Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: US Labor’s Foreign Policy under John Sweeney:
Are “Missteps” Aberrations--Or a Return to “Traditional” Labor Imperialism?

The long-standing set of reactionary AFL-CIO foreign operations appeared to be undermined with the 1995 election of John Sweeney to the presidency of the labor center. However, after positive initial developments, subsequent problems emerged. This paper questions whether these subsequent problems are merely “missteps” of the Sweeney Administration, or are a return to “traditional” labor imperialism. After setting strict criteria that must be met before any “reversion” could be concluded, this paper quickly reviews past AFL-CIO foreign operations, changes made under Sweeney, long-term efforts by activists within the labor movement to establish a just foreign policy, and then recent revelations of labor foreign policy leaders’ involvement with the State Department under presidents Clinton and Bush. Following, an evaluation is made.