March 17, 2015

A Matter of National Security: America Must Support TPP

By: Patrick M. Cronin

Some business analysts are stressing that the pending Trans-Pacific Partnership between the United States and 10 other countries promises smaller rewards—if also fewer risks—than previous multilateral efforts to liberalize trade.  But such a judgment omits altogether the national security reasons for finalizing both the trade pact and the Trade Promotion Authority that would strengthen the role of the President in advancing regional commerce. 

First, the Trans-Pacific Partnership or TPP would help to reverse the impression that the United States is a declining and one-dimensional military power.  Whatever the image of U.S. power in North America, Asia-Pacific countries continue to harbor considerable doubt about American staying power and strength relative to a rising China.  Even our closes allies in the region are enhancing their economic and development ties with China.  At the same time, they and others fear what continued U.S. military dominance could bring to the region in dealing with the increasing tension among major powers. 

Read the full article at Real Clear Defense.

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