This examination of aspects of the complex relationships between human rights and trade was inspired by our exposure to sincere expressions of confusion and alarm during recent visits to Southeast Asia. In particular, many business leaders in the region are openly concerned about reactions of the United States and other western states to alleged human rights infringements in Asia. Highly visible disagreements between the United States and China in combination with other public disputes between western and Southeast Asian groups and governments have created a setting in which rumors and fears of punitive trade sanctions are abundant and plausible. And contributions to the discourse from official American sources have done little to discourage notions of linkage between human rights issues and trade policies. Author: Douglas, Sara U. Publication: Pacific Affairs, Mar 22, 1996.