The purpose of this paper is to explore one of the more subtle problems facing the United States. The problem concerns retaining economic and political power In the face of decreasing self-sufficiency in natural resources and raw materials.

Japan’s metamorphosis from a less developed country to one of the world’s most Important industrial nations was closely connected with increasing foreign pressures. Where did they result from and what will be their consequences for the country’s economic policy?

The 1974 Trade Act gives the US President extensive authority to engage in multilateral trade negotiations in the framework of GATT. The following article offers a survey of the provisions of the Act and discusses its possible impact on international trade relations.