This book investigates the evolving role of the U.S. Congress in shaping foreign economic policy from the Great Depression through the mid-1970s. Robert A. Pastor, drawing from his Harvard thesis, examines the complex interplay between legislative power and executive action in international trade, finance, and aid. The work analyzes key legislative battles, the influence of domestic interests, and the shifting global landscape that defined this critical period in American foreign policy.

This scholarly work is recognized for its in-depth analysis of a crucial period in U.S. foreign economic policy. The book's foundation in the author's Harvard thesis suggests a rigorous academic approach, likely appealing to specialists in political science and history. Its detailed examination of congressional action provides valuable insights into the legislative processes that guided America's international economic engagement during a transformative era.