ABSTRACT
Taiwan’s leaders, civilian and military, have in the past been accused of procuring weapon systems in the absence of a broad security strategy. It has been pointed out that such a strategy could better guide acquisition decisions, become a means for measuring progress, and serve as a sound basis for answering dissenting voices. Taiwan has initiated defense reforms1 and instituted means to formulate overall security and military strategy and policies.2 These are not easy or simple steps for Taiwan, and making the decisions on weapon systems and related items to conform to the strategy will also not be easy. The prudent arming of Taiwan for the future extends beyond the development of strategy and policy; it also depends on overcoming truly vexing problems, dilemmas, and obstacles. This chapter H[DPLQHV WKHRYHUDUFKLQJGLIÀFXOWLHVRI WKHSURFHVVDQGWKHQH[SORUHVVSHFLÀF warfare areas as a means to illustrate how Taiwan might better deal with its uniquely complex process of making security and defense acquisition decisions.
