Flood Proofing Conference Field Trip" ; "2012 Flood Risk Management-Silver Jackets Annual Workshop: "Let the Planning Begin!" ; "Useful Links" ; and "Upcoming Events".

  United States. Army. Corps of Engineers

  2012-01
• BUZZ: Quarterly Newsletter [January 2014]

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  The purpose of this newsletter is to share recent Silver Jackets news and to provide a forum for team support, sharing successes, lessons learned, and resources." Articles that are listed include: "New Leadership within the USACE [US Army Corps of Engineers] Office of Homeland Security" ; "California Joins the National Silver Jackets Program as the 41st State" ; "Virginia Partners with North Carolina to Host a Flood Risk Information System" by Michelle Hamor; "Idaho to Hold National Flood Safety Awareness Week in March" by Susan Cleverley and Ellen Berggen; "Let FloodSmart Help with Your Upcoming Winter Flood Communications" ; "Sacramento and Roseville Post High Water Mark Signs" ; "Planning for Atmospheric River Threat" by Michael Dettinger and Dale A. Cox; and "New Tool Helps Maryland Communities Assess vulnerability and Plan for the Effects of Climate Change."

  United States. Army. Corps of Engineers

  2014-01
• Report on Arctic Policy

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  "The Arctic region has become one of the most important areas of interest in the world, and a popular topic of discussion both nationally and internationally. The advent of the United States' two-year term of leadership of the 'Arctic Council' in 2015, along with concerns about climate change that, among other critical effects, has resulted in dramatic melting in the polar ice, explains some aspects of the growing American interest in the Arctic. However, this fact is intertwined with major concerns with the activities that Russia has undertaken in the Arctic over the last few years. Trying to understand Russia's interests, intentions, and capabilities in the Arctic and how the United States should respond to them are a primary focus of this study by the International Security Advisory Board (ISAB). […] Our Arctic Study Recommendations fall into six major categories: 1) Continue U.S. leadership in the Arctic; 2) Speed ratification of UNCLOS [UN Convention on the Law of the Sea] as an urgent imperative for U.S. national interests; 3) Advance increased 'presence' and 'domain awareness' in the Arctic region; 4) Increase and continue cooperation among the Arctic nations; 5) Adopt appropriate policies regarding Russian interests, policies, and activities in the Arctic; and 6) Strengthen possible 'Transparency and Confidence Building Measures' in the Arctic region."

  United States. International Security Advisory Board

  2016-09-21
• Beyond the Wall: Chinese Far Seas Operations

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  "This volume is the product of a groundbreaking dialogue on sea-lane security held between People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and U.S. Navy scholars at the Naval War College in August 2013, with additional material from a related conference, 'China's Far Seas Operations,' hosted by the China Maritime Studies Institute in May 2012. At that time the political climate in China was uncertain, in the shadow of the Bo Xilai crisis and of the impending transition of power between the Hu and Xi regimes; accordingly the PLA Navy, though invited to participate in the 'Far Seas' conference, ultimately declined to do so. This was not entirely surprising. Attempts by various agencies of the U.S. Navy up to that time to engage in discussions to advance maritime cooperation between China and the United States had been met with lukewarm responses at best. But at a maritime security dialogue in Dalian in September 2012 Senior Capt. Zhang Junshe of the PLA Navy Research Institute, a key contributor to this volume and to the success of the academic cooperation between our two institutes, approached Peter Dutton to tell him that everything had changed. China's new leadership wanted the PLA Navy to engage the U.S. Navy actively and to discuss openly all relevant issues, with the aim of advancing cooperation between the two navies. Since that time members of the China Maritime Studies Institute have engaged members of the PLA Navy Research Institute in discussions on a rich variety of maritime topics, leading to advances in understanding between our two institutes and our two navies."

  Naval War College (U.S.); Naval War College (U.S.). China Maritime Studies Institute

  Rielage, Dale C., 1970-; Zhengyu, Wu; Qiyu, Xu . . .

  2015-05
• H.R. 594, H.R. 1013, H.R. 1646, H.R. 2304, H.R. 2610, H.R. 2753, H.R. 2772 and H.R. 3061, Legislative Hearing Before the Committee on Natural Resources, U.S. House of Representatives, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, First Session, Thursday, December 1, 2011

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  From the opening statement of Doc Hastings: "The Committee on Natural Resources is meeting today to hear testimony on eight bills that amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. […] In 2010, U.S. commercial fishermen landed over eight billion pounds of fish valued at $4.5 billion. In addition, approximately 10 million recreational fishermen made more than 71 million recreational trips. Clearly, the economic activity created by the nation's fisheries resources is significant, especially for coastal communities. As Members know, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act is a primary statute governing fishing activities in Federal waters. At the end of 2006, Congress passed a major reauthorization of the Act. The reauthorization, which was signed into law in 2007, placed a new emphasis on science, with the expectation that all eight Regional Fishery Management Councils would have the same high level of scientific information that the North Pacific Council has enjoyed for years. Unfortunately, we have learned that several regions of the country do not have frequent stock surveys or stock assessments, and with the current budget climate, that is unlikely to change." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Doc Hastings, Edward J. Markey, Michael H. Colby, Barney Frank, Robert G. Hayes, Walter B. Jones, William R. Keating, Rick E. Marks, Chris Oliver, Frank Pallone, Jr., Jon Runyan, Eric Schwaab, Peter Shelley, Robert J. Wittman, Robert F. Zales, II, Jim Clements, and Lee R. Crockett.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2012
• EPA's Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program [Updated November 16, 2021]

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  From the Document: "The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) requires certain facilities to report their emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). In addition, the GHGRP requires suppliers of specific products, such as natural gas and petroleum, to report the GHG emissions that would ultimately result from the use of their products. Since 2011, the GHGRP has collected annual emissions data from nearly 8,000 large industrial facilities and other sources in the United States. According to EPA, 85%-90% of annual man-made U.S. GHG emissions have been reported under the program. [...] Congress may consider several policy issues related to GHGRP statutory authority and regulatory oversight. Congress may consider how the application and scope of GHGRP regulations align with EPA's stated goal of enhanced understanding of GHG emissions in the United States now and in the future. [...] Congress may consider whether EPA resources are adequate and being used efficiently to carry out the GHGRP under the CAA [Clean Air Act]. [...] Policymakers may consider the implications of potentially increased data collection and verification responsibilities on EPA capacity and resources. Congress may also consider how GHGRP data might inform future legislative efforts. EPA has now collected 10 years of data on direct GHG emissions, fuel and GHG suppliers, and industry-specific emissions trends. Policymakers may consider how this information, as well as future GHGRP data, could be used in potential future legislation relating to GHG mitigation or climate change policy."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Jones, Angela C.

  2021-11-16
• Global State of Democracy 2021: Building Resilience in a Pandemic Era

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  From the Introduction: "Democracy is at risk. Its survival is endangered by a perfect storm of threats, both from within and from a rising tide of authoritarianism. The Covid-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has exacerbated these threats through the imposition of states of emergency, the spread of disinformation, and crackdowns on independent media and freedom of expression. 'The Global State of Democracy 2021' shows that more countries than ever are suffering from 'democratic erosion' (decline in democratic quality), including in established democracies. [...] Yet, the pandemic has also evinced democracy's resilience in key ways. It has fuelled pro-democracy movements to challenge this authoritarian tide from Belarus to Myanmar. Protests over climate change and racial inequality have gone global, despite restrictions on assembly in most countries during the pandemic. Many states have adhered to democratic principles during the public health crisis, thanks to transparent and innovative governance. Some studies point to a reinvigoration of democratic values globally, particularly among younger generations."

  International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance

  Silva-Leander, Annika

  2021
• White House Tribal Nations Summit Progress Report

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  From the Document: "President Biden's relationship with Native Americans is built on respect for Tribal sovereignty and self-governance, honoring federal trust and treaty responsibilities, and conducting regular, meaningful, and robust consultation with Tribal Nations. Since taking office in January 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration has already taken a number of historic steps to bolster the Nation-to-Nation relationship and invest in Tribal communities. [...] President Biden reinstated the White House Council on Native American Affairs (WHCNAA) in his first 100 days in office, hired an Executive Director, and formed six interagency committees focused on Health; Education; Climate Change, Homelands and Treaties; Energy, Infrastructure, and Economic Development; Public Safety and Justice; and International Indigenous Issues. The WHCNAA was originally formed by President Obama in June 2013 through an Executive Order to 'improve coordination of federal programs and the use of resources available to Tribal communities.' In 2022, the WHCNAA will host at least three Tribal leader engagement sessions to seek input and discuss the work of the Council. This is in addition to the engagement with Tribal leaders through the White House Tribal Nations Summit. [...] The President is committed to hosting an annual White House Tribal Nations Summit. The first summit in November 2021 is an opportunity for the President and senior leaders from his Administration to meet with Tribal leaders and engage in Nation-to-Nation dialogue on critical issues in Indian Country."

  United States. White House Office

  Domestic Policy Council (U.S.)

  2021-11-15
• State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015, Hearings Before a Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations, United States Senate, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, Second Session on H.R. 5013/S. 2499 An Act Making Appropriations for the Department of State, Foreign, Operations, and Related Programs for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2015, and for Other Purposes

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  This is a hearing titled "State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015" held on March 13, 2014 before a Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations. From the opening statement of Secretary John F. Kerry: "Obviously, today we are focused on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and there will be questions about that, but there is also Iran, Syria, Egypt, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, North Korea, Venezuela, Sudan. It is an exhausting list. And, Mr. Secretary, fortunately, you are able to work 40 hours a day, and juggle all of this. But with all this going on, the American people have all but forgotten about Afghanistan and Iraq, two enormously costly military ventures that went terribly awry. We and the people of these countries will be paying for these mistakes and for the care of wounded soldiers and their families for lifetimes to come. Iraq alone will eventually cost the U.S. taxpayers $2 trillion, the only war this country has ever fought without a tax to pay for it. We just put it on a credit card. Around the world, we see civil society organizations and journalists harassed and persecuted, many forced to flee their countries. Independence of the judiciary, fundamental to any democracy and fragile in many countries, is under threat. Violence and discrimination against women; shortages of water, energy, food; climate change; religious extremism; trafficking in arms, drugs, people, and wildlife; there is no issue that this Secretary or subcommittee can ignore." The following governmental departments were present during the hearing: Department of State: Office of the Secretary and United States Agency for International Development. For a comprehensive list of witnesses, communications, and prepared statements please see page 119 in the Back Matter.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2015
• Finding Common Ground with a Rising China, Hearing Before the Committee on Foreign Relations, United States Senate, One Hundred Eleventh Congress, Second Session, June 23, 2010

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  From the opening statement of John F. Kerry: "Today, we are gathered to discuss another important issue, and one that will be with us, in terms of the relationship, throughout this century certainly, probably the single most important relationship that will define a lot of global events over the course of this century, and that is, how we find common ground with a rising China. [...] How the United States, in concert with our friends and allies, responds to China's growing economic might, military capabilities, and political influence will significantly shape the international order of this century. [...] Even as we seek common ground with China, we will never abandon our values. We have to continue to encourage China to adhere to international human norms for rights--human rights, labor rights, political rights--and environmental protection. Based on my own conversations with China's top leaders, I believe that our commitment to these values can actually support China's own long-term efforts to build a harmonious society. And finally, while our companies will inevitably compete in many areas, there are challenges, such as climate change, where our two nations should be collaborating against a shared threat, and where, together, we have the ability to offer leadership to the world." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Carla A. Hills, John F. Kerry, Richard G. Lugar, Russell D. Feingold, Laura Tyson, and Stephen S. Roach.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2010