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The Debate on US Taiwan Policy

Does an increasingly aggressive China mean the United States should maintain its posture of strategic ambiguity or adopt strategic clarity?
Ships in the Taiwan Strait Play Podcast
REUTERS

For decades, American foreign policy on Taiwan has been rooted in strategic ambiguity—policy shorthand implying the US would militarily defend Taiwan from China without actually making an official commitment. After China’s President Xi Jinping’s call for “reunification” with Taiwan and record military presence near the island, is it time to rethink this approach? Rand Corporation’s Michael Mazarr and the US Navy's Commander Michele Lowe join Deep Dish to explore the options in a constructive debate on the benefits—and costs—of a shift in policy.

This episode originally aired on March 25, 2021.

About the Experts
Senior Political Scientist, Rand Corporation
Michael J. Mazarr
Senior Political Scientist, Rand Corporation
Michael J. Mazarr
Michele Lowe
Former US Navy Federal Executive Fellow
Council expert Michele Lowe
Michele Lowe is the former US Navy Federal Executive Fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. She's served onboard two destroyers, holds degrees in physics and international relations, spent nearly ten years at sea, earned multiple military decorations, and planned and executed the first Marine Expeditionary Force at-sea exercise Dawn Blitz.
Council expert Michele Lowe
Brian Hanson
Former Vice President, Studies
Brian Hanson headshot
Brian Hanson served as the vice president of studies at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. He managed the Council's research operations and hosted the Council's weekly podcast, Deep Dish on Global Affairs.
Brian Hanson headshot

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