Interest Groups and Foreign Policy: Clinton and the China MFN Debates

Special interest groups defending or denouncing US support of China's Most Favored Nation (MFN) trade status have influenced the terms of debate in both the Clinton Administration and with Congress. In addition to the actions of special interest groups, domestic political goals and international pressures also influence the shape of policy choices. For example, in 1993 Clinton signed an executive order linking MFN status with issues of trade and human rights, but dropped the conditions the following year, not due to pressure from special interests, but to uphold his campaign pledge and avoid distancing himself from Democratic party support.