RETHINKING THE TRIANGLE: WASHINGTON-BEIJING-TAIPEI

"Relations between China and the United States are widely seen as likely to determine the course of the 21st century and, as in the past, how these relations develop will depend in great measure on the Taiwan factor. Three-way games of one-upmanship between Beijing, Taipei, and Washington may finally be yielding to a more virtuous geometry. Sometimes an improvement in relations between two of the parties now clearly benefits rather than menaces the third and is so perceived. But instability remains a real and dangerous possibility. Rethinking the Triangle is a thoughtful explanation of the changing dynamics of Beijing-Taipei-Washington relations and a timely exploration of what might be done to realize the potential for mutual benefit rather than injury in future interactions between various combinations of the three."

"In Rethinking the Triangle Brantly Womack cogently lays out the case for a fresh approach to the Washington-Beijing-Taipei triangle. Insightful scholar and historian that he is, Womack conveys a most timely set of suggestions to decision makers in Washington, Beijing, and Taipei. In a sense, he brings the conflicting views to mediation, reconciling many of the varied interests to be found in each capital. The unique merit of the book, is that it provides concrete, actionable ideas for a constructive way ahead for the evolving status of Taiwan."