Regulations and Practices of US-Taiwan Diplomatic Relations

Abstract:

Which factors and phenomena explain adjustments to diplomatic relations between the United States and Taiwan? While formally unofficial, this diplomatic relationship has exhibited over forty years of near-constant change and fluidity, specifically in its day-to-day realities, procedural regulations, and de facto engagement. Through analysis of interviews with current and former diplomats involved in US-Taiwan relations, I find that the most influential factors dictating change for the US side are national interests and the status of Taiwan's domestic politics; whereas on the Taiwan side, considerations of bureaucratic logistics and timing dominate, with more mixed results on the importance of political factors such as Taiwanese and Chinese political activity.