NWC Issues in National Security, Lecture 4 "Issues Related to Taiwan”

This lecture took place on December 12, 2023.

From Professor Dutton:
Since before the end of World War II, US policy concerning the status of Taiwan and its government has shifted along with shifts in the global security dynamics. These policy shifts have left us with challenging international law issues that remain just below the surface of US-China-Taiwan relations. Now, with the People's Republic of China's increased military and economic clout, Chinese leader Xi Jinping's increased pressure on Taiwan to unite with the mainland, and a consequential election in Taiwan next month, the year 2024 may be another one of those strategic turning points. This lecture will trace the history of US policy concerning Taiwan from World War II to the present, including what pressures led to policy shifts, and consider whether the time is ripe for another shift in US policy concerning our relations with and the status of Taiwan.

About the Speaker: Professor Peter Dutton
Peter Dutton is professor of international law in the Stockton Center for International Law. He served formerly as interim dean, Center for Naval Warfare Studies, and as director of the China Maritime Studies Institute. His research focuses on international law of the sea, Chinese views of sovereignty and international law, and China’s maritime expansion. A retired Navy Judge Advocate and former Naval Flight Officer, he holds a Ph.D. from King’s College London, a J.D. from the College of William & Mary, an M.A. from the U.S. Naval War College, and a B.S. from Boston University. He is an adjunct professor at NYU School of Law, and a faculty advisor to NYU’s U.S.-Asia Law Institute.

The views presented by the faculty do not reflect official positions of the Naval War College, DON or DOD.