Selected findings from the study

This blog offers sections from my study to highlight some of the questions, topics and findings. I’ve edited the posts for the web, especially some of the footnotes and references, but all sources can be accessed in the full study.

Implications for transatlantic trade relations: Policy recommendations from the study

August 3, 2018

The U.S. administration and the European Commission might argue that the process of including stakeholders in the TTIP negotiations is sufficient but some state actors disagree. Here is how the trade policy-making process could be improved.

Criticism and open questions: What flaws in the research can be addressed in the future

July 30, 2018

The presentation for my oral defense gives an overview of the study’s flaws, some of which can be addressed by future research. Read about the criticism here.

Why some states speak out on transatlantic trade issues and others don't

July 27, 2018

Three connected factors explain U.S. states’ TTIP interest representation. Learn more about my findings on state variation on trade topics.

What dedicated state commissions can do in transatlantic trade policy

July 23, 2018

A handful of states have specialized commissions that study proposed trade deals and raise states’ concerns. Read about these trade policy commissions and their transatlantic efforts.

40 states don't have a full-time legislatures

July 20, 2018

State legislatures have become much more professional over the past couple of decades, yet disparities among the states still remain. Check out the map showing different types of legislatures.

How U.S. states use a unique institution to speak out on trade

July 16, 2018

U.S. states have a peculiar advisory body through which they can relay opinions on trade policy to the federal government. Even supporters of this institution say it needs to be reformed. Read more about the reasons and reform options.

Procurement might sound boring but it's a highly controversial transatlantic topic

July 13, 2018

Public procurement has been a bone of contention between the EU and the U.S. pretty much since the TTIP negotiations started. Find out why.

Successes and failures of state interest representation in the NAFTA negotiations

July 9, 2018

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau became the first head of state to address a gathering of U.S. governors, mostly to discuss the NAFTA reform. But what did states accomplish in the original negotiations? Take a look back.

Two maps showing how many jobs European companies create in the states

July 6, 2018

State-level data on foreign direct investment (FDI) is hard to come by, but there are some statistics. See FDI stats in two maps here.

European trade offices: Promoting exports and attracting investments

July 2, 2018

Lots of U.S. states have trade offices in the EU, but these are not involved in trade policy issues such as the TTIP. Learn more about their roles and tasks.

Explaining the importance of the TTIP

June 29, 2018

The negotiations for the TTIP aim to create a massive transatlantic trade area between two already strong and rich economic blocs. Explore how the talks came about and who leads them.

EU trade data for all 50 U.S. states

June 25, 2018

Imports from and exports to the EU are massive for almost every U.S. state. Two maps visualize the trade data.

What is multilayered interest representation?

June 22, 2018

The premise of my research is that U.S. states matter in international affairs. But what can they do in transatlantic trade matters and why do some states become engaged? The concept of multilayered interest representation offers a framework.

About the research project

June 18, 2018

What’s the goal of the research? What methodology was used? The homepage provides a quick overview, including a short author bio. Read more.