Book Description

Debates over U.S. government policy frequently follow a philosophy of devolution in authority from federal government to local government. This concept opens the possibility of greater local involvement in national policy implementation—and provides international treaties an opportunity to advance global policy by incorporating the efforts of local actors into their implementation framework. Much of international policy involves enforcement through international-to-national linkages forming an “implementation chain,” but devolution offers the potential to extend the implementation chain by providing national-to-local linkages. This book explores the nature of such linkages, taking as a case study the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) via its domestic analog in the U.S., the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The analysis employs both quantitative and qualitative methods including interviews, surveys, statistical analysis, and document review. The author concludes that while the framework of CITES enforcement in the U.S. allows for national-to-local extension of the CITES implementation chain, it also presents challenges that should be addressed by international policymakers who consider devolution as a way of assisting global policy. The book includes a Foreword by Scott A. Frisch, a professor of political science (and chair of the department) at California State University, Channel Islands. Frisch notes that "in this book Jonathan Liljeblad offers an enlightening and long-overdue look at the issue of local implementation of international policy.... Liljeblad is able to arrive at insightful conclusions as well as concrete recommendations for policymakers wishing to improve coordination and execution of international policies that rely on local governments for their implementation." He concludes, "Liljeblad's recommendations would foster a climate of greater understanding of the connections between international and domestic policy and should be heeded by all levels of government to remove unnecessary roadblocks that can derail implementation." A new study in the international protection of animal and plant species, presented by Quid Pro Books.