Taiwan

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

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 Innova