U.S. Officials Need to Explain the Stakes in Taiwan
“In the United States people are singularly oblivious of the close relation between peace and preparation.” –Alfred Thayer Mahan, 1912 Only 34 percent of Americans can find Taiwan on a map and they are even less aware of U.S. strategic interests there. The Chinese Communist Party leadership likely knows this. National will is critical for preventing or winning a protracted war over Taiwan. The stakes of conflict determine national resolve. “Rally around the flag” effects from initial fighting can be short-lived. Resolve falters as costs mount unless stakes are high. Government efforts to catalyze national will are essential before conflict. The post U.S. Officials Need to Explain the Stakes in Taiwan appeared first on War on the Rocks.
“In the United States people are singularly oblivious of the close relation between peace and preparation.” –Alfred Thayer Mahan, 1912 Only 34 percent of Americans can find Taiwan on a map and they are even less aware of U.S. strategic interests there. The Chinese Communist Party leadership likely knows this. National will is critical for preventing or winning a protracted war over Taiwan. The stakes of conflict determine national resolve. “Rally around the flag” effects from initial fighting can be short-lived. Resolve falters as costs mount unless stakes are high. Government efforts to catalyze national will are essential before conflict.
The post U.S. Officials Need to Explain the Stakes in Taiwan appeared first on War on the Rocks.
