Written by Gabrielle Killick. This article examines the poetry of Yen Ai Lin and Hsia Yü through the concept of “phenomenological ecofeminism”. It argues that their representations of bodily and natural fluids challenge patriarchal ideas of femininity, expose the social abjection of women’s bodies, and foreground connections between embodiment, nature, and non-human life in post-Martial Law Taiwanese poetry.
Written by Phoenix, Fung Lam Chan. This article examines Pai Hsien-yung’s Crystal Boys through the relationship between fatherhood, masculinity, and queer identity. It argues that the novel exposes how patriarchal family structures and heterosexual norms marginalise homosexual men, while New Park provides an alternative space of queer kinship and belonging. Yet the novel also highlights the continuing limits of this resistance.
Written by I-Sheng Wang. This article argues that Tsai Ing-wen’s election marks a significant breakthrough for gender equality in Taiwan. The Tsai era changed the political meaning of gender equality by embedding it in Taiwan’s democratic identity and state governance. However, the progress was selective, and Tsai’s legacy of equality also becomes a political asset that remains contested and challenged.
Written by Eric Setzekorn. This article introduces a new book that explores Taiwan’s military history since 1949 and examines today’s security challenges. It argues that Taiwan’s armed forces have evolved from a conservative “party army” into a more adaptable and balanced institution. It highlights lessons and challenges of the Taiwan-US military relationship and the foundations for Taiwan’s defence resilience.
Written by Tom Wilson. Urban resilience drills in Taiwan have been promoted as a cornerstone of President Lai’s whole-of-society approach to preparing for contingencies and crises. How do they look in practice? Drawing on observations of the urban resilience exercise in Douliu, this article explores how everyday state-society relationships can shape and complicate efforts to build resilience.
Written by Dr Madhukar Shyam and Manya Singhal. This article argues that Taiwan’s foreign policy towards the Indo-Pacific should be analysed within the framework of the New Southbound Policy and President Lai’s NSP+. The FOIP strategy is perceived by Taiwan as an approach that will ensure its sovereignty. Beyond condemning China’s expansionism, Taiwan should adopt the “porcupine strategy”, invest more in defence equipment and build whole-of-society resilience.
