Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs
Facebook Twitter YouTube Trending Globally Podcast Instagram LinkedIn Tumblr Email list

The trouble with Taiwan

March 12, 2023

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Lyle Goldstein recently authored an essay published in the latest issue of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists titled, "The trouble with Taiwan."


What is arguably the most important bilateral relationship in the world teeters on the brink of catastrophe as the Taiwan issue threatens to precipitate a war between the two nuclear-armed superpowers of China and the United States. Beijing demonstrated its determination to pursue unification with Taiwan during August 2022 by shooting ballistic missiles over the island. Meanwhile, the Ukraine War has increased Washington’s resolve to confront perceived Chinese aggression. There are many dimensions to the unfolding crisis over Taiwan’s future status—and the wisest US policy is one of realism and restraint in order to avert a disaster of global proportions.

READ THE FULL ESSAY >