Field of Dreams: An Overview of the Practice and Study of Taiwan`s Foreign Policy

Abstract

Taiwan has used its stable democratic transition and consolidation as a basis upon which to build international support for its legitimate sovereign existence. In addition, Taipei has also transformed its economic power into diplomatic tools, such as foreign aid and investment policies, in an attempt to consolidate its relations with allies and friends. Moreover, in order to strengthen the island`s security, Taiwan`s foreign policy has concentrated on the island`s relations with the United States as the main means to deter China`s military threat. This survey will focus on issues related to three primary areas of Taiwan`s foreign policy endeavors-democracy, economics, and security-and explore the strengths and weaknesses of scholarly research in each issue area.