On The Influence Of Taiwanese Public Service Association History, Characteristics And Limits Of United States Policy Toward Taiwan

The decision making process (DMP) of US foreign policies is a complicated political process affected by lots of elements. One of the most important elements is the effect of the interest groups. Comparing with other countries, it has been one of the unique features of American politics that the interest groups can have such an important role during the DMP of foreign policies.FAPA, one of the most famous interest groups focusing on lobbying Taiwan-related issues in the States, was founded in 1980s by some Taiwanese Americans who tend to advocate Taiwan Independence. Famous for its effect in promoting the so-called US-Taiwan Relationship, FAPA has played a negative role in the development of Sino-US relations.This thesis has five parts: the first part makes a brief literature review of the studies on the topic, and will introduce why FAPA is taken as the major case to study; the second part will study the history of FAPA against the background of general development of Sino-US relationship; the third part will explore on the main approach that make it possible for FAPA to affect the DMP of American policy toward Taiwan; the forth part will analysis those elements that will affect the role of FAPA, including the development of relationship between Washington and Beijing, the effect of domestic politics and the changes of FAPA itself; the fifth part will make a brief conclusion .