Description
Book SynopsisScott L. Kastner offers a comprehensive account of PRC-Taiwan relations that sheds new light on the prospects for military conflict. Drawing on both international relations theory and close empirical analysis of regional trends, this book provides vital perspective on how a war in the Taiwan Strait could occur—and how one could be avoided.
Trade ReviewScott L. Kastner’s
War and Peace in the Taiwan Strait is a standout, combining deep area-studies knowledge with crystal-clear application of international relations theory to advance our understanding of one of this century’s most dangerous potential flashpoints for great-power conflict. -- Thomas J. Christensen, James T. Shotwell Professor of International Relations and director of the China and the World Program, Columbia University, and former deputy assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs
Kastner offers us a way to answer one of the most pressing international security questions of our time: How likely is war in the Taiwan Strait—and, in turn, the risk of conflict between the United States and China? Drawing together insights from international relations theory and deep knowledge of the case, Kastner gives us a valuable map to navigate these dangerous waters. -- Jacques deLisle, Stephen A. Cozen Professor of Law, University of Pennsylvania
Taiwan is Asia’s most critical flashpoint and the one issue over which a major war between China and the United States could erupt. With analytical clarity and precision, Kastner deftly assesses the pathways to armed conflict across the strait, showing how a war might break out and how such an outcome might be avoided. Anyone interested in the future of peace and stability in Asia should read this book—an important, timely, and significant contribution. -- M. Taylor Fravel, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The cogency of Kastner’s arguments lies partly in the neutrality of his approach. No ethical stance is presented here – Kastner is not concerned with assigning culpability for the cross-strait standoff. * Taipei Times *
A masterful analysis. * Book Addiction *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
List of Abbreviations
Introduction: Rumors of War in the Taiwan Strait
Part I: Past and Future Trends in Cross-Strait Relations1. Economic Integration Across the Taiwan Strait
2. The Shifting Balance of Military Power in the Taiwan Strait
3. The U.S. Commitment to Taiwan
4. Domestic Dynamics in China and Taiwan
Part II: Assessing the Prospects for Conflict and Peace5. Modeling Cross-Strait Relations
6. The Problem of Taiwan Revisionism
7. The Problem of PRC Revisionism
Conclusion: The Most Dangerous Place on Earth?
Notes
References
Index
