Congress and China Policy: Past Episodic, Recent Enduring Influence

Bipartisan majorities in Congress have been instrumental in driving a shift in American policy toward China over the past six years, according to Congress and China Policy: Past Episodic, Recent Enduring Influence. This book compares recent Congressional influence with episodes of activism in the past 200 years and shows that partisan politics, competition for policy control, swings in public opinion, and special interests have been of secondary importance. The findings suggest that US policy will remain heavily influenced by these members as they serve out their terms.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 316 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Congress and China Policy: Past Episodic, Recent Enduring Influence

The findings of the book support the notion that bipartisan majorities in Congress have played a crucial role in driving the significant shift in American policy towards China that has taken place over the past six years. This book fills significant gaps in the inadequate treatment of Congress in assessments of US policy towards China by comparing recent Congressional influence with episodes of Congressional activism in China policy over the past 200 years. The findings demonstrate that Congress has recently become more important than ever in shaping US policy towards China.

Partisan politics, congressional-executive competition for policy control, swings in public and media opinion, and influences by special interests—longstanding drivers of past Congressional involvement in China policy—have been of secondary or lesser importance as Congressional members have grappled with the acute dangers posed by Chinese economic, security, and governance challenges. The steady and determined efforts by this cohort of bipartisan Congressional majorities to defend America from Chinese challenges have proven more resolute than the erratic practices of President Trump and previously dismissive Joseph Biden, who came late to a tougher policy.

This volume forecasts that US policy will remain heavily influenced by these members as they serve out their terms in the years ahead. The book contributes to our understanding of Congress's role in shaping US foreign policy and provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of US-China relations.

Weight: 594g
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666929485