Description
Book SynopsisThis comprehensive book explores contemporary Taiwan from the perspective of the Taiwanese themselves. In a unique set of original essays, leading Taiwanese figures consider the country's history, politics, society, economy, identity, and future prospects. The volume provides a forum for a diversity of local voices, who are rarely heard in the power struggle between China and the United States over Taiwan's future. Whether it will be absorbed by China, continue in its current limbo as an unrecognized state, or seek outright independence and national sovereignty remains an open question. Reflecting the deep ethnic and political differences that are essential to understanding Taiwan today, this work provides a nuanced introduction to its role in international politics.Contributions by: Andrew C. Chang, Chang Chang-yi David, Pochih Chen, Chen Yi-shen, Chi Guo-chung, Strong C. Chuang, Frank S. T. Hsiao, Jolan Hsieh, Joseph C. C. Kuo, Lee Shiao-feng, Shyu-tu Lee, Lee Teng-hui, Marie Lin, Ja
Trade ReviewWorld interests seldom hear the voices of Taiwanese. Economically, Taiwan is important to the world but politically it is treated as a pawn in Sino-American relations. . . .This book . . . is an important collection of articles written solely by Taiwanese [that shows] who the Taiwanese people are, what they wish for their future, and the importance of Taiwan in the world. [It is] vital reading for people to understand the struggle of the Taiwanese to establish their identity and the significance of democratic Taiwan in the free world. * Pacific Times *
A comprehensive look at Taiwan and its recent transition to democracy [including] excellent insights by people who were directly involved in the democratic process, from President Lee Teng-hui on down. . . .Kudos to the two editors, Shyu-tu Lee and Jack Williams, for bringing this group of contributors together to present such a wealth of insights and information not found in other analyses by outside scholars. It is indeed a genuinely unique view from the inside. Highly recommended. * Taiwan Communiqué *
The essays in this volume are worthwhile in tracing the evolution of Taiwan’s democracy, and could be helpful background for newcomers to the subject. * Taiwan Business Topics *
This volume makes a significant contribution to the literature on Taiwan politics concerning an important issue. The ideas of many leading Taiwanese politicians and intellectuals are presented in their own words; areas of consensus as well as disagreement among Taiwanese identities emerge; and the quality of the essays [makes] the book of considerable interest to specialists on Taiwan and presents vital materials for the policy-making community. * American Journal of Chinese Studies *
A treasure trove of diverse topics. The rise of nationalism is traced as well as the shaping of culture by history; then there is the matter of the diversity of Taiwan’s DNA, the development of human rights; it all ends in how Taiwan’s history is clearly separate from that of China. * Taipei Times *
While a great deal has been written about Taiwan, remarkably little attention has been devoted to the people whose lives are most affected: the Taiwanese themselves. This volume addresses that profound lacuna. The contributors address issues ranging from history, politics, economics, ethnic identity, literature, and international relations that reflect their concerns for their future. Included are academics, former government officials, and public figures—all but one ethnic Taiwanese. Vital reading for all those who would understand this volatile yet vibrant area better. -- June Teufel Dreyer, University of Miami
In today's world, voices from Taiwan struggle for a hearing. Taiwan's Struggle enables many different voices from the island nation to speak internationally. The writings of such former politicians as Lee Teng-hui, Peng Ming-min, Michael Tsai, and Rong-I Wu and such scholars as Rwei-ren Wu, Shiao-feng Lee, Chen Yi-shen, Frank S.T. Hsiao, and Chang-yi David Chang provide stimulating new analyses of the difficulties facing Taiwan. -- J. Bruce Jacobs, Monash University
Written by the people who helped forge Taiwan’s recent history, this remarkable book contains a wealth of insights and information not found in other analyses by outside scholars. It is indeed a genuinely unique view from the inside. Highly recommended. -- Gerrit van der Wees, editor of Taiwan Communiqué and senior policy advisor, Formosan Association for Public Affairs
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Listening to the Voices of the Taiwanese Shyu-tu Lee and Jack F. Williams Part I: Society and Identity Chapter 1: Establishing a Taiwan-Centered Identity Lee Teng-hui Chapter 2: Fragment of/f Empires: The Peripheral Formation of Taiwanese Nationalism Wu Rwei-ren Chapter 3: Two Different Cultures: Taiwan vs. China Lee Shiao-feng Chapter 4: Democratization in Taiwan: Lifting the Blacklist George Sung Chapter 5: The Struggle against KMT Rule: A Personal Memoir Strong C. Chuang Chapter 6: Nonviolent Struggle in Taiwan: A Personal Memoir Tsay Ting-kuei (Aquia) Chapter 7: Retracing the Han among the Taiwanese Marie Lin Chapter 8: Subjectivity and Tradition in Taiwanese Literature Tu Kuo-ch’ing Chapter 9: Development of Human Rights Consciousness in Taiwan Jolan Hsieh Part II: International Status Chapter 10: The International Status of the Taiwanese People Peng Ming-min Chapter 11: Pariah Manifesto: The Moral Significance of the Taiwanese Tragedy Wu Rwei-ren Chapter 12: The Shaping of Taiwan’s Status after World War II Chen Yi-shen Chapter 13: Westerners’ Perceptions of Taiwan and Taiwanese Anxiety Andrew C. Chang Chapter 14: America’s Security and Taiwan’s Freedom Jay Tsu-yi Loo Part III: International Relations Chapter 15: The “Black Hole” and the “Mystery Force”: Taiwan Caught Between China and the United States Joseph C. C. Kuo Chapter 16: Silent Annexation: China’s Unification Strategy Wong Ming-hsien and Lu Hsiu-lien Annette Chapter 17: Threat to Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific Region: The Rise of China’s Military Power Michael M. Tsai Chapter 18: Economic Integration in East Asia: The Perspective from Taiwan Wu Rong-i Chapter 19: ECFA and China’s Strategy to the World Pochih Chen Part IV: Economy, Technology, and Environment Chapter 20: Taiwan in the Global Economy: End of the “Miracle”? Frank S. T. Hsiao Chapter 21: Development of Taiwan’s High-Technology Industries C. Eugene Yeh and Chi Gou-chung Chapter 22: Taiwan’s Environment at a Pivot Point Chang Chang-yi David Bibliography
