The Covid-19 pandemic has undeniably impacted virtually every society across the globe physically, psychologically, socially, and the far reaching, powerful effects of the pandemic render its study as perhaps the most relevant and comprehensive political issue of this generation. By comparing the American and Taiwanese governments and their respective public responses with Covid-19 data, we can analyze the effect of government influence on people during a pandemic.

Currently, the United States theoretically maintains the ability to defend Taiwan using conventional force, thus potentially avoiding the need for an all-out nuclear war with China over the fate of the island. What happens if the status quo shifts and nuclear threats are the only way to protect Taiwan?