Wajeeha Najam
The nature of international relations, as understood through the lens of realist theory, is fundamentally shaped by the principle that states operate in an anarchic international system where there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies, only permanent interests. Realism posits that the primary objective of states is to ensure their survival by maximizing their power relative to others. This leads to a dynamic and ever-changing landscape of alliances and rivalries, contingent upon the strategic interests of states. The historical trajectory of US relations with Taiwan exemplifies this realist principle, illustrating how strategic interests can lead to the formation and dissolution of alliances based on the shifting balance of power.
Rooted in the writings of Thucydides, Machiavelli, and Hobbes, realism emphasizes that international politics is driven by an unrelenting quest for power in an environment where no central authority exists to enforce order. This anarchic nature of the international system compels states to prioritize their security and interests above all else. The absence of a global government means that states must rely on their capabilities and strategic alliances to navigate the complexities of international relations. This realist view underscores the transient nature of friendships and enmities among states, as they continuously reassess their positions to protect and enhance their power.
The case of US relations with Taiwan offers a compelling historical example of realist dynamics. During World War II and its immediate aftermath, the United States and the Republic of China (ROC), under the leadership of Chiang Kai-shek, were allies against the Axis powers and later against the spread of communism in Asia. However, the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949) resulted in the victory of the Communist Party of China (CPC) led by Mao Zedong and the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1949. The ROC government retreated to Taiwan, maintaining its claim as the legitimate government of all China.
In the early years following the establishment of the PRC, the United States continued to recognize the ROC as the legitimate government of China. This recognition was driven by the strategic imperative to contain the spread of communism during the Cold War. Taiwan, under the ROC, became a critical ally in the US strategy to counterbalance communist influence in Asia. The US provided military and economic support to Taiwan, ensuring it remained a viable counterforce to the PRC.
However, as the geopolitical landscape evolved, so did the US approach to China and Taiwan. The 1970s marked a significant shift in US foreign policy with the realization that engaging the PRC could serve broader strategic interests, particularly in the context of the Sino-Soviet split. The rivalry between the Soviet Union and China allowed the United States to realign its alliances to exploit this division within the communist bloc. President Richard Nixon’s historic visit to China in 1972 and the subsequent normalization of relations between the US and the PRC in 1979 were pivotal moments in this strategic realignment.
The normalization of US-PRC relations in 1979 required a recalibration of US policy towards Taiwan. The US officially switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing, acknowledging the PRC as the legitimate government of China. This shift was not a repudiation of Taiwan but rather a strategic decision driven by the broader objective of countering Soviet influence by improving relations with China. The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) of 1979 was enacted by the US Congress to manage this complex transition. The TRA ensures that the US maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan and provides it with defensive arms, signaling continued, albeit adjusted, support for Taiwan’s security.
This period underscores the realist principle that alliances are fluid and subject to the exigencies of strategic interests. The US decision to engage with the PRC, despite its longstanding partnership with Taiwan, exemplifies how states prioritize their broader strategic objectives over historical alliances. The shift was driven by the imperative to strengthen the US position in the global balance of power, particularly vis-à-vis the Soviet Union.
In the decades following the normalization of relations with the PRC, US policy towards Taiwan has continued to reflect realist principles. The rise of China as a global power and its increasingly assertive posture in the Asia-Pacific region have led to a renewed emphasis on the strategic importance of Taiwan. The US has responded by enhancing its support for Taiwan, viewing it as a critical element in maintaining a balance of power in the region. This support includes substantial arms sales, military cooperation, and diplomatic backing, aimed at bolstering Taiwan’s defense capabilities and deterring potential aggression from the PRC.
The evolving US-Taiwan relationship demonstrates the realist dictum that the enemy of my enemy is my friend. As China’s power and influence have grown, the strategic value of Taiwan as a counterbalance to China has increased. The US support for Taiwan is thus driven not by ideological affinity or historical ties, but by the pragmatic calculation that a strong and secure Taiwan serves US interests in countering Chinese expansion and maintaining regional stability.
Moreover, the US approach to Taiwan is also shaped by the broader strategic objective of upholding a rules-based international order. The US has a vested interest in ensuring that the status of Taiwan is determined peacefully and by international norms. This stance is not just about supporting Taiwan, but also about signaling to other regional actors that the US is committed to maintaining stability and order in the Asia-Pacific.
The realist perspective also highlights the inherent tensions and complexities in the US-Taiwan-China triangle. While the US supports Taiwan’s security, it must also manage its broader relationship with China, a key economic partner and a major global power. This balancing act requires a nuanced and flexible approach, reflecting the realist understanding that international relations are characterized by shifting alliances and competing interests.
The case of US relations with Taiwan represents the core belief of realist theory in international relations, where state behavior is driven by strategic interests within an anarchic global system. This dynamic illustrates the fluid nature of alliances and rivalries, as states continuously reassess their positions to maximize power and ensure security. The historical shifts in US policy towards Taiwan, from unwavering support during the Cold War to the strategic realignment with China in the 1970s, and the recent renewed emphasis on Taiwan’s strategic importance amid China’s rise, underscore the pragmatism inherent in realist thought. This approach reflects the ongoing necessity for states to adapt to changing power structures and geopolitical realities, emphasizing that, in international relations, the pursuit of power and security remains paramount, with alliances serving as flexible instruments to achieve these ends. As global power dynamics continue to evolve, the US-Taiwan relationship will likely remain a salient example of how realist principles shape state behavior and international alliances in pursuit of enduring strategic interests.
The author is a Research Officer at the Rabita Forum International (RFI).
