Controversy to Crisis: Nancy Pelosi’s Visit to Taiwan

It is July 2022, and Nancy Pelosi has just made the controversial decision to visit Taiwan --- making her the first Speaker of the House to do so since 1997. As the Chinese government issues veiled threats of retaliation, heated debates have erupted within political, academic, and journalistic communities on whether or not the risk of such a visit is truly worth the reward. 

What course of action would be the most supportive of U.S. interests in the Asia-Pacific? How will it impact the future of the U.S.’ relationships with its strategic allies and partners in this consequential region? What measures must be taken by the committee to avoid a military contingency in the Taiwan Strait — or, if such an outcome cannot be avoided, how should the U.S. respond (if at all)? And finally, to what end should committee members consider the opinions of the American public as they navigate this dilemma?