Rio is a member of a large and well-known TAN that feels strongly about allowing free trade on the seas. An international treaty that would expand free maritime trade has just been drafted, but many leaders are reluctant to sign it, fearing it may be politically unpopular. Explain how Rio’s TAN can help with the passage of this agreement.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

When widely-respected TANs endorse a new treaty or agreement, that endorsement may help sway the minds of undecided legislators who must cast a vote on the agreement or provide the political cover for those who have already decided to cast what they feel could be a controversial vote for the agreement. For example, the TAN could provide expert opinions and evidence that shows how expanded free maritime trade would actually benefit individual national economies, thus providing information that the leaders who want to support the treaty can use to justify their stance to the people back home. In this way, the TAN will have provided political cover and protection for those leaders.