Political Participation Of American Jewish Interest Groups: AIPAC's Political Participation In The US Middle East Affairs

In pluralistic America,white Anglo-Saxon Protestants hold a dominant position in the society,and the political participation of ethnic minorities is notable.American Jews have a long history of political participation.Though accounting for less than 3percent of the American population,they are active in election campaigns.Forming interest groups,American Jews lobby directly or indirectly to the government and defend their interests.Especially after the founding of Israel,Jewish interest groups keep close contact with it and rally US support for Israel.Under the Clinton Administration,the political interaction between Israel and the United States under the influence of American Israel Public Affairs Committee has resulted in substantial economic and military assistance for Israel as well as the passage of much pro-Israel legislation,strengthening the US-Israel alliance.AIPAC's ways of political participation also provide beneficial reference to other ethnic groups in the US including Chinese Americans.However,the political participation of the Jewish interest groups has also caused some problems.Their political lobbying could hurt the national interests of the United States and they are questioned for “dual loyalty”.This thesis analyzes the political participation of the American Jewish interest groups represented by AIPAC in lobbying the Congress and the executive and carrying out political propaganda,and draws the conclusion that the political participation of the Jewish interest groups cannot determine the formulation of American foreign policy.The relationship between sovereign states is mainly decided by national interests.Besides,other ethnic interest groups are also rising and the Jewish interest groups dominating American politics is not likely to happen.White Anglo-Saxon Protestants oriented society is the reality.However,Jewish interest groups wield great influence on the US-Israel relations indeed.Their cultivation of political enthusiasm and national identity provide valuable experience to other ethnic minorities in political participation.