DC Event: Report Launch of the CFR-Sponsored Independent Task Force on North America

TL;DR

Task force report advocates deeper North American integration.

Transcript

KARL: Welcome to today's launch on the Council on Foreign Relations independent task force report "North America, Time for a New Focus." We have the co-chairs here, Robert Zoellick, of course, somebody who -- I think last time I interviewed you, we were both in Sudan, so thank you very much -- Ms. Shannon O'Neil, the director and co-chair, David Pe... Read More

Key Insights

• The task force emphasizes the importance of North America, comprising the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, as a strategic economic and energy powerhouse, advocating for a shift in focus from Asia to North America.
• Energy integration is highlighted, with the U.S. surpassing Saudi Arabia in energy production, and the potential for Canada and Mexico to increase their energy outputs.
• The report stresses the need for infrastructure improvements, regulatory harmonization, and enhanced trade agreements to boost economic competitiveness within North America.
• Security concerns are addressed, suggesting a unified approach to border security and regional threats, including cybersecurity and organized crime in Central America.
• The task force supports the Keystone pipeline and comprehensive immigration reform, focusing on legal pathways for workers and the integration of skilled labor across borders.
• The task force recommends structural changes in U.S. governance, such as a dedicated North America bureau, to ensure sustained focus on regional integration and cooperation.
• There is an emphasis on trilateral and bilateral cooperation across economic, energy, and security sectors to maximize North America's potential.
• The report calls for leveraging existing multilateral institutions and creating new frameworks for cooperation, particularly in infrastructure and human capital development.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is there a need for a new focus on North America?

The task force highlights that North America, comprising the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, holds significant economic and energy potential. With the U.S. becoming a leading energy producer, and Canada and Mexico poised to increase their outputs, the region presents an opportunity for strategic growth. The report suggests that focusing on North America can enhance economic competitiveness, security, and integration, making it a priority over other regions like Asia.

Q: What are the key recommendations for energy integration?

The report emphasizes the need for energy integration across North America, highlighting the U.S.'s leading position in energy production. It suggests expanding infrastructure, such as pipelines and electricity grids, to facilitate energy flow between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Additionally, the task force advocates for lifting the ban on crude oil exports to continue the energy revolution and calls for collaborative efforts to enhance energy security and market stability.

Q: How does the report address security concerns?

The task force recommends a unified approach to border security and regional threats, including cybersecurity and organized crime in Central America. It suggests improving intelligence sharing and creating a defense in depth strategy to enhance security across North America. The report also proposes leveraging trilateral cooperation to address emerging security challenges, such as foreign fighters and radicalization, by sharing best practices and enhancing regional partnerships.

Q: What governance changes are proposed to prioritize North America?

The report calls for structural changes in U.S. governance, such as establishing a dedicated North America bureau within the State Department and a high-level champion at the NSC. These changes aim to ensure sustained focus on regional integration and cooperation, addressing the challenge of fragmented policy-making across various government agencies. The task force believes that dedicated governance structures can better coordinate efforts and promote North America's strategic interests.

Q: What is the stance on immigration reform?

The task force strongly recommends comprehensive immigration reform, emphasizing the need for legal pathways for low-skilled and high-skilled workers. It supports measures to secure U.S. borders, prevent illegal entry, and provide a pathway to legalization for undocumented immigrants. The report argues that immigration reform is crucial for enhancing North America's economic competitiveness and integrating skilled labor across borders, ultimately benefiting all three countries.

Q: How does the report propose to enhance economic competitiveness?

To boost economic competitiveness, the report suggests improving infrastructure, harmonizing regulations, and enhancing trade agreements within North America. It highlights the need to address barriers that slow trade, such as outdated infrastructure and regulatory differences, and advocates for trilateral cooperation in key sectors like manufacturing and technology. The task force believes that these measures can strengthen North America's position in the global market and drive economic growth.

Q: What role do existing multilateral institutions play in the report's vision?

The task force envisions leveraging existing multilateral institutions, such as the North American Development Bank and the InterAmerican Development Bank, to support infrastructure and human capital development. It suggests expanding mandates and creating new frameworks for cooperation, particularly in areas like infrastructure investment and rule of law. The report emphasizes pragmatic, evolutionary models for collaboration, rather than creating entirely new institutions.

Q: What are the implications of the task force's recommendations for trade negotiations?

The task force supports the Trade Promotion Authority and urges the completion of trade agreements like the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). It argues that these agreements are crucial for enhancing North America's economic integration and global competitiveness. The report suggests that including Canada and Mexico in these negotiations can address outdated aspects of NAFTA and strengthen the region's strategic position.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The task force report highlights North America's potential as a leading economic and energy region, urging a strategic pivot from Asia to North America. Key recommendations include infrastructure improvements, regulatory harmonization, and enhanced trade agreements to boost competitiveness.

• Energy integration is a focal point, with the U.S. leading in energy production and opportunities for Canada and Mexico to expand their outputs. Security concerns are addressed through unified border security and regional threat management strategies.

• The report advocates for structural changes in U.S. governance to prioritize North America, supports the Keystone pipeline, and calls for comprehensive immigration reform. Emphasis is placed on trilateral and bilateral cooperation to leverage existing multilateral institutions and develop human capital.