Leveraging Trade Agreements to Meet U.S. Security Aims

Abstract

Abstract : As far back as the first deployment of the U.S. Navy in 1789 to secure free passage of commercial shipping through the Strait of Gibraltar, the United States has sought the maintenance and expansion of its international commerce as fundamental to its national interests. Today, due to its strong economy, the U.S. enjoys the most influential position in world affairs. However, a strong U.S. economy provides more than a powerful military to protect our national security. The U.S. economy provides influence. Similar to the adage, the pen is mightier than the sword, the mutual fostering of prosperity through free trade is a diplomatic lever that has the power to surmount differences, establish common interests, and reduce tensions. Free trade often results in economic gains that exceed the sum of its parts, and in most cases, provides a mutually beneficial outcome to the trading partners. This universally shared interest in economic gain positions the U.S. at a significant advantage internationally in its ability to leverage its domestic markets in order to achieve market access for U.S. businesses in partner nations. The U.S. economic advantage also positions the U.S. to lead negotiations, designing the international economic architecture to reflect the principles and values of enduring U.S. national interests, while gaining geostrategic influence with other nations and regions in accomplishing U.S. national security goals. A review of the U.S. trade policy, and its nesting with the National Security Strategy, demonstrates how President Barack Obamas strategic pivot to Asia, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement facilitate U.S. enduring national security interests; first, in counter-balancing the rise of China, and secondly, achieving overall U.S. geostrategic aims in the Asia Pacific, highlighting Vietnam as a case study.