America's Relationship with China

Paper Summary:

The paper summarizes James Mann's book, "About Face: A History of America's Curious Relationship with China" that explores America's policies with China after the Cold War. The paper explains Mann's thesis that American foreign policy regarding China has traditionally overlooked human rights violations, first in favor of keeping China as a powerful ally against the Soviet Union, and then in favor of promoting trade relations. The paper concludes by pointing out that despite U.S.-China trade and globalization, the vast majority of people in China continue to live miserable lives of wretched poverty, with little or no personal liberties.

Outline:
Introduction
Summary
Critique
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The Chinese people are clearly on an economic roll. They have gotten a taste of capitalism and the good things in life which it can bring; they have also experienced some of the problems associated with new affluence: drugs, crime and prostitution. However, the literature is consistent in emphasizing that the China of today is an economic powerhouse on the verge of exploding onto the world scene in a major way in the years ahead. China currently exports over $40 billion worth of products to America every year, and the amount is increasing rapidly. Chinese-made products are everywhere. The United States is also enjoying a healthy economy today, with increased exports and commerce which reflects the benefits which the efficiency of telecommunications has provided."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "A Conversation with James Mann." (2000). Random House Conversations With . . . March 4, 2001. <http://www.randomhouse.com/knopf/aak/qna/mann.html>.
• Barry, Dave. Dave Barry Is Not Making This Up. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc. 1996.
• Frieden, Jeffry A. and David A. Lake. International Political Economy: Perspectives on Global Power and Wealth. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's. 2000.
• Mann, James. About Face: A History of America's Curious Relationship with China, From Nixon to Clinton. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. 1999.
• "Trade with China." (2003). [CD-ROM]. Encyclopedia Britannica Deluxe Ed.

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