Research Centers / Cross-Strait Dynamics Center
Cross-Strait Dynamics Center
Dedicated analysis of the Taiwan Strait — the flashpoint, the actors, the deterrence architecture, and the decisions that will shape the future of the Indo‑Pacific order.
The Cross-Strait Dynamics Center provides focused, independent analysis of the political, military, and economic forces shaping stability across the Taiwan Strait. We examine the intentions and capabilities of Beijing and Taipei, the role of the United States and regional actors, and the deterrence and assurance frameworks that underpin Indo‑Pacific security.
In an environment where miscalculation carries historic consequences, the Center equips policymakers, executives, and strategic leaders with the analytical depth to understand what is at stake — and what comes next.
Focus Areas
What the center researches
Deterrence & Assurance Architecture
Examining the military balance, extended deterrence commitments, and the credibility of US and allied assurances — and how shifts in each affect stability across the Strait.
PRC Coercion & Escalation Pathways
Mapping Beijing's toolkit of pressure — military exercises, grey-zone operations, economic leverage, information operations — and the conditions under which coercion could escalate to conflict.
Taiwan's Strategic Posture
Analysing Taiwan's defence strategy, political resilience, whole-of-society defence concepts, and the domestic dynamics shaping how Taipei navigates its strategic environment.
Great Power Competition & the Strait
Situating cross-strait tensions within the broader US-China strategic competition — including alliance dynamics, forward posture decisions, and the role of Japan, Australia, and other regional actors.
Economic & Technology Interdependence
Assessing the role of semiconductor supply chains, financial exposure, and technology interdependence in shaping the risk calculus of all actors — and the limits of economic deterrence.
Scenario Analysis & Strategic Warning
Applying structured analytic techniques to model plausible conflict and coercion scenarios — identifying warning indicators and decision points that demand early strategic attention.
Research Output
Publications and policy briefs
The Cross-Strait Dynamics Center produces scenario assessments, strategic outlook briefs, and policy analysis contributing to IPSC's broader research program on Indo‑Pacific security and great power competition.
Request Research & PublicationsFrom analysis to education
The center powers IPSC's Taiwan Strait and deterrence programs.
Research from the Cross-Strait Dynamics Center informs IPSC's Geopolitical Risk Analysis Program, the Emerging Leaders Forum, and executive education offerings on strategic competition and deterrence in the Indo‑Pacific.
Collaborate with IPSC
Work with the Cross-Strait Dynamics Center
We welcome collaboration with researchers, policy practitioners, and institutional partners working on Taiwan Strait security, deterrence theory, and Indo‑Pacific strategic stability.