Accession Number:

AD1031051

Title:

Authoritarianism as a Driver of U.S. Foreign Policy: The Cases of Myanmar, Vietnam, and North Korea

Descriptive Note:

Technical Report

Corporate Author:

NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA MONTEREY United States

Personal Author(s):

• Lee,Rang

Report Date:

2016-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

125.0

Abstract:

What is the significance of authoritarianism to U.S. foreign policy Promoting democracy is a key element of U.S. foreign policy, and Washington conventionally criticizes authoritarian regimes. At the same time, the United States traditionally praises authoritarian regimes that allow pluralism. But these attitudes may or may not correlate with improved foreign relations. To what extent is the softening of authoritarian rule responsible for improved foreign relations as opposed to other factors This thesis compares U.S. foreign relations with three authoritarian states Myanmar, Vietnam, and North Korea. The cases represent varying degrees of authoritarian rule and varying levels of cooperation with Washington. Findings from this thesis highlight the significance of authoritarian rule as a driver of U.S. foreign policy.

Descriptors:

• foreign policy
• Myanmar
• Vietnam
• North Korea
• national politics
• international relations
• political systems
• foreign relations
• economic sanctions
• Economics
• military

Subject Categories:

• Government and Political Science
• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics
• Economics and Cost Analysis

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE