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Reviving the classical-liberal republic

News and commentary, posted occasionally

Congress grills USTR Tai on US Trans-Pacific Partnership absence, vaccine rights giveaway

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The May 10th to May 16th, 2021 roundup of major trade developments, with L.C. US Trade Representative Katherine Tai testified in Congress this week on President Biden’s Trade Policy Agenda. This is the document that the USTR produces early each year laying out the administration’s trade plans. During her solo appearance to explain and defend […]

Unsettled: What climate science tells us and what it doesn’t

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Steven Koonin’s new book, Unsettled, is an excellent introduction to climate science by an award-winning teacher. It is essential reading for anyone who wishes to develop an informed judgment on the most important scientific issue of this decade. by Richard Schulman Dr. Koonin has impressive academic and governmental credentials. He has a BS from Caltech […]

Biden administration somersaults on TRIPS (patent waivers)

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The May 3rd to May 9th, 2021 roundup of major trade developments, with L.C. The Biden administration reversed its previous opposition and endorsed the TRIPS waiver proposal for COVID-19 vaccines. The proposal, submitted to the WTO by India and South Africa last October, would waive patent protection for vaccines otherwise enjoyed by medical goods under […]

The Biden administration’s love affair with Trump’s tariffs

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Also: *US Trade Representative Tai’s uninformative testimony in Congress;*Biden’s “Buy American” State of the Union, in lieu of a trade policy;*US splits EU with its 21% global corporate tax proposal to the OECD;*Japan, India, and Australia launch supply chain initiative to lessen vulnerability to China;*Congress proposes bill to take on leadership in setting standards. The […]

US, lacking trade policy, concedes field to China

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Also featured in this week’s trade roundup:* US vs. India, South Africa over waivers for vaccine production;* Calls for US to help India overcome its pandemic surge;* Australia security conflict with China over Victoria;* New Zealand retreat from Five Eyes solidarity;* Europe’s carbon tax;* Biden’s Climate Summit fiasco;* Canada’s planned Digital Services Tax;* Administration restoration […]