Executive agreements are a crucial component of U.S. foreign policy. They allow the President to make agreements with foreign governments without the need for Senate ratification. These agreements can cover a range of issues, from trade to defense to environmental protection, and can have a significant impact on U.S. relations with other countries. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive list of executive agreements made by U.S. Presidents over the years.
1. The Peace Corps Agreement (1961) – This agreement established the Peace Corps, a volunteer program that sends Americans to developing countries to assist with economic and social development projects.
2. The North Atlantic Treaty (1949) – This agreement established the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a military alliance between the U.S. and several European countries.
3. The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (1947) – This agreement was the predecessor to the World Trade Organization and aimed to reduce trade barriers between countries.
4. The Paris Agreement (2015) – This agreement aimed to combat climate change by setting targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
5. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (2015) – This agreement aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons by lifting economic sanctions in exchange for Iran limiting its nuclear activities.
6. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (2016) – This agreement aimed to increase trade between the U.S. and several countries in the Asia-Pacific region, but was ultimately not ratified by the U.S. Congress.
7. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (2018) – This agreement replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and aimed to modernize trade relations between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
8. The New START Treaty (2010) – This agreement between the U.S. and Russia aimed to reduce the number of nuclear weapons each country possessed.
9. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agreements (2017) – These agreements established partnerships between ICE and local law enforcement agencies to enforce immigration laws.
10. The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) – This agreement established the rules and regulations for the treatment of diplomats and embassies in foreign countries.
In conclusion, executive agreements have played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy over the years. From economic and trade agreements to defense and environmental agreements, these agreements have had a wide-ranging impact on U.S. relations with other countries. By understanding the history and scope of executive agreements, we can gain a greater appreciation for their importance in U.S. diplomacy.