The Unstable Strait: How the United States has Ineffectively Managed U.S. - Taiwan - China Relations

Abstract

This thesis will focus on how the United States' diplomatic traditions have harmed its ability to effectively execute foreign policy in East Asia, most particularly in regards to Taiwan. Taiwan serves as an optimal case study for this tradition; indeed, many strenuous moments from the past 35 years of Sino-American relations have had Taiwan as their focus. The first section of the thesis will involve the establishment of foreign policy traditions between China and the U.S., from the first communications in the Nixon presidency until the passing of the Taiwan Relations Act. The second section will hone in on the United States' utilization of strategic ambiguity as a staple for its policies with China and Taiwan; how it has been implemented, and why it is so difficult to escape from now as an approach to policy in this region.