Congressional Pwr Asia Policy

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

The purpose of this seminar is to help participants understand the power of Congress in the development of America’s Asia policy. It will focus on a series of case studies since the end of the Cold War, among them, Burma policy, normalization of relations with Vietnam, China’s WTO accession, the US-India civil nuclear agreement, Taiwan arms sales, Hong Kong policy, TPP, US-China mil-mil relations, North Korea sanctions, CFIUS Reform, and AUMF/War Powers. Drawing on the Congressional Record and hearing transcripts, as well contemporary accounts of the policy debates in the media, the course will examine the political dynamics, Congressional procedures, personalities, constituencies, executive branch perspectives and foreign policy environments at play in each case. It will also incorporate discussions with practitioners. The course will be open to graduate students and will meet once weekly for approximately two-and-a-half hours. Class will consist of minimal lecture. It will require students to study and internalize the perspectives of key figures and/or institutions in the debates for purposes of class discussion. Based on the discussions, each student will draft two page memo advising a Senator on how to vote in each of six case studies. There will be a take-home final examination.