Author Grant F. Smith will discuss his 2009 book Spy Trade about myths and realities of U.S.-Israel economic relations. The April 6 presentation begins at 5:15 PM, room 1101, Dewey Hall, on the University of Rochester Campus.
Last year marked the 25th anniversary of the U.S.-Israel Free Trade Area (USIFTA). Documents newly declassified in 2009 reveal a stunning 1984-1987 FBI investigation of Israeli embassy and American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) activities that compromised the position of U.S. industry and worker groups while undermining the legitimacy of the trade negotiating process. Ongoing intrigues involving pharmaceuticals, proprietary weapons technologies (including nuclear weapons related materials) and stiff market barriers have continued�frequently landing Israel on the U.S. Trade Representative’s punitive “watch list.”
During his presentation of public and newly declassified aspects of USIFTA negotiations in 1984-1985, Smith will offer a comparative review of the trade agreement’s performance. Smith will also challenge facts and representations made by author Dan Senor in the February 23 campus presentation of his book “Start-up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle.” This event is sponsored by the undergraduate Finance and Economics Council to provide equal time to opposing views on important issues. Seating is limited. Reservations