Center for Strategic Communication

ASP Recent Publications

Fact Sheet – Executive Authority in US Trade Policy

Brendan Connell / American Security Project

There has been an increasing discussion regarding the possibility of Congress granting the US presidency “fast track” authority in free trade agreements.  But the shifting of trade authority to the executive has been a heated debate starting from the days of the Great Depression.

America’s Energy Choices – 2014

American Security Project

Three years after ASP first released “America’s Energy Choices” in 2011, the U.S. remains stuck in a political stalemate over energy. Even so, the energy choices made years or even decades ago by politicians, businesses, and consumers have led to a revolution in how the U.S. produces energy. The reality of change in America’s energy system is far different from the stagnation of the political debate.

In the News

Leading US Cities Pledge Radical Carbon Cuts

Ed King / RTCC

Mayors of ten of the USA’s largest cities say they’re ready to take radical action to cut carbon pollution equal to annual emissions from four power plants, or 1.5 million cars.

US Economy Grows 3.2% in the Fourth Quarter, Official Figures Show

BBC

The US economy grew at a 3.2% annual rate for the final quarter of 2013, according to the country’s Commerce Department.

Households, Trade Keep U.S. Economy Humming in Fourth Quarter

Lucia Mutikani / Reuters

Robust household spending and strong exports kept the U.S. economy on solid ground in the fourth quarter, but stagnant wages could chip away some of the momentum in early 2014.

U.S. Says Russia Tested Missile, Despite Treaty

Michael R. Gordon / New York Times

The United States informed its NATO allies this month that Russia had tested a new ground-launched cruise missile, raising concerns about Moscow’s compliance with a landmark arms control accord.

Afghan Expresses Optimism Karzai Will Sign US Pact

Kay Johnson / AP

President Hamid Karzai’s national security adviser expressed optimism Thursday that the Afghan leader will sign a key U.S. security pact before leaving office this year, a positive sign after weeks of deadlock and anti-American rhetoric from the government.

Tony Blair Backs Egypt’s Government and Criticizes Brotherhood

Patrick Kingsley / The Guardian

Tony Blair has given staunch backing to Egypt’s government following a meeting on Wednesday with its army leader, Abdel Fatah al-Sisi.

Missouri Mine Shines Spotlight on Global Battle For Rare-Earth Metals

Ryan Schuessler / Aljazeera

An hour southwest of St. Louis, tucked away behind a tree line off Route EE, is the Pea Ridge Mine, once a place where workers pulled iron out of the ground. You could almost miss it driving by, but this seemingly unremarkable place has remarkable potential for the region and the country.

Upcoming Events

A View from the Ambassador’s Post: Ambassador Don Beyer on American Public Diplomacy

American Security Project

2014 is a year of opportunity and challenges in public diplomacy. Join us as Ambassador Don Beyer discusses his experiences as Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and explores the role public diplomacy plays in shaping America’s security, foreign policies and relationships abroad.

Defense Budget Issues for FY15: A Conversation with Dr. Lawrence J. Korb

American Security Project

Since sequestration and passage of the new budget the Defense Department has been adjusting to a reduced funding environment. The speaker will discuss the outlook for Pentagon spending for FY15 from personnel costs to right sizing the nuclear arsenal.

EVENT: TTIP – Trade and Investment: A U.S. and European Perspective

American Security Project

Paul Adamson, editor of the European magazine E!Sharp and Senior European Policy Advisor, and Peter Rashish, a Senior Advisor for Europe and Transatlantic Trade at Transnational Strategy Group LL, will discuss the key elements of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations, key aspects for the U.S. and the E.U., the 2014 trade-political climate, and key issues both parties will face going forward.

Click here to check out more ASP’s events.

On Our Flashpoint Blog

America’s Energy Choices – Event Review

Nathan Alvarado-Castle

On Tuesday, January 28, 2014, the American Security Project hosted an event titled “Energy Choices 2014 – The Choices We Face for a Strong & Secure America”, with speakers, Todd Foley, Senior VP of Policy and Government Relations, American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), Scott Peterson, Senior Vice President of Communication, Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), and David Wochner, Partner, K&L Gates.

Battery Storage Solutions for Renewable Energy

Farhad Mirzadeh

With the growing reliance on solar and wind power, questions over how excess energy can be stored have become increasingly important. Most of the time, the availability of wind or sunshine may not match up with the variable demand for power. The variable nature of these sources is a roadblock to widespread adoption of these technologies. As a result, many companies have been in search for solutions to this problem which, once remedied, will make renewable energy more widespread.

Top Military Officials Summoned to Pentagon to Ensure Nuclear Security

Nathan Daniels

The Air Force recently announced that it had suspended the security clearances of 34 nuclear missile launch officials, from the commanding officer on down, due to allegations of irresponsible behavior and cheating on the proficiency exam that personnel must pass before becoming a part of the nuclear force. Investigators apparently came across that information while searching for evidence that the officials were involved in a drug ring.

Cheney on the Terrorist Attacks in Cairo

American Security Project

As Egypt tries mightily to settle into a stable democracy, there are still those who desperately want nothing to do with it.

ASP in the News

ASP’s Andrew Holland on US Energy Policies in Politico

American Security Project’s Andrew Holland, Senior Fellow for Energy and Climate, was quoted in a recent article by Politico Pro.

Energy Choices 2014 – The Choices We Face for a Strong & Secure America

January 28th, Washington DC – The American Security Project (ASP) released a key report regarding the choices America faces regarding Energy production and consumption.  It predicts that 2014 will be a year of continued upheaval for America’s energy system and lays out the choices that our nation faces in ensuring that the vitality of the U.S. economy, America’s nation security, and the global environment are not undermined.

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