Wang 1
Analytic Essay #2
Next year will mark the seventieth anniversary of a conflict with many beginnings, but
seemingly no end. The tensions between China and Taiwan are ingrained into the very fabric of
both nation's history. The matter goes beyond strategic and economic interests, but is a question
of national identity. The point of contention revolves around the independence of Taiwan from
the governing institution of mainland China, the Chinese Communist Party. This essay seeks to
explore these tensions through the lens of three basic theories: realism, liberalism, and
constructivism. It will be argued that while considerations can be given to the merit of each
perspective, ultimately, constructivism presents the most comprehensive and nuanced means of
conceptualizing the conflict.
Realism is perhaps the most straightforward theory stressing the function of power,
interests, and security in shaping state behavior. From a realist’s understanding, the context of
the conflict can be rationalized through the power dynamic. China considers Taiwan part of its
territory with strategic significance and seeks to compel unification through military and
economic means. Conversely, Taiwan aims to maintain independence and national security in the
face of China's growing power. Realists would contend that the conflict is ultimately driven by
the pursuit of power and security interests from either side. As always, there is a degree of truth
to this reading. Taiwan does possess considerable prosperity and would grant China significant
resources and infrastructure. Furthermore, Taiwan has become increasingly dependent on
China’s greatest adversary, the US, allowing troops and weapons systems to be stationed on their
soil. Given Taiwan’s proximity to Chinese cities and shipping lanes, this presents a serious
Wang 2
strategic threat. However, this fails to encompass the entirety of the threat Taiwan poses to
China. Conversely, while Taiwan’s desire for independence no doubt stems from material
concerns, social and ideological factors must also be acknowledged.
In contrast, liberalism emphasizes the significance of institutions, norms, and cooperation
in shaping international relations. From a liberal perspective, the conflict between China and
Taiwan can be understood as a consequence of failing norms and institutions to steer the course
of the relationship. Liberals would argue the resolution lies in greater institutionalization and
cooperation, the likes of joint economic and security arrangements. However, this perspective
too neglects the underlying identity-based factors that drive the conflict, as well as the power
disparity in the dynamic.
Lastly, constructivism portrays the role of ideas, norms, and identities in shaping state
behavior. From a constructivist’s vantage, the conflict can be read as a battle for Chinese identity
and legitimacy. From the perspective of the CCP, Taiwan is a renegade territory that threatens
their military and political stability. Both parties claim to be the sole heir to the Chinese empire
which undermines the legitimacy of the CCP. This is further exacerbated by Taiwan’s prosperity
and ideological differences which can be seen as a threat to political stability in mainland China.
On the other hand, Taiwan perceives itself as a distinct and separate entity with its own national
identity. China is far and away the greater of the two in terms of military, economic, and political
capabilities. Additionally, the CCP has a very poor record of respecting the autonomy of states
under its control. In recent history, the CCP voted to override the autonomy of Hong Kong on
national security despite having made promises not to in international agreements. These factors
present China as an ever imminent threat to Taiwan with little recourse for negotiation. In their
own way, each side presents an existential threat to the other.
Wang 3
Ultimately, the conflict between China and Taiwan is a deep seated and multifaceted
affair that must be appreciated through a number of lenses. While each of these theories permit
meaningful insights into the nature of the conflict, it is constructivism that frames the conflict in
the most pertinent and convincing context. Constructivism recognizes the significance of power
and interests alongside that of ideas, norms, and identities in shaping state behavior.
Constructivism further addresses the contestation over national identity and legitimacy as the
true source of the entrenched nature of the issue. Moreover, constructivism incorporates the
manner in which institutions and ideology influenced the two identities.
Sources:
Frieden, Jeffry A., David A. Lake, and Kenneth A. Schultz. "Chapter 3: International
Relations Theories." In World Politics: Interests, Interactions, Institutions, Fifth Edition,
80-120. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2015.
Zhu, Zhiqun. "China-Taiwan Relations: A Constructivist Realist Interpretation." Journal
of Contemporary China 19, no. 65 (2010): 735-49.