– The purpose of this paper is to explore how the USA seeks to promote its interests in peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait in the context of Taiwan’s unique political status and its democratic system.
– A narrative analysis examines the recent history of Taiwan’s democratic development and USA responses to it.
– The USA has responded in various ways to the dilemma of respecting the outcomes of elections in friendly democracies while protecting its own interests in peace and security. This was easy during the Ma Ying-jeou administration (2008-2016) but it is likely to become more difficult following Taiwan’s presidential election in January 2016.
– This study draws on personal experience and an in-depth understanding of Taiwan politics and US diplomacy.
