Should the U.S. Defend Taiwan? | Interview: Dan Negrea and Matthew Kroenig
Mar 18, 2024
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Former Trump official and national security expert discuss the US-Taiwan relationship and foreign policy. Topics include China's military threats, backing Taiwan in war, FBI counterintelligence measures, conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the potential for a Trump-Reagan fusion in conservative foreign policy.
Advocates for strategic clarity in US-China policy, specifically defending Taiwan to deter conflict.
Proposes defensive strategy in Ukraine conflict, applying 'Peace Through Strength' concept for peace negotiation.
Deep dives
Rationale Behind Writing the Book and Concept of Trump-Reagan Fusion
The authors started the book as a national security strategy for the next conservative president of the United States, which evolved to include the guiding principles to analyze geostrategic challenges. They introduced the concept of a Trump-Reagan fusion to aid in their analysis. The book serves as a practical tool to address America's foreign policy challenges, incorporating historical comparisons between conservative and progressive principles.
Primary Threat from China in the Current International Landscape
The authors highlight China as the primary threat faced by the United States, emphasizing that China's capabilities surpass those of the Soviet Union. They characterize the current environment as a new Cold War, stressing the need to deter China, along with collaborating with allies to counter simultaneous threats from countries like Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Strategic Clarity in Relations with China and the Taiwan Issue
The authors advocate for a shift from strategic ambiguity to strategic clarity in the US policy towards China, specifically regarding defense of Taiwan. They emphasize the importance of deterring conflict and preventing miscalculations by China, ensuring that clear consequences are communicated to dissuade any hostile actions.
Ukraine Conflict and Foreign Policy Strategy
Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, the authors propose shifting to a defensive strategy to prevent further advancement by Russia. They suggest the US should exert pressure on both Ukraine and Russia to reach a peace agreement, emphasizing the concept of 'Peace Through Strength' to leverage offensive weapons for deterrence and negotiation purposes.
Former Trump administration official Dan Negrea and national security strategist Matt Kroenig join Jamie to discuss their book We Win, They Lose. Jamie challenges their thesis that a Trump-Regan foreign policy fusion is possible.
The Agenda:
-The current international landscape
-China’s aggressive military operations and Taiwan
-Can Americans stomach backing Taiwan in war?
-Trump’s switch on a TikTok ban
-The Biden administration’s failure to deter Russia