Chen Shui-bian's Diplomacy Towards the US Congress (2000-2008)
| Autor: | Abraham Gerber, 柯博文 |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2014 |
| Druh dokumentu: | 學位論文 ; thesis |
| Popis: | 102 This thesis analyses the reasons behind the successes and failures of Chen Shui-bian’s congressional diplomacy towards the United States. This topic is important because the present scholarly literature on US-Taiwan relations under the Chen Administration only examines the reasons behind US-Taiwanese tension, not probing Chen’s policy towards the United States in any depth, much less analyze the strategies and methods he adopted. This thesis adds to the current body of scholarly work by analyzing Chen Shui-bian’s congressional diplomacy toward the United States. From the days of the “China lobby” to the present, congressional diplomacy has always been an important part of Taiwan’s policy toward the United States and the Chen administration was no exception. Chen had a number of objectives vis-a-vis the United States but lacked meaningful strategic leverage, forcing him to rely on the US Congress to exert pressure on the executive branch. Chen’s main objective was to realize symbolic foreign policy accomplishments including high profile transits on US soil, a US-Taiwan free trade agreement, and increased US support in Taiwan’s quest to participate in international organizations. Chen also hoped to change the role of the US in Cross-straits relations, having the US exert pressure on China to open talks with his administration. Although Chen personally participated in congressional diplomacy, for most parts of his policy he was forced to rely on three “agents,” including the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO), US lobbying firms and the Formosa Association for Public Affairs (FAPA). These organizations helped manage relations with the American public and elites, seeking to influence public opinion as well as arranging for many members of Congress and their aides to visit Taiwan. Chen’s agents kept in close contact with members of Congress, seeking to persuade them to support Chen’s agenda. Although Chen’s policy led to some symbolic Congression support for Taiwan, the policy did not lead to any truly substantial support, and even symbolic support rapidly decreased with the passage of time. The reasons for the failure of Chen’s policy are varied, but clearly include the US Congress’ lack of interest in the Taiwanese issue, particularly after the start of the War on Terror. In addition, the negative influence of Chen’s provocative Cross-strait policy, combined with the strengthening of China’s congressional diplomacy, caused his support in the US Congress to weaken, further contributing to the failure of his policy. |
| Databáze: | Networked Digital Library of Theses & Dissertations |
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