What If America's National Interest Is Different From Ours?
By | Kolas Yotaka
After winning the election, Donald Trump announced his intentions, citing U.S. national security interests, to "take back" the Panama Canal and "buy" Greenland. These positions clearly conflict with the national interests of Panama and Denmark.
Are the national interests of the United States aligned with those of Taiwan? When they are, what should Taiwan do? When they are not, how should we handle it?
"It's crucial for us that the United States is our main ally. Without their support, we would have a hard time—a really hard time. We constantly monitor the situation in the U.S. because we worry about mixed messages. If there’s a shift in the political landscape in Congress, it could seriously impact the support for Ukraine." (Ukrainian President Zelensky, 2022)
A month into the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with sirens ringing out in Kyiv and photos of the fallen hanging in the plaza in front of St. Sofia Cathedral, Zelensky purposefully chose to give an interview to an American media outlet. His goal was to convey a crucial message to the American people: we are fighting for you, and U.S. support for Ukraine must not waver.
Given the threat posed by hostile neighbors, Ukraine’s need for U.S. assistance is just as vital as Taiwan’s reliance on American support. With the results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, former President Donald Trump will return to office. This time, Trump's public stance on Ukraine and Taiwan is different from what it was during his first term. He has stated that he will cut aid to Ukraine and will not send troops to defend Taiwan.
President-elect Donald Trump made several references to Taiwan during his campaign, and most of his remarks did not sit well with the Taiwanese public. The troubling comments stood in sharp contrast to the perception that Taiwanese people had of him during his first term. Whether he was saying that “Taiwan stole our chip business,” suggesting that “Taiwan should pay for defense,” or failing to clearly state whether he would defend Taiwan if China sent troops there—only mentioning that the U.S. would impose a 100% tariff on China if it “goes into" Taiwan—these mixed messages became talking points used by the opposition party in Taiwan to mock the ruling party. John Bolton, Trump’s national security adviser during his first term, wrote in his book that Trump once compared Taiwan to the tip of a ballpoint pen to illustrate how insignificant it was next to China, which he likened to the size of the desk in the Oval Office. I had the chance to speak with Bolton in person, and he confirmed that the story was true.
Trump highlighted China as a geopolitical threat to the U.S. during his first term, and his successor, President Joe Biden, largely maintained that focus. But Biden tended to be less volatile and more predictable than Trump. He has stated that the U.S. and China are in an "extreme competition" and that China poses the "most significant threat and challenge" to the U.S. Regardless of political affiliation, be it Republican or Democrat, the priorities of U.S. diplomacy, defense, budgeting, and decision-making center around what is deemed in the "national interest.”
What is the "national interest" of the United States? The concept of "national interest" has varied among successive U.S. presidents. If we look back over the past 80 years, from the end of World War II to the post-Cold War era, all U.S. presidents—except for John F. Kennedy—formulated national security strategies. Kennedy believed that the government should be dynamic and flexible, avoiding a rigid "framework," which is why no national strategic plan was established during his administration. As a result, it was often seen as reacting too frequently to international events or crises rather than taking a proactive approach.
While each president has taken different actions in response to various international situations, the overall "national interests" of the United States generally align with the following definitions:
The safety of the nation and its people, the preservation of constitutional institutions and values, and the creation of an international environment that fosters U.S. prosperity.
Regardless of which party is in power or in the opposition, there must be a fundamental consensus on the "national interest" for the government to create a "national security strategy" that reflects this interest. This approach helps the U.S. government and its people effectively and systematically address various threats and crises. The primary purpose of a "national security strategy" grounded in the "national interest" is to aid the government in policy-making. This means that no matter which party is in power, the interests of the party or the personal political ideologies of the president should not overshadow the national interest. This ensures the protection of national interests, the safety of the people, the preservation of democracy and constitutional governance, and the creation of an international environment conducive to U.S. prosperity.
So the next question we must ask is: If the national interest of the United States is "the safety of the nation and its people, the preservation of its constitutional institutions and values, and the creation of an international environment conducive to U.S. prosperity," then what is the national interest of the Republic of China/Taiwan?
The Competition Between National Identity and National Interest
Since the direct presidential elections began in 1996, the government has needed to engage in dialogue with the people to secure votes. However, with the onset of presidential elections, the issue of "unification and independence,” deeply tied to questions of national identity, has consistently been leveraged as a political tool for mobilization. This has caused us to neglect discussions about the national interest for far too long. Simply accusing the other party of being "Taiwanese," "mainlanders," "independence activists," or "communist sympathizers" has become the predictable strategy in election after election. The goal of political debate has become focused solely on gaining power, often sacrificing the pursuit of consensus on the national interest.
As a result, for nearly 30 years, meaningful discussion about the national interest has been scarce in Taiwanese civil society. Government officials, from the President down, often lack a clear strategy for effectively allocating time and public resources. Instead, they focus on minor issues, which prevents them from reaching a meaningful consensus on urgent national priorities. This has led to significant disagreements over national security policy among the various political parties, creating a state of gridlock.
Should the defense budget be increased? Some argue that raising the defense budget signals hostility toward China and heightens the risk of conflict. Others believe that only by expanding the budget can we enhance military readiness and prevent war through deterrence. Should military service be extended? Some argue that extending service amounts to a declaration of war against China, while others believe that being well-prepared is essential for dealing with a hostile neighbor and protecting the safety of people’s lives and property.
For example, when China suddenly deployed a large number of warships in the waters east of Taiwan, it was clear that its stance had changed from what it was 30 years ago. China is now ramping up military exercises around Taiwan, routinely crossing the median line of the Strait, and effectively surrounding Taiwan at sea. In the face of these aggressive threats, politicians from different factions in Taiwan continue to offer vastly different interpretations, deepening existing disagreements.
During Trump's reelection campaign, when he accused Taiwan of "stealing" U.S. chips and suggested it should pay "protection money," commentators on TV news talk shows were polarized on the issue. They struggled to frame the debate in terms of "national interest," instead focusing on "identity" and accusing one another of "selling out Taiwan.”
In another instance, when President Lai said that the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, and that Taiwan is not part of China, in my opinion, the president made such a statement based on the existing Constitution of the Republic of China. It is only natural to declare it. But politicians from different camps continue to hold varying views on the sovereignty and governance of the "Republic of China," resulting in heated confrontations in the legislature that can be quite embarrassing for outsiders to witness.
All of these outcomes lead to a situation where, when a significant crisis arises, whoever is in power has to assess and respond to it from scratch. Sometimes they do too much, sometimes they do too little, and sometimes they seem simply at a loss for what to do.
What is the "national interest" of the Republic of China/Taiwan? If successive governments cannot clearly communicate to the people what our "national interest" is, then different factions will simply adopt the views of other countries and impose them on Taiwan. Some may equate China’s national interests with Taiwan’s, while others may consider Taiwan’s interests to be the same as those of the United States. Due to years of neglect in thinking about what "national interest" truly means, we risk surrendering our rights as a sovereign nation, turning our country into a battleground for larger powers’ rivalries.
"We are fighting for the entire world, and we are fully aware of what we are up against. American society should share this understanding to ensure that support for Ukraine remains steadfast and to recognize that we are also fighting on their behalf." (Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, 2022)
As a sovereign and independent nation, Ukraine has its own national interests, with the foremost being the "protection of national sovereignty and an independent government chosen by the people of Ukraine." (National Interests Magazine, July 16, 2024) Any negotiations must take place without compromising Ukraine's sovereignty.
The U.S. national interest involves preventing Russia from using nuclear weapons and avoiding a strengthened alliance between Russia and China, which could pose a greater threat to the Western world and, ultimately, to America's economy and power. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy understands the differences and similarities between Ukraine's and America's national interests. Therefore, after Trump's reelection in 2024, and considering Ukraine's national interests, Ukraine quickly adjusted its national security strategy. After over two years of conflict with Russia, Zelenskyy chose to engage with Trump, recognizing that greater challenges lay ahead. Only by knowing each other and understanding America's national interests can Ukraine find the right way to cooperate with the U.S. in the fight against Russia.
Russia also has its own "national interests." For years, Putin has referred to Ukraine as a "nonexistent country," justifying the invasion of Ukraine by claiming that “no one can harm Russia’s national interests.” This rationale has led to the occupation of Ukrainian territory, manipulation of Ukrainian presidential elections to install pro-Russian leaders, the 2014 invasion of Crimea, and the outbreak of all-out war against Ukraine in 2022, making conflict a daily reality. The spaces for people’s activities have dwindled to cold subway stations, basements, and bomb shelters lacking heat and electricity.
"That is the key rhetoric they use to justify their invasion. They must convince their people, locking them in an information bubble, claiming that Ukrainians do not exist, that they are just a small, insignificant group in a remote border area, that they have no language, no heritage, no history—nothing at all. They say that we were originally part of Russia and that we separated only because of the collapse of the Soviet Union, and insist that the separation is only temporary." (Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, 2022)
When political leaders stop seeing "people" as "people," that's when the most tragic and inhumane wars happen.
"Warfare changes our way of life, creating a completely different state of existence. This state forces us to choose between preserving our human dignity or becoming animals, terrorists, plunderers, or abusers. I have seen it all; we have witnessed the atrocities of the Russian invasion." (Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, 2022)
Noble souls have been reduced to ugly beasts.
"They are trying to control us through starvation and cutting off water and electricity. If you’re not God and you do this, then what does that make you? You’re just a barbarian. Kremlin officials should think carefully about what they want to be. Do they want to be barbarians, lunatics?” (Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, 2022)
The outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election will have a significant impact on the global geopolitical landscape, but one thing will remain constant: in relation to Ukraine and Taiwan, the U.S. will continue to prioritize its own national interests.
Identify National Interests and Safeguard National Security
What are Taiwan's national interests, and how do they differ from those of the United States under Trump's leadership? How should the two sides cooperate without ignoring the expectations of all sectors for peace in the Taiwan Strait? This is not just the responsibility of the ruling party; it is a question that leaders from all parties must address together. Taiwan is a democratic country where political parties change, but only by putting an end to fruitless debates over "national identity" and internal conflicts can political parties reach a consensus on national interests and truly find solutions for the people of Taiwan.
By the time you read this article, Volodymyr will have returned to the battlefield. Before he left campus, I thanked him for walking with me. As this year’s course wrapped up, I headed back to Taiwan while he went home to Ukraine. We hugged goodbye, and I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d have another chance to walk with this Ukrainian friend by the Charles River. Still, we both believe that as long as we can live as human beings, keep our dignity, and hold on to our spirit, there’s a lot to look forward to in the future.
Are the national interests of the United States aligned with those of Taiwan? When they are, what should Taiwan do? When they are not, how should we handle it?
"It's crucial for us that the United States is our main ally. Without their support, we would have a hard time—a really hard time. We constantly monitor the situation in the U.S. because we worry about mixed messages. If there’s a shift in the political landscape in Congress, it could seriously impact the support for Ukraine." (Ukrainian President Zelensky, 2022)
A month into the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with sirens ringing out in Kyiv and photos of the fallen hanging in the plaza in front of St. Sofia Cathedral, Zelensky purposefully chose to give an interview to an American media outlet. His goal was to convey a crucial message to the American people: we are fighting for you, and U.S. support for Ukraine must not waver.
Given the threat posed by hostile neighbors, Ukraine’s need for U.S. assistance is just as vital as Taiwan’s reliance on American support. With the results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, former President Donald Trump will return to office. This time, Trump's public stance on Ukraine and Taiwan is different from what it was during his first term. He has stated that he will cut aid to Ukraine and will not send troops to defend Taiwan.
President-elect Donald Trump made several references to Taiwan during his campaign, and most of his remarks did not sit well with the Taiwanese public. The troubling comments stood in sharp contrast to the perception that Taiwanese people had of him during his first term. Whether he was saying that “Taiwan stole our chip business,” suggesting that “Taiwan should pay for defense,” or failing to clearly state whether he would defend Taiwan if China sent troops there—only mentioning that the U.S. would impose a 100% tariff on China if it “goes into" Taiwan—these mixed messages became talking points used by the opposition party in Taiwan to mock the ruling party. John Bolton, Trump’s national security adviser during his first term, wrote in his book that Trump once compared Taiwan to the tip of a ballpoint pen to illustrate how insignificant it was next to China, which he likened to the size of the desk in the Oval Office. I had the chance to speak with Bolton in person, and he confirmed that the story was true.
Trump highlighted China as a geopolitical threat to the U.S. during his first term, and his successor, President Joe Biden, largely maintained that focus. But Biden tended to be less volatile and more predictable than Trump. He has stated that the U.S. and China are in an "extreme competition" and that China poses the "most significant threat and challenge" to the U.S. Regardless of political affiliation, be it Republican or Democrat, the priorities of U.S. diplomacy, defense, budgeting, and decision-making center around what is deemed in the "national interest.”
What is the "national interest" of the United States? The concept of "national interest" has varied among successive U.S. presidents. If we look back over the past 80 years, from the end of World War II to the post-Cold War era, all U.S. presidents—except for John F. Kennedy—formulated national security strategies. Kennedy believed that the government should be dynamic and flexible, avoiding a rigid "framework," which is why no national strategic plan was established during his administration. As a result, it was often seen as reacting too frequently to international events or crises rather than taking a proactive approach.
While each president has taken different actions in response to various international situations, the overall "national interests" of the United States generally align with the following definitions:
The safety of the nation and its people, the preservation of constitutional institutions and values, and the creation of an international environment that fosters U.S. prosperity.
Regardless of which party is in power or in the opposition, there must be a fundamental consensus on the "national interest" for the government to create a "national security strategy" that reflects this interest. This approach helps the U.S. government and its people effectively and systematically address various threats and crises. The primary purpose of a "national security strategy" grounded in the "national interest" is to aid the government in policy-making. This means that no matter which party is in power, the interests of the party or the personal political ideologies of the president should not overshadow the national interest. This ensures the protection of national interests, the safety of the people, the preservation of democracy and constitutional governance, and the creation of an international environment conducive to U.S. prosperity.
So the next question we must ask is: If the national interest of the United States is "the safety of the nation and its people, the preservation of its constitutional institutions and values, and the creation of an international environment conducive to U.S. prosperity," then what is the national interest of the Republic of China/Taiwan?
The Competition Between National Identity and National Interest
Since the direct presidential elections began in 1996, the government has needed to engage in dialogue with the people to secure votes. However, with the onset of presidential elections, the issue of "unification and independence,” deeply tied to questions of national identity, has consistently been leveraged as a political tool for mobilization. This has caused us to neglect discussions about the national interest for far too long. Simply accusing the other party of being "Taiwanese," "mainlanders," "independence activists," or "communist sympathizers" has become the predictable strategy in election after election. The goal of political debate has become focused solely on gaining power, often sacrificing the pursuit of consensus on the national interest.
As a result, for nearly 30 years, meaningful discussion about the national interest has been scarce in Taiwanese civil society. Government officials, from the President down, often lack a clear strategy for effectively allocating time and public resources. Instead, they focus on minor issues, which prevents them from reaching a meaningful consensus on urgent national priorities. This has led to significant disagreements over national security policy among the various political parties, creating a state of gridlock.
Should the defense budget be increased? Some argue that raising the defense budget signals hostility toward China and heightens the risk of conflict. Others believe that only by expanding the budget can we enhance military readiness and prevent war through deterrence. Should military service be extended? Some argue that extending service amounts to a declaration of war against China, while others believe that being well-prepared is essential for dealing with a hostile neighbor and protecting the safety of people’s lives and property.
For example, when China suddenly deployed a large number of warships in the waters east of Taiwan, it was clear that its stance had changed from what it was 30 years ago. China is now ramping up military exercises around Taiwan, routinely crossing the median line of the Strait, and effectively surrounding Taiwan at sea. In the face of these aggressive threats, politicians from different factions in Taiwan continue to offer vastly different interpretations, deepening existing disagreements.
During Trump's reelection campaign, when he accused Taiwan of "stealing" U.S. chips and suggested it should pay "protection money," commentators on TV news talk shows were polarized on the issue. They struggled to frame the debate in terms of "national interest," instead focusing on "identity" and accusing one another of "selling out Taiwan.”
In another instance, when President Lai said that the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, and that Taiwan is not part of China, in my opinion, the president made such a statement based on the existing Constitution of the Republic of China. It is only natural to declare it. But politicians from different camps continue to hold varying views on the sovereignty and governance of the "Republic of China," resulting in heated confrontations in the legislature that can be quite embarrassing for outsiders to witness.
All of these outcomes lead to a situation where, when a significant crisis arises, whoever is in power has to assess and respond to it from scratch. Sometimes they do too much, sometimes they do too little, and sometimes they seem simply at a loss for what to do.
What is the "national interest" of the Republic of China/Taiwan? If successive governments cannot clearly communicate to the people what our "national interest" is, then different factions will simply adopt the views of other countries and impose them on Taiwan. Some may equate China’s national interests with Taiwan’s, while others may consider Taiwan’s interests to be the same as those of the United States. Due to years of neglect in thinking about what "national interest" truly means, we risk surrendering our rights as a sovereign nation, turning our country into a battleground for larger powers’ rivalries.
"We are fighting for the entire world, and we are fully aware of what we are up against. American society should share this understanding to ensure that support for Ukraine remains steadfast and to recognize that we are also fighting on their behalf." (Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, 2022)
As a sovereign and independent nation, Ukraine has its own national interests, with the foremost being the "protection of national sovereignty and an independent government chosen by the people of Ukraine." (National Interests Magazine, July 16, 2024) Any negotiations must take place without compromising Ukraine's sovereignty.
The U.S. national interest involves preventing Russia from using nuclear weapons and avoiding a strengthened alliance between Russia and China, which could pose a greater threat to the Western world and, ultimately, to America's economy and power. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy understands the differences and similarities between Ukraine's and America's national interests. Therefore, after Trump's reelection in 2024, and considering Ukraine's national interests, Ukraine quickly adjusted its national security strategy. After over two years of conflict with Russia, Zelenskyy chose to engage with Trump, recognizing that greater challenges lay ahead. Only by knowing each other and understanding America's national interests can Ukraine find the right way to cooperate with the U.S. in the fight against Russia.
Russia also has its own "national interests." For years, Putin has referred to Ukraine as a "nonexistent country," justifying the invasion of Ukraine by claiming that “no one can harm Russia’s national interests.” This rationale has led to the occupation of Ukrainian territory, manipulation of Ukrainian presidential elections to install pro-Russian leaders, the 2014 invasion of Crimea, and the outbreak of all-out war against Ukraine in 2022, making conflict a daily reality. The spaces for people’s activities have dwindled to cold subway stations, basements, and bomb shelters lacking heat and electricity.
"That is the key rhetoric they use to justify their invasion. They must convince their people, locking them in an information bubble, claiming that Ukrainians do not exist, that they are just a small, insignificant group in a remote border area, that they have no language, no heritage, no history—nothing at all. They say that we were originally part of Russia and that we separated only because of the collapse of the Soviet Union, and insist that the separation is only temporary." (Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, 2022)
When political leaders stop seeing "people" as "people," that's when the most tragic and inhumane wars happen.
"Warfare changes our way of life, creating a completely different state of existence. This state forces us to choose between preserving our human dignity or becoming animals, terrorists, plunderers, or abusers. I have seen it all; we have witnessed the atrocities of the Russian invasion." (Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, 2022)
Noble souls have been reduced to ugly beasts.
"They are trying to control us through starvation and cutting off water and electricity. If you’re not God and you do this, then what does that make you? You’re just a barbarian. Kremlin officials should think carefully about what they want to be. Do they want to be barbarians, lunatics?” (Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, 2022)
The outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election will have a significant impact on the global geopolitical landscape, but one thing will remain constant: in relation to Ukraine and Taiwan, the U.S. will continue to prioritize its own national interests.
Identify National Interests and Safeguard National Security
What are Taiwan's national interests, and how do they differ from those of the United States under Trump's leadership? How should the two sides cooperate without ignoring the expectations of all sectors for peace in the Taiwan Strait? This is not just the responsibility of the ruling party; it is a question that leaders from all parties must address together. Taiwan is a democratic country where political parties change, but only by putting an end to fruitless debates over "national identity" and internal conflicts can political parties reach a consensus on national interests and truly find solutions for the people of Taiwan.
By the time you read this article, Volodymyr will have returned to the battlefield. Before he left campus, I thanked him for walking with me. As this year’s course wrapped up, I headed back to Taiwan while he went home to Ukraine. We hugged goodbye, and I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d have another chance to walk with this Ukrainian friend by the Charles River. Still, we both believe that as long as we can live as human beings, keep our dignity, and hold on to our spirit, there’s a lot to look forward to in the future.