The Strategic Importance of Taiwan to the United States and Its Allies: Part One

Authors

Luke P. Bellocchi

Abstract

This article presents four factors to consider in evaluating Taiwan’s strategic importance to the United States and its allies and answers a question often raised at forums concerning the Indo-Pacific: “Why should the United States care” about this small island in the Pacific? The response often given is simply US credibility, and while this is an important factor, this article reviews a wider array of possible factors to consider when answering that question. The study of these factors should assist US military and policy practitioners in accurately evaluating the related strategic environment. Through a survey of official US policy statements and strategy documents across administrations, part two of this article (to be featured in a future issue) will examine the evolving US perception of Taiwan throughout the aggressive strengthening of China and during Taiwan’s domestic political development into a full-fledged democracy.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.55540/0031-1723.3223

Recommended Citation

Luke P. Bellocchi, "The Strategic Importance of Taiwan to the United States and Its Allies: Part One," Parameters 53, no. 2 (2023), doi:10.55540/0031-1723.3223.