William Waack, a stalwart of commentary on the USA, writing in Portuguese for O Globo in Brazil, writes a particularly interesting piece, translated on Watching America.com, where he explains the necessity for nations to embrace decisions that will limit their own sovereignty. With reference to climate issues, in particular, he notes that 20 companies alone could bring about results that governments, largely frustrated by the American fear of competitive disadvantage, are having so much trouble doing.
His argument leads him to the huge claim that the 21st century will be the century of Europe, because it is Europe that has managed to implement an effective supra-national body that can make decisions before they are made in national capitals.
It is not much of a surprise when an American government interferes with negotiations to combat global warming. But what is happening in Bali, Indonesia, when 190 countries discuss what to do to counter greenhouse gas emissions is new even to the usual standards of American interference in international agreements: The delegation of the United States refuses to accept scientific data (prepared by a panel of experts from the UN) which it had welcomed two months ago.
The response of the Europeans was tough, and formulated in a bruising manner: if, this time, the White House impedes the Bali accord, the Europeans will not participate in the round of negotiations called the MEM (the “Major Economies Meeting” – a euphemism for the major polluters)
Read More Here on Watching America.com
Robin Koerner is a British-born citizen of the USA, who currently serves as Academic Dean of the John Locke Institute. He holds graduate degrees in both Physics and the Philosophy of Science from the University of Cambridge (U.K.). He is also the founder of WatchingAmerica.com, an organization of over 100 volunteers that translates and posts in English views about the USA from all over the world.
Robin may be best known for having coined the term “Blue Republican” to refer to liberals and independents who joined the GOP to support Ron Paul’s bid for the presidency in 2012 (and, in so doing, launching the largest coalition that existed for that candidate).
Robin’s current work as a trainer and a consultant, and his book If You Can Keep It , focus on overcoming distrust and bridging ideological division to improve politics and lives. His current project, Humilitarian, promotes humility and civility as a basis for improved political discourse and outcomes.