Henriette Rytz

Henriette s research explores the influence of ethnic interest groups on U.S. foreign policy. Ethnic interest groups representing migrant communities identify both with their country of origin and their country of settlement. Based on this hybrid identity, members ascribe themselves a certain expertise and interest in shaping the relations between the two states they relate to. However, even within a political system which is very favorable to interest group influence, such as the system of the United States, not all groups are equally successful. Henriette s research seeks to explore under what conditions ethnic interest groups succeed in influencing U.S. foreign policy towards their country of origin. A framework for the analysis of this phenomenon will be developed which will then be tested by applying it to the case of the Cuban-American community and its political representation.