Lynne Rienner Taiwan's Security Policy: External Threats and Domestic Politics

Confounding expectations, Taiwan is reducing its military spending even as its sole adversary, the People's Republic of China, modernizes its military and significantly increases its defense budget. Michael Chase examines the key factors that have shaped Taiwan's security policy over a span of three decades.Chase explores both the role of US security assurances in formulating Taiwan's defense policy and the profound influence that domestic politics has played. He also considers the context of cross-Strait relations and the implications of Taiwan's security choices for potential instability and conflict in the region and beyond. Relying on extensive Chinese-language sources and interviews, he offers the most definitive treatment of Taiwan's security policy to date.This book explores the key external and domestic factors shaping Taiwan's current security policy. Review Chase uses a rich tapestry of sources to provide a provocative, deeply descriptive, and highly analytical examination of Taiwan's defense policy. - T.Y. Wang, Illinois State University ""This important book provides a tremendous amount of new information; the analysis is subtle, balanced, and persuasive."" - Shelley Rigger, Davidson College Synopsis Confounding expectations, Taiwan is reducing its military spending even as its sole adversary, the People's Republic of China, modernizes its military and significantly increases its defense budget. Michael Chase examines the key factors that have shaped Taiwan's security policy over a span of three decades.Chase explores both the role of US security assurances in formulating Taiwan's defense policy and the profound influence that domestic politics has played. He also considers the context of cross-Strait relations and the implications of Taiwan's security choices for potential instability and conflict in the region and beyond. Relying on extensive Chinese-language sources and interviews, he offers the most definitive treatment of Taiwan's security policy to date.This book explores the key external and domestic factors shaping Taiwan's current security policy. About the Author Michael S. Chase is assistant professor in the Strategy and Policy Department at the US Naval War College.