War and Peace in the Taiwan Strait

There is a growing risk of military conflict between the People's Republic of China and Taiwan, which could potentially draw in the United States. Analysts and officials warn of the potential for a war in the Taiwan Strait, but Scott L. Kastner argues that the risks should not be exaggerated. He examines several key regional trends that have complex implications for stability, including deepening economic integration, the shifting balance of military power, uncertainty about the future of U.S. commitment, and domestic political changes in both the PRC and Taiwan. Kastner argues that the risks of conflict are real, but there are plausible steps to reduce the likelihood of military conflict.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

As tensions between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Taiwan continue to escalate, numerous analysts and officials have expressed concerns about the growing risk of military conflict. This potential conflict could involve the United States, further exacerbating the situation.

In his comprehensive analytical account, Scott L. Kastner sheds new light on the prospects for cross-strait military conflict. He examines several key regional trends that have complex implications for stability, including deepening economic integration, the shifting balance of military power, uncertainty about the future of U.S. commitment, and domestic political changes in both the PRC and Taiwan.

Kastner argues that while the risks of conflict are real, they should not be exaggerated. He suggests that there are several distinct pathways that could lead to the outbreak of hostilities, and the mechanisms that might allay one type of conflict may not necessarily apply to others. However, he also acknowledges that war is anything but inevitable.

Despite the potential risks, Kastner highlights that powerful mitigating factors remain in place, and there are plausible steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of military conflict. He draws on both international relations theory and close empirical analysis of regional trends to provide a vital perspective on how a war in the Taiwan Strait could occur and how it could be avoided.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of PRC-Taiwan relations and the potential risks associated with military conflict. It offers valuable insights and analysis that will help policymakers and individuals navigate this increasingly fraught geopolitical landscape.

Weight: 534g
Dimension: 158 x 238 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231198646