A policy memo is designed as a real-world, real-time exercise in providing policy analysis and prescription (1000 words). A policy memo should be from someone, to someone, and have a date. The memo should reflect what the author and recipient knew at the time, not events or information that is only revealed subsequently. A policy memo should:
• Outline the policy issue in question;
• Consider options that were or could have been taken;
• Reach a judgment about the costs and benefits of different policy choices.
• It should also make a recommendation.
In this assignment, you must apply concepts from this course to address a real-world policy challenge. This paper is not a research paper or analytic essay; rather, it is a policy document for a hypothetical policymaker. There is some room to be creative with regards to who is your intended audience. But it is important to spend some time putting yourself in the shoes of that policymaker and thinking about what their goals and priorities are.
Policy memo: Write a memo on whether the United States should reach a deal or make concessions to China with respect to Taiwan. Be clear on what these concessions might be and the effects of doing so, both on Taiwan and China.
Additional Reading
Richard Bush, “A One-China Policy Primer,” The Brookings Institution, March 2017.
Susan Lawrence and Wayne Morrison, Taiwan: Issues for Congress. Congressional Research Service, October 30, 2017
John Mearsheimer, “Say Goodbye to Taiwan,” The National Interest March/April 2014
Alan Romberg, “Cross-Strait Relations: Skepticism Abounds,” China Leadership Monitor (Fall 2017)
Isaac Stone Fish, “Asia’s Other Nightmare Scenario,” Slate October 4, 2017
Two very different views of the US commitment are Richard Bush, “The United States Security Partnership with Taiwan”, The Brookings Institution
Eric Gomez, “A Costly Commitment Options for the Future of the U.S.-Taiwan Defense Relationship,” CATO Institute Policy Analysis, September 2016
Reuters, “China angered as U.S. considers navy visits to Taiwan,” December 27, 2017
Sample Solution