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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, the future security of Taiwan has enormous ramifications for today’s global order.
Jonathan Sullivan and Lev Nachman consider Taiwan’s complex and multi-layered history and the many dimensions it holds in international politics. They show that an appreciation of its critical role in geopolitics is more than just the crude dichotomies of “democracy vs authoritarianism” or “independence vs unification”. Its history and future are intimately tied to wider questions of decolonialism, national identity, economic interdependence, multiculturalism and modern values – all set against an ever-present security threat.
— 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
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, Managing Director, Indo-Pacific Program, German Marshall Fund
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, Brown Professor of Asian Politics, Davidson College, North Carolina
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, Chair, Center for Asia-Pacific Resilience and Innovation
Jonathan Sullivan is an Associate Professor in the School of Politics and International Relations at the University of Nottingham and previously Director of the China Policy Institute.
Lev Nachman is an Assistant Professor in the College of Social Science at National Chengchi University, Taipei and a Non-Resident Fellow at the Atlantic Council and the National Bureau of Asian Research.
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