The Allure of Empire: American Encounters with Asians in the Age of Transpacific Expansion and Exclusion

The Allure of Empire explores how American ideas about race in the Pacific were shaped and remade on the imperial stage before World War II, revealing how debates about Korea influenced interracial cooperation. American recognition of Japan as a suitable partner depended on a positive assessment of its colonial rule of Korea, but news of Japan's violent suppression of Koreans soured this perception.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 12 May 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The allure of empire delves into the intricate tapestry of American ideas about race in the Pacific, unraveling the profound ways in which these notions were crafted and reshaped on the grand stage of imperialism prior to World War II. Following the Russo-Japanese War, the United States embarked on a diplomatic relationship with Japan, viewing it as a progressive empire akin to its own. Despite their competing interests in Asia and clashes over immigration issues in the American West, the mutual respect for empire served as a steadfast foundation for their transpacific cooperation until the fateful day of Pearl Harbor. At that moment, the historical collaboration between the two nations was abruptly severed, casting each other as incompatible adversaries. In his remarkable work, Chris Suh painstakingly reconstructs this lost chapter of history, shedding light on the surprising influence that debates surrounding Korea had on the politics of interracial cooperation. American recognition of Japan as a suitable partner hinged, in part, on a favorable evaluation of its colonial rule in Korea. However, it was not until news of Japan's brutal suppression of Koreans tarnished this perception that the exclusion of Japanese immigrants became a viable option in the United States. The shifting tides of opinion were intricately woven by the collaboration of various Asian elites, each seeking inclusion within a progressive American empire. By examining the appeals made by Korean, Japanese, and other nonwhite groups to the United States, this book unveils a profound truth: the imperial order thrived through a unique form of interracial collaboration that preserved the existing racial hierarchy. Through its insightful analysis, The Allure of Empire offers a valuable perspective on the complex dynamics of race, power, and empire in the Pacific region, shedding light on the enduring legacies of historical interactions and the ongoing struggles for social justice and equality.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197631621