Theorizing about Identity, Change in Capabilities and Dyadic Relations: An Approach Based on Analytic Eclecticism and Systemism

This chapter theorizes about identity, change in capabilities and dyadic relations. It shows that the frame of reference for this work combines analytic eclecticism and systemism. Analytic eclecticism guides assembly of causal mechanisms into an integrated whole, while systemism — a means towards visual representation of hypotheses — provides the method. The chapter argues that the Taiwanese identity, the rise of China, cross-Strait relations, and the role of the United States are connected to each other and depicted within a figure created under the rules put forward by systemism. It then proceeds to review paradigmatic thinking and concludes that it is insufficient to provide a basis for theorizing in the complex and fast-paced context of the rise of China, shifting Taiwanese identity, cross-Strait relations and US influence. It discusses the means towards building and depicting theory: analytic eclecticism and systemism, and it assembles the causal mechanisms gleaned from the diverse academic literature into a visual representation.