Deterrence Theory in International Relations: American Deterrence of Chinese Efforts to Annex Taiwan (case study)

Abstract

Deterrence theory as a whole is a dynamic, integrated process whose formulation is intertwined with multiple motives and objectives, taking political, economic, military, and cultural forms. States have historically practiced this strategy to prevent one party  from threatening the interests of another. They relied primarily on military deterrence and, at times, on economic deterrence. With the development of political systems and the diversification of deterrence methods and tools, major powers have sought to impose their hegemony over the international system through force and deterrence. This study addresses deterrence theory in international relations, highlighting the U.S. deterrence strategy regarding China’s ongoing efforts to annex Taiwan, a territory of geostrategic importance to both countries. The study reached several conclusions, the most prominent being that the U.S. has faced, and continues to face, great difficulty in implementing a deterrence strategy toward China, which pursues a precise, well-calculated approach based 
on its supreme national interests and substantial capabilities to confront American deterrence. This renders the U.S. ability to deter China limited, with its measures applied with extreme caution.