Now in an updated paperback edition, Why Taiwan Matters offers a comprehensive but compact introduction to a country that exercises a role in the world far greater than its tiny size would indicate. Leading expert Shelley Rigger explains how Taiwan became such a key global player, highlighting economic and political breakthroughs so impressive they have been called "miracles." She links these accomplishments to Taiwan's determined society, vibrant culture, and unique history. Drawing on arts, economics, politics, and international relations, Rigger explores Taiwan's importance to China, the United States, and the world. Considering where Taiwan may be headed in its wary standoff with China, she traces how the focus of Taiwan's domestic politics has shifted to a Taiwan-centered strategy. All readers interested in Asia and international affairs will find this an accessible and entertaining overview, replete with human interest stories and colorful examples of daily life in Taiwan.
A leading authority on Taiwan, Shelley Rigger is Brown Professor of Political Science at Davidson College in North Carolina. She earned a PhD in government from Harvard University and has been studying and visiting Taiwan for nearly four decades. She has been a visiting researcher at National Chengchi University in Taipei and a visiting professor at Fudan University in Shanghai. Her books include Why Taiwan Matters: Small Island, Global Powerhouse, and she consults for the US government on East Asian national security issues.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: The World's Tallest Building Chapter 2: Building Taiwan Chapter 3: From Farmers to Manufacturers Chapter 4: From "Free China" to Democratic Taiwan Chapter 5: "America Is Boring at Night" Chapter 6: "An Opportunity Full of Threats": Cross-Strait Economic Interaction Chapter 7: Making Peace with the China Inside and the China Outside Chapter 8: The International Birdcage Chapter 9: Why Taiwan Matters to America and the World Epilogue Bibliography
What People are Saying About This
Alan M. Wachman
What a delight! Rigger offers a masterfully crafted volume—part paean, part history, part ethnography, and part prescription—that brims with insight to an island and observations about a people she has come to know intimately but writes of with a critical perspective and affection. Vivid prose and Rigger’s faultless eye for the telling detail yields a splendid volume that is sure to appeal to the uninformed first-time visitor as well as the seasoned analyst seeking to fill gaps in understanding.
Nancy Bernkopf Tucker
This lively look at Taiwan is a superb primer for those who should know more about the island’s successes and an entertaining review of political, economic, security, and societal developments for specialists. Bringing to bear a wealth of knowledge and experience, Rigger vividly evokes the forces that have allowed Taiwan to survive and thrive through difficult times. Her insight into the significance of Taiwan’s democracy, free market, cultural dynamics, generational change, cross-Strait ties, and participation in the international community are persuasive and valuable.
Richard C. Bush
Taiwan is the quiet success story that no one ever heard of, but there’s no one better than Shelley Rigger to reveal why it deserves to be noticed. She knows the society from the inside out and has a deep sympathy for its people. Her account is always balanced and keeps an eye on why Taiwan really is important for the United States.
