Military-focused wargames of a potential U.S.-China conflict over Taiwan have captured media headlines and policy attention. Much less attention has been given to the potential effects of economic conflict over Taiwan, or mixed scenarios involving a combination of military and economic pressure. A recent political-economic crisis simulation convened by the MIT Security Studies Program—conducted by economists, former economic policymakers, business leaders, and regional experts, and observed by representatives of the U.S. government—highlighted the risks of such a scenario.

--SSP Principal Research Scientist Eric Heginbotham in Lawfare with George J. Gilboy