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

(Paperback)

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Increased fluidity and pluralism in U.S. policy toward China in the post-Cold 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 and shows how the recent movement toward a more consistent and coherent administration policy on China remains tentative and under attack, especially in the wake of Asian campaign contributions. Although recognizing that U.S. policymakers must consider a wider range of interests in the current political climate, 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.

Reviews

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 *
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. -- Peter Van Ness, Australian National University * The China Journal *

Author Bio

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.