April 28, 1997

This issue examined the Clinton administration's approach to foreign policy through a scathing cover story by Lawrence F. Kaplan on the commercialization of American diplomatic efforts, particularly regarding China's most-favored-nation status. The cover featured a satirical "shopping channel" presentation criticizing the trade-offs between economic interests and human rights advocacy. Additional pieces covered cultural topics including David Brooks on British attitudes toward sex, political developments around Senate Majority Leader Lott and chemical weapons treaties, and media criticism of Ellen DeGeneres's television coming-out.