“In the United States people are singularly oblivious of the close relation between peace and preparation.” – Alfred Thayer Mahan , 1912 Only 34 percent of Americans can find Taiwan on a map and they are even less aware of U.S. strategic interests there. The Chinese Communist Party leadership likely knows this. National will is critical for preventing or winning a protracted war over Taiwan. The stakes of conflict determine national resolve. “Rally around the flag” effects from initial fighting