Taiwan: A Contested Democracy Under Threat

by Jonathan Sullivan, Lev Nachman

Overview

Taiwan’s history is complex and multilayered, as is its position in international politics. An appreciation of its role in geopolitics is more than the popular stylized dichotomies of “democracy vs authoritarianism” or “independence vs unification”. Both Taiwan’s history and future are intimately tied to democratization, decolonialism, national identity, economic interdependence, multiculturalism and modern values – all set against an ever-present security dimension.

As a top 20 global economy and tech powerhouse, a liberal democracy on the frontline of autocratic pressure and a pivotal component in the free and open Indo-Pacific, Taiwan is relevant to citizens and policymakers around the world. This short book illuminates how its fate will determine much about the direction of today’s global order.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781788216739
Publisher:	Agenda Publishing
Publication date:	10/19/2023
Series:	Flashpoints
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Jonathan Sullivan is an Associate Professor in the School of Politics and IR at the University of Nottingham and previously Director of the China Policy Institute.

Lev Nachman is Assistant Professor at National Chengchi University in Taipei, Taiwan.

Table of Contents

1. Why Taiwan matters

2. Taiwan’s many histories

3. Taiwan and the ROC

4. Decided by the Taiwanese people

5. One China, multiple considerations

6. Sacred and inviolable

7. The most dangerous place in the world?

8. The politics of cross-Strait economics

9. Who cares about Taiwan?

10. Conclusion

Editorial Reviews

This book goes beyond familiar discussions of Taiwan’s security threats and technological prowess to describe its journey to prosperity and democracy and the challenges it now faces as a high-income society. This distinctive approach to Taiwan’s recent history will be illuminating for Taiwanese and international readers alike.

Syaru Shirley Lin

With the surge in global attention, there is a pressing need for greater understanding of Taiwan’s history, politics, society, political economy, foreign relations, and its complicated relationship with China. In this timely and highly informative primer, Sullivan and Nachman provide excellent and succinct analysis of all these issues. They rightfully urge the world to eschew viewing Taiwan solely through the lens of superpower politics, and instead listen to Taiwanese voices and evaluate Taiwan on its own merits. The book is a must-read for anyone who has been fascinated by coverage of Taiwan in the media and wants to learn more. It will also benefit individuals who have a general interest in Asia, democracy, and peace.

Bonnie S. Glaser

To introduce Taiwan to as broad an audience as possible (and) to declare that concern about the “Taiwan issue” should be informed by a clear understanding of the place itself and the people who call it home - this is the spirit that animates Jonathan Sullivan and Lev Nachman’s recently published 'Taiwan: A Contested Democracy Under Threat'... as is still all too rare in global discourse about Taiwan, the authors' concern is for the people of Taiwan and their long-standing aspirations for self-determination... they convey a sense of open-endedness that contrasts with the narratives of inevitable annexation or permanent purgatory through which so many readers will have encountered Taiwan before.

LA Review of Books

Excellent… If you are looking for a book that will condense the political situation of Taiwan with a huge amount of relevant, up to date detail into 176 pages without needing to use a microscope, a dictionary, and eyes drops, this is it... This is a book that achieves something that some of the earlier attempts to sum up Taiwan for the lay reader have not and systematically equips readers to start understanding Taiwan’s politics… it is both a work that comes from a place of affection for Taiwan and one which demonstrates respect and recognition of the true complexity of this contested nation.

Taipei Times

This comprehensive overview of Taiwan’s politics, history and international position is perfect for a reader looking for an introduction to Taiwan that is readable, balanced and hype-free. It won’t try to convince you that Taiwan is the most dangerous place in the world, but it may persuade you that it’s the most interesting.

Shelley Rigger