Chapter 12: Transnational Policy Problems

Exercises

Investigating U.S. Environmental Policy

1. Access the climate change section of the U.S. EPA Web site at www.epa.gov/climatechange .

2. Read through the various sections to understand gas and carbon emissions and their effects on the environment, economy, and people.

3. How does the U.S. contribute to and rank in terms of gas emissions? What are the effects? Why does this matter?

4. What suggestions are given to curb this problem? What type of authority does the EPA have?

5. Describe the obstacles in this policy area. In other words, why can't a large-scale policy change occur around this issue?

Understanding U.S. Arms Transfers

1. Access the Web site for the Federation of American Scientists at www.fas.org , and follow the “Arms Trade” link on the left navigation bar.

2. Read through the different material presented by the links on U.S. arms recipients, weapons profiles, current policies, and current statistics on arms sales. Use the material from these links to answer the questions below.

3. What are the different programs for U.S. arms transfers? Which programs are used more than others? How many different countries receive arms transfers and assistance? What are the current trends in levels of arms sales? To what types of countries are they going?

4. Who are the producers of U.S. arms transfers? How are they able to influence global policy in this area?

5. How many weapons are shipped overseas each year? How much revenue is generated from this area?

Investigating U.S. Participation in the International Criminal Court (ICC)

1. Access the Global Policy Forum's Web page dedicated to debate over “US Opposition to the International Criminal Court” at www.globalpolicy.org/intljustice/icc/usindex.htm .

2. Read through the articles and briefs on this page, making sure you read two articles from each viewpoint (for or against).

3. Describe the two sides of this issue. Why are some in favor and some against U.S. participation in the ICC? Which political actors fall on each end of the spectrum? What is the current status of the U.S.-ICC relationship? What domestic influences affect U.S. participation in this institution?

4. How does the current Iraq War relate to the ICC? How will enemy combatants and former Iraqi officials and soldiers be tried?

5. How is the ICC a transnational policy institution? Can the ICC succeed without U.S. participation? Why or why not?