This book investigates the extent to which domestic ethnic interest groups influence United States foreign policy decisions. Laurence Halley examines the 1975 U.S. arms embargo on Turkey as a primary case study to illustrate the intersection of ethnic lobbying and legislative action. By analyzing the Congressional debates surrounding the Cyprus crisis, the author argues that narrow ethnic interests can frequently override broader definitions of national interest in the American political system.

Experts identify this work as a focused study on the mechanics of ethnic lobbying within the American legislative branch. Readers frequently note the specific historical context provided for the 1975 embargo, which serves as a foundational case study for students of political science and international relations.