Written by Huynh Tam Sang. This article reviews President Lai address’ focus on peace and democracy amidst multiple challenges facing the new president. In particular, the lack of majority in the Legislative Yuan could proved to be a barrier to unity in terms of domestic reforms and foreign policy. His experience and statecraft is demanded to navigate the early days of the administration.
Written by Brian Hioe. This article analyses the continuities of President Lai’s inaugural address both in terms of cross-Strait relations and domestic policies. The status quo, however, could potentially challenged by the uncertainties ahead, including the US presidential election in November and the growing political storm domestically.
Written by Ai-Ting Chung. This article examines the changing discourse around the Taoyuan Martyrs’ Shrine since it was built in 1938. The author argues that it demonstrates the transformation of Taiwan’s national identity shaped by coloniality and the impact of neoliberalism in turning identity as consumable products.
Written by Chun-yi Lee. This article reflects on the relevance of the Sunflower and Umbrella Movement today. Looking at the case of media freedom, the author highlights the importance of civil society guarding against authoritarian expansion and democratic consolidation. The movements remind of the fight against authoritarian power.
Written by Malte Philipp Kaeding. This article argues for the important identity-formation process of the Umbrella movement and beyond in Hong Kong, asking the question of what is Hong Kong and what does it mean to be a Hongkonger. This process was inspired by the Sunflower Movement and the Taiwanese success in building a unique identity vis-a-vis China.
Wriiten by Desmond Hok-Man Sham. The Umbrella Movement did not just construct the identity of local Hong Kongers but also overseas Hong Kongers, where Taiwan plays an important role in that process. This article reflects on how the identity was constructed overseas through diaspora mobilisation and activism and the future of Taiwan-Hong Kong connections.
Written by Michael Mo. This article explores the divergent prospect of polarisation of the Sunflower and Umbrella activists in the aftermath of the Movements. While the electoral system in Taiwan forced activists to abandon small parties and shift towards the main parties, Hong Kong’s system before the overhaul in 2021 encouraged small parties to compete.
Written by Leon Kunz. The Sunflower Movement is a stark contrast to the insurrection of the January 6 storming of the US Capitol. This article makes this case by comparing through the structural sphere, ideational-interpretative sphere and performative sphere. The Sunflower Movement involved diverse participants, aimed to protect democracy and was non-violent.
Written by Klavier Wang. This article focuses on the movement-place making, a process of transforming physical spaces into vibrant and inclusive environments that foster community engagement and identity, of the Sunflower and Umbrella Movement. It sheds light on an important legacy of the two movements, the development and strengthening of their civil societies.
Written by Jackson Yeh. This article reviews the influential legacies of the Sunflower Movement to Taiwan politically and its state-society relations, including an institutionalised oversight mechanism of future cross-Strait deals. Nevertheless, the article contends that the journey of the Sunflower Movement against the China factors remains unfinished.
Written by Brian Hioe. The geopolitical fates diverged significantly in the past decade since the Sunflower and Umbrella Movements broke out ten years ago. Nevertheless, this article analyses the political interactions between Hong Kong and Taiwan in terms of movement activists and electoral politics. The author argues that these exchanges are expected to continue.
Written by Ming-sho Ho. This article examines the commemorative events held to mark the tenth anniversary of the Sunflower Movement in March 2024. It highlights the significance of these events to reassert the core values and demands, give voice to the participants and establish the movement’s contemporary relevance.
Taiwan Insight 