Economic Perspectives
An Electronic Journal of the U.S. Department of State, Vol. 5, No. 2, May 2000
Focus Commentary
Facts and Figures Information Resources
Internationalization of E-Commerce
FOCUS
MAXIMIZING INTERNATIONAL DIGITAL OPPORTUNITIES
By Alan Larson, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs
E-commerce and the Internet offer unprecedented benefits in business, education, and health care. The United States is working with international partners to ensure that developing countries can share in the benefits of the global information economy.
TOWARD A UNIFORM COMMERCIAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR GLOBAL ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS
By Andrew J. Pincus, General Counsel, U.S. Department of Commerce
There are four steps that every country can take to standardize international e-commerce and ensure that its commercial legal framework is ready for global electronic commerce.
FIGHTING INTERNET FRAUD: A GLOBAL EFFORT
By Jodie Bernstein, Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, U.S. Federal Trade Commission
The dizzying speed at which consumers are embracing the new e-commerce technology - and the staggering rate of change in the technology itself - clearly argue for a coordinated, cooperative international strategy to stop cross-border Internet fraud.
COMMENTARY
NEW GLOBAL RULES FOR E-COMMERCE:
MOVING THE DIALOGUE BEYOND THE G-8
By Carol Charles, Deputy Director, Global Information Infrastructure Commission
If electronic commerce is to succeed on an international scale, a global framework that provides for privacy, cross-border dispute resolution, and a universal commercial code must be put in place.
THE VULNERABILITY OF THE INTERNET
By Stephen E. Cross, Director of the Software Engineering Institute
Because of the ease with which software programs can be duplicated, the Internet is a breeding ground for cyber-attackers, who exploit the unwarranted trust users place in the networks.
INTERNET DEVELOPMENT IN POLAND
By Warren Clark, Consultant, Former Senior Advisor for Communications and Information Policy, U.S. State Department
The high cost of Internet access is arguably the biggest barrier to the development of e-commerce in Poland. Privatization of Poland's telecommunications system would introduce competition and lower the cost of using the Internet.
CASE STUDY: AMAZON.COM
Helping E-Commerce Sites Achieve International Success
By Diego Piacentini, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Amazon.com
Adherence to local laws, establishing a strategic in-country presence, and providing impeccable customer service are the keys to international e-commerce expansion.
FACTS AND FIGURES
E-COMMERCE: AN INTERNATIONAL EFFORT
THE INTERNET AND CUSTOMS DUTIES
INFORMATION RESOURCES
KEY CONTACTS AND INTERNET SITES
Economic Perspectives
An Electronic Journal of the U.S. Department of State
Volume 5, Number 2, May 2000
The Office of International Information Programs of the U.S. Department of State provides products and services that explain U.S. policies to foreign audiences. The Office publishes five electronic journals that examine major issues facing the United States and the international community. The journals -- Economic Perspectives, Global Issues, Issues of Democracy, U.S. Foreign Policy Agenda, and U.S. Society and Values -- provide analysis, commentary, and background information in their thematic areas. All journal editions appear in English, French, and Portuguese language versions, and selected issues also appear in Arabic, Russian, and Spanish.
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Publisher |
Judith Siegel |
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Editor |
Jonathan Schaffer |
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Managing Editor |
Phillip Kurata |
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Associate Editors |
Wayne Hall |
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Kathleen Hug |
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Contributing Editors |
Eileen Deegan |
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Merle Kellerhals |
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Bruce Odessey |
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Martin Manning |
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Mildred Neely |
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Warner Rose |
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Art Director |
Sylvia Scott |
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Cover Design |
Sylvia Scott |
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Graphic Adviser |
Joseph Hockersmith |
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Editorial Board |
Howard Cincotta |
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Judith Siegel |
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Leonardo Williams |
Office of International Information Programs
May 2000