U.S. Policy Toward China: An Introduction to the Role of Interest Groups / Edition 1

by Robert G. Sutter George Washington University

Overview

Increased fluidity and pluralism in U.S. policy toward China in the postDCold War period have led to growing non-governmental influence as both the administration and Congress have become the target of intense lobbying by organized groups concerned with human rights, trade opportunities, relations with Taiwan, and other hotly debated issues. This balanced study examines the central role of these organizations, focusing especially on two key cases of policy reversal: President Clinton's 1994 decision to delink human rights concerns from trade access and his 1995 decision to allow Taiwan's president to visit the United States, albeit in a private capacity. The recent movement toward a more consistent and coherent administration policy on China remains tentative and has been under mounting attack, especially in the wake of Asian campaign contributions. Although recognizing that U.S. policymakers must consider a wider range of interests than was the case during the Cold War, Sutter argues that following the prevailing consensus among organized interests may lead to bad policy. Instead, he contends that U.S. foreign policy must strike a balance between satisfying domestic concerns while buttressing interests abroad.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780847687251
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	09/03/1998
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	5.94(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.52(d)

About the Author

Robert G. Sutter was an analyst of Asian and Pacific affairs and American foreign policy for the U.S. government for thirty years. He is now Professor of Practice of International Affairs, Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Rising Influence After the Cold War Chapter 3 The MFN Debate during the Bush Administration Chapter 4 The MFN Debate during the Clinton Administration Chapter 5 The Taiwan Crisis of 1995-1996 Chapter 6 Convergence and Conflict in U.S.-China Policy, 1996-1997 Chapter 7 Appendix Chapter 8 Chronology

Editorial Reviews

U.S. Policy Toward China makes a unique contribution to understanding U.S.-China relations. It is recommended to anyone who wants to understand U.S. policy toward the most challenging and probably the most important nation in the world to the United States.

China Review International

Robert Sutter is a leading specialist on China. His analysis of the influence of interest groups and lobby organizations in the U.S. on the making of policy on China is a topic that he is ideally positioned to understand.

The China Journal - Peter Van Ness

Sutter portrays a very interesting phenomenon in U.S.-China foreign relations, and his book serves as a good introduction to the role of interest groups in foreign policy-making.

International Affairs