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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Leading Through Chaos [video]
From the Webpage: "Retired National Guard Brigadier General Mike McDaniel, a [Center for Homeland Defense and Security Naval Postgraduate School] master's degree alumnus, discusses his role in addressing the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. A change in the source of the city's water supply resulted in discolored drinking water with high levels of toxins, resulting in furor and making national headlines in the fall of 2015. Now Dean of the Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, McDaniel was brought in by Flint Mayor Karen e in February 2016 to oversee the Flint Action and Sustainability Team Start program to retool the water system. McDaniel talks about the importance of understanding risk when making public decisions, the importance of communication and building partnerships when staff and resources are thin, how communicating with the public is critical and how adaptation is key." The duration of this video is 27 minutes and 30 seconds.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
McDaniel, Michael C. (Michael C. H.); Issvoran, Heather
2018-07-20
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Effective Short Talks [video]
From the Video Description: "In this Viewpoints, Hayley Foster, an expert on short talks popularized by TED conferences in recent years, discusses tips to help people deliver their message succinctly. She suggests avoiding message overload for experts who may want to cram too much information into a talk; says analytical types unaccustomed to writing think of their speech as building a model, and urges shy people to think about the 'why' of their speech to overcome apprehensiveness. Moreover, she suggests a strong introduction to grab attention and a conclusion that has a memorable takeaway phrase." The duration of the video is 6 minutes and 49 seconds.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Foster, Hayley
2017-12-19
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Case Study: China's Economic Coercion Against Intel, Sam's Club, and Walmart
From the Document: "This report is part of the Commission's effort to monitor China's repression of human rights in the United States and globally. In December 2021, Chinese internet users publicly criticized U.S. companies Intel, Sam's Club, and Sam's Club's parent company Walmart after Intel asked suppliers to stop sourcing from Xinjiang and after Sam's Club products sourced from Xinjiang disappeared from shelves and online shopping sites in China. Some consumers in China also boycotted Sam's Club. Chinese Communist Party and government sources, including the Global Times, Communist Youth League, and the Party and government's highest-level disciplinary bodies, said publicly that Chinese consumers were justified in boycotting Sam's Club and warned that there would be economic consequences for the three companies. Such statements were consistent with prior cases of China's economic coercion, in which Chinese authorities punished foreign companies and other organizations whose speech or actions did not align with Party and government political priorities. In one December 2021 article, the Global Times discussed the possibility of creating a counter-sanctions mechanism using the PRC [People's Republic of China] Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, raising concerns about its potential application against companies that do not comply with Party and government political priorities."
United States. Congressional-Executive Commission on China
2022-04-14
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Local Politicians and Law Enforcement [video]
From the Video Description: "CHDS [Center for Homeland Defense and Security] Alum Kimbley Craig, a Councilwoman for California's 5th District, and Major Manny Morales of the Miami Police Department discuss how law enforcement and local politicians can work together more effectively. Public safety is a shared responsibility, as law enforcement personnel must have the tools and manpower to create safe communities. Policymakers must be cognizant of that while still maintaining resources for infrastructure, education and other community necessities. Building trust between these two groups can be challenging, but is essential to a build a safe and cohesive place to live for all residents." The duration of the video is 15 minutes and 3 seconds.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Craig, Kimbley; Morales, Manuel A.
2017-09-14
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U.S. Sanctions on Russia [Updated January 17, 2020]
From the Document: "Sanctions are a central element of U.S. policy to counter and deter malign Russian behavior. The United States has imposed sanctions on Russia mainly in response to Russia's 2014 invasion of Ukraine, to reverse and deter further Russian aggression in Ukraine, and to deter Russian aggression against other countries. The United States also has imposed sanctions on Russia in response to (and to deter) election interference and other malicious cyber-enabled activities, human rights abuses, the use of a chemical weapon, weapons proliferation, illicit trade with North Korea, and support to Syria and Venezuela. Most Members of Congress support a robust use of sanctions amid concerns about Russia's international behavior and geostrategic intentions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Welt, Cory; Archick, Kristin; Nelson, Rebecca M. . . .
2020-01-17
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Brexit: Status and Outlook [Updated January 13, 2020]
From the Document: "After the 2016 referendum in which 52% of voters in the United Kingdom (UK) favored leaving the European Union (EU), 'Brexit' was originally scheduled to occur on March 29, 2019. In early 2019, Parliament repeatedly rejected the withdrawal agreement negotiated between then-Prime Minister Theresa May's government and the EU. Boris Johnson became prime minister in July 2019, following May's resignation. Given continued political deadlock over Brexit in the UK, the EU granted the UK three deadline extensions, with the most recent lasting until January 31, 2020."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.; Archick, Kristin; Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2020-01-13
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Brexit: Status and Outlook [Updated February 13, 2020]
From the Document: "The United Kingdom (UK) formally withdrew from membership in the European Union (EU) on January 31, 2020. Under the withdrawal agreement negotiated by the two sides, the UK is to continue applying EU rules during a transition period scheduled to run through the end of 2020. During the transition period, the UK and the EU are expected to begin negotiating the terms of their future relationship, including trade and economic relations as well as cooperation on foreign policy, security, and a range of other issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.; Archick, Kristin; Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2020-02-13
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China's Dreadnought? The PLA Navy's Type 055 Cruiser and Its Implications for the Future Maritime Security Environment
From the Summary: "China's naval modernization, a process that has been underway in earnest for three decades, is now hitting its stride. The advent of the Type 055 cruiser firmly places the PLAN [People's Liberation Army Navy] among the world's very top naval services. This study, which draws upon a unique set of Chinese-language writings, offers the first comprehensive look at this new, large surface combatant. It reveals a ship that has a stealthy design, along with a potent and seemingly well-integrated sensor suite. With 112 VLS [vertical launching systems] cells, moreover, China's new cruiser represents a large magazine capacity increase over legacy surface combatants. Its lethality might also be augmented as new, cutting edge weaponry could later be added to the accommodating design. This vessel, therefore, provides very substantial naval capability to escort Chinese carrier groups, protect Beijing's long sea lanes, and take Chinese naval diplomacy to an entirely new and daunting level. Even more significant perhaps, the Type 055 will markedly expand the range and firepower of the PLAN and this could substantially impact myriad potential conflict scenarios, from the Indian Ocean to the Korean Peninsula and many in between. This study of Type 055 development, moreover, does yield evidence that Chinese naval strategists are acutely aware of major dilemmas confronting the U.S. Navy surface fleet."
Naval War College (U.S.). China Maritime Studies Institute
Caldwell, Daniel W.; Freda, Joseph T.; Goldstein, Lyle
2020-02
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Recent U.S. Airstrikes: Legal Authorities and Questions [January 8, 2020]
From the Document: "Recent U.S. airstrikes in Iraq and Syria have raised legal questions concerning the scope of the President's power to use force against Iran and Iran-backed organizations. In late December, U.S. forces conducted airstrikes against five facilities in Iraq and Syria used by Kata'ib Hizbollah--an entity with ties to Iran designated by the Department of State as a foreign terrorist organization. According to a Department of Defense (DOD) statement, the strikes came in response to attacks on military bases in Iraq that host U.S. forces engaged in the campaign to defeat the Islamic State. [...] This Sidebar examines the President's domestic legal authority to initiate military action under the two sources cited in the National Security Advisor's statement: the Constitution and the 2002 authorization for use of military force related to Iraq (2002 AUMF). Although not discussed in O'Brien's statement, this Sidebar also examines the implications of the ban on assassinations in Executive Order 12333 as well as the international legal framework governing the strikes."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mulligan, Stephen P.; Elsea, Jennifer
2020-01-08
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U.S.-European Relations in the 116th Congress [Updated February 5, 2020]
From the Document: "Since the end of the Second World War, successive U.S. Administrations and many Members of Congress have supported a close U.S. partnership with Europe. Often termed the 'transatlantic relationship', the U.S.-European partnership encompasses NATO, the European Union (EU), and extensive bilateral political and economic ties. Over the past 70 years, political tensions, trade disputes, and changes in the security landscape have tested U.S.-European relations. Despite periodic difficulties, U.S. and European policymakers have valued the transatlantic partnership as serving their respective geostrategic and economic interests. President Trump and some officials in his Administration have questioned the tenets of the post-World War II transatlantic security and economic architecture to an unprecedented extent. President Trump's criticisms of NATO, the EU, and key European countries have prompted significant concerns in Europe. The Administration contends that it is committed to NATO and supports close U.S.-European ties, but some Europeans question whether the United States will remain a reliable, credible partner. Policy divergences on a wide range of regional and global issues also pose challenges to U.S.-European relations. The second session of the 116th Congress may wish to consider the implications of Trump Administration policies for U.S. interests in Europe and U.S.-European cooperation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2020-02-05
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U.S.-European Relations in the 116th Congress [Updated December 3, 2019]
From the Document: "Since the end of the Second World War, successive U.S. Administrations and many Members of Congress have supported a close U.S. partnership with Europe. [...] President Trump and some in his Administration have questioned the fundamental tenets of the post-World War II transatlantic security and economic architecture to an unprecedented extent. President Trump's criticisms of NATO, the EU, and some key European countries have prompted concerns about the trajectory of transatlantic relations. The Administration contends that it is committed to NATO and supports close U.S.-European ties, but some Europeans question whether the United States will remain a reliable, credible partner. Policy divergences on a wide range of regional and global issues also pose challenges to U.S.-European relations. The 116th Congress may wish to consider the implications of Trump Administration policies for U.S. interests in Europe and U.S.-European cooperation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2019-12-03
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European Union: Current Challenges and Future Prospects [June 21, 2016]
"The European Union (EU) is a unique partnership in which member states have pooled sovereignty in certain policy areas and harmonized laws on a wide range of economic, social, and political issues. The EU is the latest stage in a process of European integration begun after World War II, initially by six Western European countries, to promote peace, security, and economic development. Today, the EU is composed of 28 member states, including most of the formerly communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe. EU members share a customs union, a single market (in which goods, people, and capital move freely), a common trade policy, a common agricultural policy, and a common currency (the euro) that is used by 19 member states (collectively referred to as 'the Eurozone'). Twenty-two EU members participate in the Schengen area of free movement, in which individuals may travel without passport checks. In addition, the EU has taken steps to develop common foreign and security policies, has sought to build common internal security measures, and remains committed to enlargement, especially to the countries of the Western Balkans."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2016-06-21
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European Security and Islamist Terrorism [July 18, 2016]
"Over the last two years, European governments and the European Union (EU) have grown increasingly alarmed by the rise of the Islamic State terrorist organization, its ability to attract European citizens to join the fighting in the Syria-Iraq region, and its use of violent extremist propaganda to inspire others. Security experts view the November 13, 2015, attacks in Paris (which killed 130 people) and the March 22, 2016, bombings in Brussels (in which 32 people died) as indications that the Islamic State's capacity to direct large-scale, coordinated attacks elsewhere in the world, especially in Europe, has increased. Many of those identified as directly responsible for the Paris and Brussels attacks reportedly fought in Syria and were connected to a 'European Branch' of the Islamic State. Some observers suggest that there could be many potential European recruits among the estimated 5,000 Europeans who have traveled to Syria and Iraq to join the Islamic State and other extremist groups. […] European governments have employed various measures to combat Islamist terrorism and the foreign fighter phenomenon, including increasing surveillance, prohibiting travel, and arresting returning fighters and terrorism recruiters. Some countries have bolstered existing counterterrorism laws, especially to ensure that individuals who travel abroad for terrorist purposes may be prosecuted (as required by U.N. Security Council Resolution 2178 of September 2014). European officials are also working to more aggressively counter radicalization and extremist propaganda, especially via the Internet and social media. Some have called on U.S. technology companies to assist these efforts by preemptively removing terrorist content from their sites."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Belkin, Paul
2016-07-18
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After Brexit: A Diminished or Enhanced EU? [June 29, 2016]
"On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom (UK) held a public referendum on whether to remain a member of the European Union (EU). Voters favored leaving by 51.9% to 48.1%. This decision is unprecedented and will have significant political and economic repercussions for both the UK and the EU. The UK is the second-largest economy in the 28-member EU and a key diplomatic and military power. A British exit (dubbed 'Brexit') raises serious questions about the future shape and character of the European integration project.[…]The EU is generally regarded as a cornerstone of European security, stability, and prosperity. Over the last few years, however, the EU has faced sluggish growth and persistently high unemployment. Economic dissatisfaction, antiestablishment sentiments, and fears about immigration and globalization have fueled the rise of anti-EU or 'euroskeptic' political parties. These issues have complicated the EU's ability to deal with simultaneous challenges, from the Greek debt crisis to increased migrant flows to a resurgent Russia and a heightened terrorism threat. Two key pillars of the European integration project--the eurozone (the 19 members of the EU that use the euro as their currency) and the Schengen area of free movement (in which internal passport checks have been abolished among 22 EU countries and four others)--have come under considerable pressure. While these challenges have all threatened EU solidarity, the UK's decision to leave the bloc may be the most profound setback to the European integration project in its more than 60-year history."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2016-06-29
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European Union Efforts to Counter Disinformation [December 1, 2016]
From the Document: "The European Union (EU) is increasingly concerned about the use of propaganda by both state and non-state actors and has sought to devise new strategies to combat disinformation. On November 23, the European Parliament (EP) adopted a resolution entitled 'EU Strategic Communication to Counteract Anti-EU Propaganda by Third Parties.' In passing this non-binding resolution (by a vote of 304 to 179, with 208 abstentions), the EP added its support to European Union efforts to counter what Brussels believes are propaganda and disinformation campaigns against the EU and its member states by Russia and non-state actors such as the Islamic State terrorist organization. In adopting the resolution, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) expressed the view that propaganda and disinformation campaigns seek to distort the truth, incite fear, provoke doubt, discredit the EU institutions, divide the EU and its North American partners, and paralyze decision-making. According to the main author of the resolution, MEP Anna Fotyga (from Poland), even the preparation of the text was a target of hostile propaganda."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morelli, Vincent L.; Archick, Kristin
2016-12-01
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U.S. Sanctions on Russia [November 28, 2018]
"Sanctions are considered by many to be a central element of U.S. policy to counter Russian malign behavior, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2014, election interference and cyberattacks, human rights abuses, illicit trade with North Korea, support to the government of Syria, and use of a chemical weapon. The United States also employs sanctions in an effort to deter further objectionable activities by Russia (e.g., expanding the war in Ukraine or launching new attacks in neighboring countries). Most Members of Congress support a robust use of sanctions amid concerns about Russia's international behavior and geostrategic intentions. Most Russia-related sanctions implemented by the United States have been levied in response to Russia's 2014 invasion of Ukraine. These sanctions are based on national emergency authorities granted the office of the President in the National Emergencies Act (NEA; P.L. 94-412; 50 U.S.C. 1621) and International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA; P.L. 95-223; 50 U.S.C. 1701) and were exercised by President Barack Obama in 2014 in a series of executive orders (EOs 13660, 13661, 13662, and 13685). The Obama and Trump Administrations have used these EOs to impose sanctions on approximately 650 Russian individuals and entities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Welt, Cory; Archick, Kristin; Nelson, Rebecca M. . . .
2018-11-28
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Global Trends in Democracy: Background, U.S. Policy, and Issues for Congress [October 17, 2018]
"For decades U.S. policymakers have connected U.S. national security and other core interests with the spread of democracy around the world. Reflecting this, the promotion of democracy has been along standing and multifaceted element of U.S. foreign policy,and one often interrelated with U.S. efforts to promote human rights. Congress has often played an important role in supporting and institutionalizing U.S. democracy promotion by passing key legislation, appropriating funds for foreign assistance programs and other democracy promoting activities, and conducting over sight of aspects of U.S. foreign policy relevant to democracy promotion. Widespread concern sexist among analysts and policymakers over the current trajectory of democracy around the world and multiple hearings in the 115th Congress reflected bipartisan concern over this issue."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weber, Michael A.
2018-10-17
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International Law and Agreements: Their Effect Upon U.S. Law [September 19, 2018]
"International law consists of 'rules and principles of general application dealing with the conduct of states and of international organizations and with their relations inter se, as well as with some of their relations with persons, whether natural or juridical.' While the United States has long understood international legal commitments to be binding upon it both internationally and domestically since its inception, the role of international law in the U.S. legal system often implicates complex legal principles. The United States assumes international obligations most frequently when it makes agreements with other nations or international bodies that are intended to be legally binding upon the parties involved. Such legal agreements are made through treaty or executive agreement. The U.S. Constitution allocates primary responsibility for such agreements to the executive branch, but Congress also plays an essential role. First, in order for a treaty (but not an executive agreement) to become binding upon the United States, the Senate must provide its advice and consent to treaty ratification by a two-thirds majority. Secondly, Congress may authorize executive agreements. Thirdly, the provisions of many treaties and executive agreements may require implementing legislation in order to be judicial enforceable in U.S. courts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mulligan, Stephen P.
2018-09-19
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European Union: Ongoing Challenges and Future Prospects [December 3, 2018]
"The European Union (EU) is a unique partnership in which member states have pooled sovereignty in certain policy areas and harmonized laws on a wide range of economic and political issues. The EU is the latest stage in a process of European integration begun after World War II, initially by six Western European countries, to promote peace, security, and economic development. The EU currently consists of 28 member states, including most of the formerly communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The EU is largely viewed as a cornerstone of European stability and prosperity. For much of the last decade, however, many EU countries have faced considerable economic difficulties. Despite an improved economic situation in the EU since 2017, economic pressures and societal changes have contributed to the rise of populist and antiestablishment political parties, at least some of which harbor anti-EU or 'euroskeptic' sentiments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2018-12-03
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United States and the 'World Court'
"The Trump Administration recently announced plans to reevaluate the United States' role before the International Court of Justice (ICJ)--commonly called the 'World Court.' This year, Iran and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO, designated as 'Palestine' or 'State of Palestine' within the U.N. system) initiated separate proceedings against the United States at the international tribunal. After the ICJ made a preliminary determination, over the United States' objections, that it had jurisdiction to hear Iran's claims, the Trump Administration announced that the United States will withdraw from the treaties on which both the Iran and PLO cases are based. The Administration also stated that it will review all other international agreements 'that may still expose the United States' to ICJ jurisdiction."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mulligan, Stephen P.
2018-10-17
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Global Human Rights: Multilateral Bodies & U.S. Participation [November 23, 2018]
"Congress has guided and shaped the U.S role in the current international human rights architecture, which grew out of the atrocities and destruction of World War II. The United Nations (U.N.) Charter, signed in 1945, included broad expressions of support for human rights and fundamental freedoms. In 1948, the U.N. General Assembly adopted the nonbinding Universal Declaration of Human Rights to define the rights and freedoms to which the Charter referred. Since then, the international community has built on this foundation and developed a more comprehensive array of enumerated human rights and a set of mechanisms meant to protect and promote them. As a chief architect and guarantor of the postwar international order, the United States has at times led these efforts and, on the basis of sovereignty and other concerns, at times stood apart from them."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weber, Michael A.
2018-11-23
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Northern Ireland: Current Issues and Ongoing Challenges in the Peace Process [March 12, 2018]
"Between 1969 and 1999, almost 3,500 people died as a result of political violence in Northern Ireland, which is one of four component 'nations' of the United Kingdom (UK). The conflict, often referred to as 'the Troubles,' has its origins in the 1921 division of Ireland and has reflected a struggle between different national, cultural, and religious identities. Protestants in Northern Ireland (48%) largely define themselves as British and support remaining part of the UK (unionists). Most Catholics in Northern Ireland (45%) consider themselves Irish, and many desire a united Ireland (nationalists). On April 10, 1998, the two governments and the Northern Ireland political parties participating in peace talks reached a political settlement. The resulting Good Friday Agreement (also known as the Belfast Agreement) recognized the 'consent principle' (i.e., a change in Northern Ireland's status can come about only with the consent of a majority of its people). It called for devolved government--the transfer of power from London to Belfast--with a Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive Committee in which unionist and nationalist parties would share power; it also contained provisions on decommissioning (disarmament) of paramilitary weapons, policing, human rights, UK security normalization (demilitarization), and the status of prisoners."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2018-03-12
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Cross-Border Data Sharing Under the CLOUD Act [April 23, 2018]
"Law enforcement officials in the United States and abroad increasingly seek access to electronic communications, such as emails and social media posts, stored on servers and in data centers in foreign countries. Because the architecture of the internet allows technology companies to store data at a great distance from the physical location of their customers, electronic communications that could serve as evidence of a crime often are not housed in the same country where the crime occurred. This disconnect has caused governments around the world, including the United States, to seek data stored outside their territorial jurisdictions. In the Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data (CLOUD) Act, Congress enacted one of the first major changes in years to U.S. law governing cross-border access to electronic communications held by private companies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mulligan, Stephen P.
2018-04-23
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The European Union: Questions and Answers [February 23, 2018]
"The European Union (EU) is a political and economic partnership that represents a unique form of cooperation among sovereign countries. The EU is the latest stage in a process of integration begun after World War II, initially by six Western European countries, to foster interdependence and make another war in Europe unthinkable. The EU currently consists of 28 member states, including most of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and has helped to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity throughout the European continent."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2018-02-23
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Can Corporations be Held Liable under the Alien Tort Statute? [April 24, 2017]
"Recently, the Supreme Court heard oral argument in 'Jesner v. Arab Bank PLC'--a case filed under the Alien Tort Statute against one of the largest financial institutions in the Middle East. Originally passed by the First Congress as part of the Judiciary Act of 1789, the Alien Tort Statute provides federal district courts with 'jurisdiction of any civil action by an alien for a tort only, committed in violation of the law of nations or a treaty of the United States.' This single-sentence statute has been described as 'unlike any other in American law' and 'unknown to any other legal system in the world.' Despite its brevity, questions about jurisdiction under the statute have been the subject of debate for several decades (as discussed in this CRS primer.) In Jesner, the Supreme Court is set to address an issue that has caused a recent split among U.S. circuit courts of appeals: can corporations be liable for torts in violation of the law of nations under the Alien Tort Statute?"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mulligan, Stephen P.
2018-04-24
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It Belongs in a Museum: Sovereign Immunity Shields Iranian Antiquities Even When it Does Not Protect Iran [March 22, 2018]
"Foreign sovereign immunity may protect property owned by nations designated as state sponsors of terrorism, even when it does not shield the nations themselves, the Supreme Court held in 'Rubin v. Islamic Republic of Iran.' In an 8-0 opinion delivered by Justice Sotomayor (with Justice Kagan recused), the Court ruled that the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) did not permit U.S. victims of Iran-sponsored terrorist attacks to seize a collection of Persian antiquities on loan from Iran to a museum at the University of Chicago. 'Rubin' underscores a common side effect of the FSIA's terrorism-related exceptions to sovereign immunity: although victims of terror attacks may be able to obtain judgments against state sponsors of terrorism--currently, Iran, Sudan, Syria, and North Korea--they often have little chance of seizing covered states' property when seeking to collect their financial awards."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mulligan, Stephen P.
2018-03-22
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Transatlantic Relations in 2018 [January 10, 2018]
"As the second year of the Trump Administration begins, a degree of uncertainty lingers over transatlantic relations. The U.S.-European partnership could face challenges in 2018. Following the election of President Trump, numerous European officials and analysts expressed concern about the future trajectory of U.S.-European relations, particularly the U.S. commitment to NATO, the European Union (EU), and the multilateral trading system. Although the Trump Administration has not altered or withdrawn from the fundamental aspects of the transatlantic relationship, many European leaders appear uneasy with key parts of the Trump Administration's 'America First' foreign policy and some question whether the United States will remain a reliable partner in 2018."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morelli, Vincent L.; Archick, Kristin
2018-01-10
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Northern Ireland, Brexit, and the Irish Border [March 12, 2018]
"As the 20th anniversary of the April 1998 peace accord for Northern Ireland (known as the Good Friday Agreement or the Belfast Agreement) approaches, concerns are increasing about how the expected exit of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU)--or 'Brexit'--might affect Northern Ireland. The future of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland has become a central issue in the UK's withdrawal negotiations with the EU. Once the UK ceases to be a member of the EU--likely in March 2019-- Northern Ireland will be the only part of the UK to share a land border with an EU member state (Ireland and the UK both joined the EU in 1973). Agreeing upon arrangements for the post-Brexit UK-Irish border is particularly challenging because of Northern Ireland's history of political violence. Roughly 3,500 people died during 'the Troubles,' the 30-year sectarian conflict between unionists (Protestants who largely define themselves as British and support remaining part of the UK) and nationalists (Catholics who consider themselves Irish and may desire a united Ireland)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Mix, Derek E.
2018-03-12
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Material Support for Terrorism is Not Always an 'Act of International Terrorism,' Second Circuit Holds [March 5, 2018]
"The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (Second Circuit) recently overturned a jury verdict deeming one of the largest financial institutions in the Middle East liable for providing financial services to Hamas and other designated foreign terrorist organizations. In 'Linde v. Arab Bank', PLC, American victims of terror attacks during the second Palestinian intifada were set to recover at least $100 million from Arab Bank under the civil liability provisions of the Antiterrorism Act (ATA). But the Second Circuit vacated the verdict, holding that the trial court incorrectly concluded that a violation of the federal law criminalizing material support to foreign terrorist organizations necessarily constitutes an 'act of international terrorism' subject to civil liability under the ATA. By holding that victims of terror attacks are not always entitled to recover civil damages even if they prove the defendant committed the crime of material support, 'Linde' highlights the legal complexities and obstacles that plaintiffs face when seeking civil damages under the ATA."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mulligan, Stephen P.
2018-03-05
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Brexit: Status and Outlook [Updated January 9, 2020]
From the Document: "After the 2016 referendum in which 52% of voters in the United Kingdom (UK) favored leaving the European Union (EU), 'Brexit' was originally scheduled to occur on March 29, 2019. In early 2019, Parliament repeatedly rejected the withdrawal agreement negotiated between then-Prime Minister Theresa May's government and the EU. Boris Johnson became prime minister in July 2019, following May's resignation. Given continued political deadlock over Brexit in the UK, the EU granted the UK three deadline extensions, with the most recent lasting until January 31, 2020."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.; Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Archick, Kristin
2020-01-09
