An executive agreement is a pact between the United States President and the leader of another country. This kind of agreement does not require the approval of the US Senate, unlike a treaty.
Executive agreements are not new; they have been used for decades in America`s foreign policy. These agreements are usually made to address specific issues such as trade, war, or security. They can also be used to facilitate cultural exchange, scientific collaboration, and other areas of mutual interest.
Executive agreements are a useful tool for the US President as they can be used to make quick foreign policy decisions without having to go through the slow and cumbersome process of obtaining Senate approval. This process can be helpful in situations where time is of the essence, and the President needs to take swift action.
It is worth noting that executive agreements are not as legally binding as treaties, but they still carry significant weight. Unlike treaties, executive agreements do not become part of US law unless they are implemented through executive action or passed as legislation by Congress.
Executive agreements have been used to great effect in the past. For example, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was signed as an executive agreement in 1992 by President George H.W. Bush. The agreement has since been renewed and expanded, and it continues to have a significant impact on North American trade.
In summary, executive agreements are a powerful tool for the US President, and they can be used to create meaningful relationships with other countries. They are a useful alternative to treaties and can be used to address specific issues that require swift action. While not as legally binding as treaties, executive agreements still carry significant weight and can have a lasting impact on US foreign policy.