Executive Agreement Examples: Understanding the Power of Executive Agreements

In international diplomacy, executive agreements are often used to facilitate cooperation between countries without the need for congressional approval. These agreements are a powerful tool for presidents and heads of state to achieve their foreign policy objectives without having to go through the lengthy and often contentious process of getting a treaty ratified by the Senate. In this article, we will explore some executive agreement examples that highlight the importance and effectiveness of this diplomatic tool.

1. The Iran Nuclear Deal

One of the most significant executive agreement examples in recent years is the Iran Nuclear Deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). This agreement was negotiated between Iran and a group of countries known as the P5+1, which includes the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, Russia, and Germany. The purpose of the agreement was to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. The agreement was signed by the participants in 2015 and was implemented through executive action by President Barack Obama. However, the agreement has since been abandoned by the Trump administration, which highlights the political risk of executive agreements.

2. The Paris Climate Agreement

Another notable executive agreement example is the Paris Climate Agreement, which was signed by 195 countries in 2015. The objective of the agreement was to limit global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius and to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The agreement was not legally binding, but rather relied on voluntary action by countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement was implemented through executive action by President Obama, but was later withdrawn by President Trump in 2017.

3. The North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement

The North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is another executive agreement example that has had a significant impact on international trade. The agreement was signed by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 1994 and eliminated tariffs on most goods traded between the three countries. The agreement was not ratified by the Senate, but rather implemented through executive action by President Bill Clinton. The agreement has since been renegotiated and replaced by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which was ratified by the Senate in 2020.

4. The U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement

The U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement is another executive agreement example that has had a significant impact on international trade. The agreement was signed by President George W. Bush and President Lee Myung-bak in 2007, but was implemented through executive action by President Obama. The agreement eliminated tariffs on most goods traded between the United States and South Korea and has been credited with increasing bilateral trade between the two countries.

Conclusion

Executive agreements are a powerful tool for presidents and heads of state to achieve their foreign policy objectives without having to go through the lengthy and often contentious process of getting a treaty ratified by the Senate. As illustrated by the examples above, executive agreements can have a significant impact on international diplomacy, trade, and climate change. However, as demonstrated by the Iran Nuclear Deal and the Paris Climate Agreement, executive agreements can also be politically risky and subject to reversal by subsequent administrations.