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Overview
The Chinese-born wife of General Claire Chennault of World War II Flying Tigers fame, Anna Chennault was a leader in America's informal relations with East Asia from 1950 to 1990. Informal diplomacy-exchanges between citizens of different nations outside of official institutional apparatus that seek to influence events or governmental attitudes-is an increasingly important avenue of international relations in the modern age. Professor Catherine Forslund's new book, Anna Chennault: Informal Diplomacy and Asian Relations examines Chennault's unique, multifaceted career as an exemplar of American informal diplomacy during the post-World War II era.
Chennault carved a name for herself in her own right in this arena, establishing herself in Republican party politics, the international aviation industry, and in Washington and Asian social circles following her husband's 1958 death. She used her contacts on both sides of the Pacific to achieve informal diplomatic goals that coincided with American national policy: protecting 'free' Asian nations from communism and expanding American influence in Asia. Later, Chennault directed her energies toward building ties between Taiwan, China, and the United States.
The book presents a new analysis of Anna Chennault's role in the 'October Surprise' of the 1968 presidential election. In addition, Forslund demonstrates how Chennault used gender as an advantage in the male-dominated worlds of foreign relations, politics, and business.
A fascinating look at a woman before her time, this new book is an informative and engaging account of the complex nature of U.S.-Asian relations, diplomatic processes, and the role of women in foreign affairs.
Product Details
ISBN-13: | 9780842028325 |
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Publisher: | Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. |
Publication date: | 02/01/2002 |
Series: | Biographies in American Foreign Policy , #8 |
Pages: | 171 |
Product dimensions: | 6.26(w) x 9.28(h) x 0.77(d) |
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Acknowledgments Chapter 2 Introduction Chapter 3 Chronology Chapter 4 Abbreviations Chapter 5 The Importance of Character Chapter 6 A Model of Influence Chapter 7 Young Republican Chapter 8 "October Surprise": The Rise of an Informal Diplomat Chapter 9 Mastering the Milieu: Socializing and Politics in Foreign Relations Chapter 10 The Business of Influence: Aviation Connections to Asia Chapter 11 A Personal Rapprochement: Working Both Sides of the Taiwan Strait Chapter 12 Conclusion Chapter 13 Bibliographical Essay Chapter 14 IndexWhat People are Saying About This
A thoughtful and balanced study of the role of a controversial participant in Asian-American relations.--Warren I. Cohen, Distinguished Professor, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Senior Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center
Will contribute to our understanding of gender and power-and how the wife of a Nationalist hero had as much or more impact upon American opinion than her famed flier husband, Gen. Claire Chennault.--Geoffrey S. Smith, Former President, Peace History Society, Queen's University