War and Peace in the Taiwan Strait

by Scott L. Kastner

As tensions continue to rise between the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan, numerous analysts and officials have warned of a growing risk of military conflict, which could potentially draw in the United States. How worried should we be about a war in the Taiwan Strait?

Scott L. Kastner offers a comprehensive analytical account of PRC-Taiwan relations that 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 the risks of conflict are real but should not be exaggerated. Several distinct pathways could lead to the breakout of hostilities, and the mechanisms that might allay one type of conflict do not necessarily apply to others―yet war is anything but inevitable. Although changes to the balance of power introduce risks, powerful mitigating factors remain in place and there are plausible steps to reduce the likelihood of 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.

Genres: China, Politics

272 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2022

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a masterful analysis of every possible scenario about whether war is likely in the Taiwan Strait, although there needs to be an updated version, considering the invasion of Ukraine. Kastner studies the extremely close economic links between Taiwan and China, the history of the two countries, the importance that the Taiwanese place on freedom, and America's policy regarding Taiwan. He gives prime consideration to whether America will defend Taiwan. As he writes, the dangers of war are heating up because of China's changing views, increasing military power and the fear of an 'accident' or misinterpretation on either side.

This is a really scary book for the Taiwanese and for anyone in another country which is likely to be involved, such as Australia, but an important one. I would like to know how Kastner thinks the invasion of Ukraine will affect the CCP's thoughts about a war with Taiwan.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

EDITION Paperback

ISBN 9780231198653

PRICE $30.00 (USD)

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent discussion of the potential risks of war across the Taiwan Strait. Prof Kastner's book includes all of the needed background information for those new to the issues across the strait while presenting enough new thought and rigorous analysis to maintain the interest of an experienced observer.

[Brady Turpin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kastner's book was thorough and informative about one of the most pressing political issues of our day. There is a clear, level-headed approach to complex issues. I really appreciated how Kastner is adamant that war is not inevitable in the Taiwan Strait, but is rather just a possibility. I would recommend this for anyone interested in the subject; the conclusion is especially well done.

[Noah Candelario · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great overview and background on Taiwan. The author takes a balanced approach to Taiwan and their Cross-Strait relations. This book is a great book to start with if you are curious about Taiwan. Although I know a bit about Taiwan, this book still taught me some new things and contexts I have not considered. It seemed that this book was written for beginners on this topic, and I would have advised the author to put more pictures when discussing these topics. As for the author's brief and simple model, I would recommend the author to the reader to look more into his literature and other works of literature, etc.