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.