The boiling point review

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has openly expressed his intention to annex Taiwan to mainland China even threatening the use of force An invasion or blockade of Taiwan by Chinese forces would be catastrophic with severe consequences for democracies worldwide In The Boiling Moat Matt Pottinger and a team of scholars and distinguished military and political leaders urgently outline practical steps for deterrence The authors stress that preventing a war is affordable than waging one and emphasize the importance of learning from recent failures in deterrence such as Russia s invasion of Ukraine The book argues that a robust military strategy is essential for countering Beijing s aggression Pottinger and his team map out a workable military strategy for Taiwan the United States Japan Australia and Europe to pursue collectively urging quick adoption to avert a devastating war The significance of Taiwan to the world economy semiconductor supply and Indo Pacific security is underscored The authors stress that preventing China s coercive annexation of Taiwan requires democracies to demonstrate not just the means but also the will to effectively resist conveying the message that a military attempt by Xi would likely lead to disastrous consequences both for China and for the international community The Boiling Moat Urgent Steps to Defend Taiwan 0817926453 Matt Pottinger former Deputy National Security Advisor to President Trump has assembled quite the collection of scholars retired soldiers and political officials to explore the challenge of defending Taiwan from a possible Chinese invasion In the Acknowledgements section Pottinger writes There isn t a talented band of China focused researchers assembled under one roof Okay The book s title The Boiling Moat comes from a Han Dynasty biography that calls for c ities along the frontier must resolutely fortify their defenses protected by metal ramparts and boiling moats they become impregnable Pottinger and his cast of writers explore how Taiwan can make itself like such a boiling moat to better deter and defend Chinese aggression His views and ideas are worth exploring because in the event of a second Trump Administration Pottinger and probably a handful of these writers could join rejoin government So what do they have to say The book is divided into different sections that outline the challenge Taiwan faces alongside what the US what Taiwan what Japan what Australia and what Europe can do to better assist Taiwan The book chapters that center on Taiwan are certainly the strongest part of the edited volume Ivan Kanapathy a former U. How did they make moats around castles S military attach and former National Security Council Director for Asia certainly brings the best policy recommendations and ideas He urges Taiwan to focus on two specific missions denying China an amphibious landing and maintaining communications with the outside world Kanapathy waves off the idea of Taiwan attempting to control air and maritime superiority rightly pointing out that islands have to be subdued by ground troops Bombing accept for nuclear weapons does not historically lead to surrender And stopping a blockade would squander too many scarce anti ship missiles Mike Hunzeker an academic and veteran of the USMC makes bold recommendations for Taiwan to change its military culture particularly its ability to quickly mobilize and to fight a protracted war He and two co authors suggest that Taiwan adopt the Israel model for mobilization and look to Estonia to imitate its civil defense organization structure The book is weakest when depending upon brand name authors a retired vice admiral in the Japanese navy a retired prime minister of Denmark retired secretary general of NATO and even Pottinger s self written chapters They provided uninspiring ideas that don t actually benefit Taiwan win Ukraine so that Russia is weak and can t invade Japan while China invades Taiwan look to Eastern European countries to encourage NATO involvement in Asia Bomb the Chinese mainland so that China will back down I can go on but I ll spare the reader I think this book project was a good faith effort to raise the prospects for protecting Taiwan and enhancing its deterrence At times the book deserves credit for proposing what should be spent what capabilities matter and what missions the militaries involved need to handle But it spends almost no time considering 1 the capability gaps that China faces to execute an invasion 2 the importance of continue to seek viable political solutions to protect Taiwan from getting invaded in the first place and 3 it features only a single Taiwan based expert 0817926453 The Most Important Book Of 2024This is quite possibly the most important book of the year I found this book by Pottinger incredibly well researched and well written The stakes are incredibly high and the threats are real I heard Matt on the Tim Ferriss podcast a couple months ago and knew I needed to get this book when it came out This is quite possibly the best book on Taiwan I have read and I have read a bunch If you are interested in ANY of the following this book should be a must read as it all intersects with Taiwan because of China Politics human rights war economics technology travel fishing the list goes on Recommended ReadingBooks that are similar to this book that I recommend checking outThe Tiger Leading the Dragon How Taiwan Propelled China s Economic RiseU. Hoover the boiling moat S Taiwan RelationsWhy Taiwan Matters Small Island Global PowerhouseThe Struggle for Taiwan A History of America China and the Island Caught BetweenThe Trouble with Taiwan History the United States and a Rising ChinaI highly recommend this book 4. Moat house book a table 9 5 0817926453 In The Boiling Moat Urgent Steps to Defend Taiwan edited by Matthew Pottinger readers are treated to a gripping exploration of one of the most pressing geopolitical issues of our time Taiwan s defense against potential aggression This volume is not just a collection of essays it s a clarion call for action infused with urgency insight and a touch of dramatic flair Pottinger a seasoned strategist with a front row seat to the intricacies of U. The boiling point review S China relations assembles a powerhouse of contributors who delve into Taiwan s strategic importance the implications of its defense and the broader regional dynamics at play Each chapter reads like a carefully crafted narrative weaving together history military strategy and political nuance The authors don t just present facts they paint a vivid picture of Taiwan as a democratic bastion in a sea of authoritarianism Pottinger and his contributors manage to distill complex military concepts into digestible insights without sacrificing depth Whether you re a policy wonk or a casual reader you ll find yourself gripped by the stakes involved in Taiwan s future Moreover the book is rich with actionable recommendations that are as audacious as they are necessary Pottinger emphasizes that the time for complacency is over the moat may be boiling but it s not too late for the international community to rally in support of Taiwan In sum The Boiling Moat is a vital read for anyone interested in global politics military strategy or the future of democracy It challenges us to consider our role in defending not just Taiwan but the principles of freedom and self determination worldwide Grab your copy and prepare to be informed engaged and inspired 0817926453 Cogent clear concise An urgent call to action 0817926453