| ID | 173981 |
| Title Proper | Diversionary Behavior for Weak States |
| Other Title Information | a Case Study of Taiwan |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Yeh, Yao-Yuan ; Wu, Charles K.S |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | This paper explores the mechanisms and circumstances under which leaders in weak states adopt diversionary behavior to deal with domestic problems. We examine the case of Taiwan to see if its President, Tsai Ingwen, has adopted diversionary behavior from 2016 to the present. We found that, unlike great powers, weak-state leaders often resort to non-force tactics such as blaming foreign opponents, but the emergence of diversionary behavior is conditional on the stability of their relationship with a major power. In the case of Taiwan, Tsai adopted a more confrontational foreign policy toward China only when USA–Taiwan relations had become more stable and more favorable toward Taiwan. Future work could continue to explore the circumstances and tools unique to weak states’ diversionary behavior. |
| `In' analytical Note | Journal of Asian and African Studies Vol. 55, No.2; Mar 2020: p.221-234 |
| Journal Source | Journal of Asian and African Studies 2020-03 55, 2 |
| Key Words | Taiwan ; Diversionary Theory ; Weak State ; Tsai Ing-wen ; Foreign Policy |