Ethnic Lobbies In U S Foreign Policy

Dozens of ethnic groups work determinedly to achieve specific policy goals in Washington, but to what degree do they actually wield power? Which groups are the most influential, and why? David Paul considers the relative impact of 38 ethnic lobbies to determine whether?and if so, how?they affect the course of US foreign policy. Paul systematically examines the impact of ethnic-group influence in six policy areas: aid, immigration, human rights, security, trade, and energy. He also compares the influence of ethnic lobbies to that of other actors, including business groups, the media, and foreign lobbyists. Challenging the conventional wisdom, he effectively draws on both qualitative and quantitative methods to shed needed light on this often heatedly contentious subject.

Who speaks for America in world affairs? In this insightful new book, Tony Smith finds that, often, the answer is interest groups, including ethnic ones. This seems natural in a country defined by ethnic and cultural diversity and a democratic political system. And yet, should not the nation's foreign policy be based on more general interests? On American national interests? In exploring this question, Smith ranges over the history of ethnic group involvement in foreign affairs; he notes the openness of our political system to interest groups; and he investigates the relationship between multiculturalism and U.S. foreign policy. The book has three major propositions. First, ethnic groups play a larger role in the formulation of American foreign policy than is widely recognized. Second, the negative consequences of ethnic group involvement today outweigh the benefits this activism at times confers on America in world affairs. And third, the tensions of a pluralist democracy are particularly apparent in the making of foreign policy, where the self-interested demands of a host of domestic actors raise an enduring problem of democratic citizenship--the need to reconcile general and particular interests.

Studies the impact of lobbying efforts by domestic ethnic groups and foreign governments on US policymaking. Congress and Diaspora Politics examines the impact of lobbying efforts by domestic ethnic groups and foreign governments on US policymaking. Over time, the number and variety of ethnic groups have grown, and foreign governments have increasingly turned to professional lobbyists rather than relying on their diplomatic corps to cultivate relationships with Congress. The case studies presented here examine this new lobbying environment by focusing on Jewish American, Muslim American, and Cuban American interest groups as well as lobbying efforts by the governments of Turkey, Armenia, Mexico, and others. They explore the strategies, tactics, and resources utilized to impact policymaking. The volume also offers perspectives of those who have worked on both sides of the lobbying equation—“a view from K Street” (the lobbying side) and “a view from the Hill” (the congressional side). Finally, challenges lawmakers face when diaspora interests intersect with national interests are covered. James A. Thurber is University Distinguished Professor of Government at American University and the editor of many books, including (with Jordan Tama) Rivals for Power, Sixth Edition: Presidential-Congressional Relations. Colton C. Campbell is Professor of National Security Strategy at the National War College. His many books include Congress and Civil-Military Relations (coedited with David P. Auerswald). David A. Dulio is Professor of Political Science at Oakland University and the author of many books, including For Better or Worse? How Political Consultants are Changing Elections in the United States, also published by SUNY Press.

"A joint publication of the Social Science Research Council and New York University Press."

This book sheds a disconcerting light on a familiar history, contending that ethnoracial considerations and especially British-American ethnocentrism have often taken priority over morality, ideology, and other factors in determining U.S. foreign policy.

Does America’s pro-Israel lobby wield inappropriate control over US foreign policy? This book has created a storm of controversy by bringing out into the open America’s relationship with the Israel lobby: a loose coalition of individuals and organizations that actively work to shape foreign policy in a way that is profoundly damaging both to the United States and Israel itself. Israel is an important, valued American ally, yet Mearsheimer and Walt show that, by encouraging unconditional US financial and diplomatic support for Israel and promoting the use of its power to remake the Middle East, the lobby has jeopardized America’s and Israel’s long-term security and put other countries – including Britain – at risk.

Ethnic identity groups-defined broadly to include ethnic, religious, linguistic, or racial identities-have long played a role in the formulation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy. Yet ethnic group influence increased significantly following the Cold War. Ambrosio and his colleagues provide a unique collection of essays on the relationship between ethnic identity groups and U.S. foreign policy. The book covers a wide range of issues, historical periods, and geographic regions. Integrated chapters examine four major issues: the traditional (white) role of ethnicity in U.S. foreign policy; ethnic identity group mobilization; newcomers to the foreign policy process; and the complexities of ethnic identity politics. An in-depth literature review is provided, as well as an overview of the moral/ethical issues surrounding ethnic group influence on U.S. foreign policy, especially after the events of September 11, 2001. This volume is designed to spark debate on the theoretical, historical, and ethical issues of ethnic identity group influence on U.S. foreign policy. As such, it will be of special interest to scholars, students, researchers, policymakers, and anyone concerned with the making of American foreign policy.