Routledge Democratization in Taiwan: Challenges in Transformation

Taiwan faces many of the same challenges as most newly democratized nations such as the legacy of an authoritarian government, a traditional culture, ethnic division and non-majoritarian political institutions. Each chapter in this volume sheds light on the democratization process. The contributors examine questions concerning the state of political trust, ethnicity, democratic values and political institutions. In the post-Cold War era when America's foreign policy is focusing on how best to foster democratic transition throughout the world, the lessons that can be learned from Taiwan's democratization impart valuable lessons to students and scholars. Review 'In this important and timely volume some of the foremost experts in Taiwan’s politics have come together to analyze the trajectory of the island’s democratization. This is an ambitious study that should appeal to both scholars and practitioners with an interest in East Asia. It also must be considered a ' must read ' for anyone interested in democratization. ' Dennis V. Hickey, Missouri State University, USA '...a welcome addition to the literature on Taiwan's democratic consolidation and public opinion...There are a number of highly commendable aspects to this publication. The editors have gathered together some of the leading Taiwan and US based experts on Taiwan's public opinion research. Many of the top Taiwan based election studies scholars rarely publish in English, thus adding value to this book. Secondly, the chapters give English language readers their first introduction to a range of new Taiwanese datasets.' East Asia '...this book is recommended to students and scholars of democratization interested in the fascinating politics of Taiwan.' Pacific Affairs About the Author Philip Paolino is Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science, University of North Texas, USA. James Meernik is Professor in the Department of Political Science, University of North Texas, USA.