> Taiwan did attempt to build nukes and the US destroyed the project

We “destroyed” it inasmuch as we said we won’t be friends if you do this. We didn’t threaten to invade.

America has resisted geopolitical balancing to date because we resisted the temptation of realpolitik. America’s allies are, on average, richer and more peaceful than her enemies. That’s now beginning to change. For the first time in modern history, we may see a system of alliances emerge that credibly counter American economic and military might.

> For the first time in modern history, we may see a system of alliances emerge that credibly counter American economic and military might.

During the cold war, there were certainly planners in the west that thought the west would loose a conflict.

So maybe not the first time.

Sorry, I should have said post-Cold War. The USSR obviously credibly countered the U.S.

>Taiwan did attempt to build nukes and the US destroyed the project.

US loves Taiwan so much, they won't allow them to build independence and rely less on US provided security.