Reappraising the debate and practice of us strategic ambiguity/clarity in cross-strait relations
Resource
The Pacific Review, 23(2), 139-162
Journal
Pacific Review
Journal Volume
23
Journal Issue
2
Pages
139-162
Date Issued
2010
Author(s)
Abstract
Abstract The US strategic ambiguity versus clarity has been a centerpiece in maintaining cross-strait stability since the 1995–96 Taiwan Strait crisis. Dialogues and debates abound regarding the relative effectiveness of discrete US policy choices. The current thaw in cross-strait relations does not forestall decisively the resurgence in the long run of the cross-strait tensions during 2000–08, rendering the strategic ambiguity/clarity still a relevant issue. This article argues that the discussions on the issue are seriously plagued by the lack of a sufficiently rigorous and commonly shared conceptualization of strategic ambiguity/clarity, and an internal logical contradiction or an inadequate practical utility as a tool to aid policy-making. To address these problems, this article seeks to clarify and elaborate on the conceptual foundation of strategic ambiguity/clarity by differentiating between two distinct analytic levels thereof, and proposing a conceptual framework for a fuller understanding of the US policy along various dimensions. It also reappraises some major issues or problems found in the existing discussions and US practice, and suggests possible solutions.
Type
journal article
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Loading...
Name
02.pdf
Size
23.44 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum
(MD5):d63b3c40a877a93cc20feb6f3e96f849