Research Monograph on Federal International Economic Emergency Planning.

Abstract : In focusing on international economic emergency planning, this study distinguishes between international emergencies which are basically economic in nature and the economic aspects of planning for 'total' emergencies (i.e., recovery from all-out nuclear attack). It is the former with which this study deals. In reviewing the concepts 'economic' 'international' 'emergency' and 'preparedness' it is pointed out that international economic emergencies could be non-adversarial in nature, for example a major natural disaster requiring controls on imports and exports. However actual international economic emergencies have all been of an adversarial nature. Like the Arab oil embargo of 1973, they have also all had political aspects. But while the oil embargo was foreign 'autonomous' in nature (not arising through U.S. action) action other emergencies have represented U.S. policy responses to international situations. Proposed U.S. economic action against South Africa would be a policy response to events in the nation. A major reason for being concerned with international economic emergencies is the increasing exposure fo the U.S. economy to international influences. Imports have about to almost 10% of GNP, and production of some types of goods in the United States has ceased. The U.S. technological lead may be diminishing. And foreign investment in the United States has reached the point in mid-1985 where we have become a debtor nation. (aw)