Taiwan Insight

Defining Taiwan Studies

6 March 2026 Adrian Chiu

Written by Aleksandrs Gross. Chun-yi Lee’s path into Taiwan Studies was the result of following research questions that matched her interests and skills. She chose to study the island from the outside within a specific academic discipline. As the director of the Taiwan Research Hub at Nottingham University, she sees herself as a communicator, sharing what she knows, and as a facilitator, encouraging others to explore further.

Chance Encounters

5 March 2026 Adrian Chiu

Written by Aleksandrs Gross. Prof. Niki J.P. Alsford’s journey into the field of Taiwan studies was the result of a series of interests, each of which brought him a little closer to Taiwan. He remains optimistic about the future of Taiwan studies in offering cultural intelligence beyond surface familiarity, and also believes that remaining open, and saying yes to all opportunities is crucial for aspiring scholars.

Following Interests, Forging a Field: The Career of Ming-yeh Rawnsley

4 March 2026 Adrian Chiu

Written by Aleksandrs Gross. Today, Ming-yeh Rawnsley is one of the foremost authorities on Taiwanese language cinema, the founder of the International Journal of Taiwan Studies (IJTS), and the former Secretary-General of the European Association of Taiwan Studies (EATS). However, her career was driven by her interests, leading her to break conventional academic paths and combine specialisations creatively.

The Emergence of the Taiwan Studies Movement

3 March 2026 Adrian Chiu

Written by Aleksandrs Gross. This second article on Professor Dafydd Fell explores the defining experiences of his career in a more institutional context. In particular, the establishment of the European Association of Taiwan Studies, and the development of the Taiwan Studies Centre and the Taiwan Master’s programme at SOAS. This article concludes with advice for those starting out and key takeaways.

The Wrong Place at the Right Time

2 March 2026 Adrian Chiu

Written by Aleksandrs Gross. Over the past two decades, Taiwan Studies has emerged in Europe as a rigorous and independent field. Examining the experiences of the field’s most influential scholars offers valuable insight. This first article examines the career of Professor Dafydd Fell, from his early experiences studying Taiwan by accident to his role in bringing Taiwan studies to Europe.

Trump Comments Suggest Taiwan’s Defense is Up for Negotiation with China

27 February 2026 Adrian Chiu

Written by Brian Hioe. US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP alarmed earlier this month after comments suggesting that he would decide whether to suspend arms sales to Taiwan after meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in April.

TAIPEI’S AND NEW TAIPEI’S POSSIBLE VOLCANIC THREATS

26 February 2026 Chee-Hann Wu

Written by Dalton Alighieri. The article cautions that Taiwan’s Tatun Volcano Group poses low-probability but high-impact risks to Taipei City and New Taipei City. While eruptions are not imminent, dense populations and economic vulnerability demand enhanced monitoring, preparedness, interdisciplinary research, and calm public communication to reduce potential human and geopolitical consequences.

Asymmetric Scholarship Paradox in India–Taiwan Relations

24 February 2026 Chee-Hann Wu

Written by Neeraj Mehra. The article argues that Taiwan’s scholarship diplomacy offers strategic technological benefits for India, particularly in semiconductors and applied research, yet remains underutilised by elite Indian institutions. The problem lies in institutional inertia and prestige bias, limiting long-term academic collaboration and knowledge transfer.

Taiwan’s Diplomatic Bridge: Taiwan-Somaliland-Israel vs China in the Horn of Africa

23 February 2026 NGA Shi Yeu

Written by Faisal Abdirashid Adam. This article demonstrates that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, grounded in five years of Taiwan–Somaliland cooperation, marks a significant geopolitical shift in the Horn of Africa. It argues that sustained collaboration in maritime security, agriculture, healthcare, and governance transformed diplomatic isolation into strategic credibility, enabling formal recognition. At the same time, the move has intensified regional and global tensions, particularly with China and neighbouring states wary of sovereignty disputes and shifting power balances.

From Martial Law to Open Skies: The Politics Embedded in Taoyuan Airport’s Architecture, and now shaped by a British Vision

20 February 2026 Chee-Hann Wu

Written by Gahon Chiang. The northern concourse of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport’s Terminal 3 opened on 25 December 2025, signifying progress from martial law to democracy. This terminal’s design emphasises openness and passenger mobility, contrasting the enclosed layouts of earlier terminals. The evolution of the airport reflects Taiwan’s broader democratic transformation, reshaping citizen-state relations.

Mapping Taiwan, Mentoring Generations: Remembering Professor Murray Rubinstein

19 February 2026 Chee-Hann Wu

Written by Professor Niki J.P. Alsford. Professor Murray Rubinstein significantly advanced Taiwan Studies, advocating for the island’s recognition as a distinct field of study. He resisted easy binaries. Instead, he traced the layered textures of Taiwanese society, showing how they intertwined in ways that demanded careful, nuanced attention. Professor Rubinstein’s legacy endures through his contributions, guidance, and the academic community he nurtured, emphasising the importance of thoughtful scholarship.

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