Commentary

The Taiwan Relations Act Turns 40, So What Now?

April 10 marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). At the time of its passage in 1979, the law was an emergency consolation prize created by the U.S. Congress for the Republic of...

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The Taiwan Relations Act at 40: Reaching a New Optimal Equilibrium in U.S.-Taiwan Policy

The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA)—passed by the U.S. Congress in 1979—has provided an enduring framework for U.S.-Taiwan relations. This remarkable legislation mandated special American obligations and commitments to Taiwan that have helped to preserve peace and stability in the...

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The Taiwan Relations Act at 40: New Dynamics of an Enduring Framework

The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) was enacted in 1979 to “to solve an unprecedented diplomatic problem: How to continue U.S. substantive relations with the people on Taiwan even though the U.S. government terminated diplomatic relations with the government in...

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Can the Taiwan Relations Act Thrive in an Era of America First?

The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) is rightly lauded as one of the most durable and effective laws governing foreign policy in U.S. history. For 40 years, the TRA has helped stabilize Washington’s relations with Taiwan and with the People’s...

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Thoughts on the Past, Present, and Future of the Taiwan Relations Act

As nearly all supporters of Taiwan agree, the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) is a fine document. Those of us who were in Washington when members of Congress, State Department officials, and administration personnel were trying to craft the legislation...

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The Taiwan Relations Act at 40: Political Entrenchment of Foreign Policy through Law

Although the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and the policies it declares and underpins consistently offend China, the TRA has been a durable and fundamental pillar of Taiwan’s security for 40 years. It has helped foster stability in U.S. policy...

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Who Gets Access? The Flap over White House Security Clearances

Earlier this week, The New York Times reported that a “whistle-blower” working inside the White House’s Personnel Security Office had met privately with staff from the House Oversight and Reform Committee and revealed that 25 individuals, including two current...

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The “Blue Chip” and the Little Blue Bird: Change and Continuity in NATO Policy from Nixon to Trump

The 25th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was not a cheery one. It was held in Brussels, but also occurred under the shadow of Watergate. The Alliance had just been through 1973’s agonizing “Year of Europe,” during...

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U.S. Strategy in Syria is Dangerously Adrift

After years of aerial bombardment by coalition forces and intense ground battles fought by U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, the Islamic State in Iraq & Syria (ISIS) has been ousted from every inch of territory in Syria. Although analysts are...

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Trump and Netanyahu Take the Golan Heights off the Table

The last leg of the Israeli election campaign is unfolding dramatically. The signing by President Donald Trump (25 March) of a proclamation recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over that part of the Golan Heights captured by Israel from Syria in the...

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