Written by Brian Hioe. This article compares the Bluebird Movement to the 2014 Sunflower Movement, emphasizing how both large-scale protests were fundamentally driven by concerns over China’s influence rather than purely about domestic issues.
Category: Democracy
Taiwan politicians’ zero-sum mentality is the island democracy’s greatest burden
Written by Gunter Schubert. On May 20, Lai Ching-te became the fifth popularly elected president of the Republic of China, facing numerous challenges as Taiwan’s legislature’s lack of compromise hampers effective policymaking and risks paralysis. This article emphasizes the need for a culture of compromise and responsible political competition in Taiwan’s democracy.
More than the China Factor: Discussing Recent Legislature Protests through “Grandparents’ Topping-up Participation”
Written by Dung-Shiu Yu. The Bluebird Movement in Taiwan, protesting against legislative reforms, has gained international attention. This article highlights a powerful display of intergenerational support and grassroots activism, the “grandparents’ topping-up participation.”
From Wild Lily to Bluebird: Tracing Taiwan’s Protests and Democratic Milestones
Ｗritten by Min-Yuan Hung. This article explores the evolution of democracy in Taiwan through key protest movements, highlighting that protecting the democratic way of life is a critical motivation for citizen activism in Taiwan. This narrative is essential to the Bluebird Movement and should not be overlooked.
‘Overseas Taiwanese Solidarity against Legislative Power Abuse’: Mobilising a Transnational Ally to Support Taiwan’s Democracy
Written by the Overseas Taiwanese Solidarity Against Legislative Power Abuse. A group of overseas Taiwanese formed a solidarity movement against legislative power abuse in Taiwan, addressing concerns about the opaque legislative process, subversion of the Constitution, and its detrimental impact on Taiwan’s stability and sovereignty. They aim to gather the collective voices of overseas Taiwanese, create constant pressure on the Legislative Yuan, and stand in solidarity with all the protesters in Taiwan.
Reform or Overreach? Constitutional Controversies in Taiwan’s Recent Legislative Changes
Written by You-Hao Lai. This article critically examines the procedural and substantive constitutional issues raised by Taiwan’s recent legislative reform, focusing on how the expansion of legislative power may undermine Taiwan’s democratic principles and impact the rights of private entities.
Between the Lines of Lai Ching-te’s Inaugural Speech & Geopolitical-Domestics Aspects
Written by Raian Hossain. This article analyses President Lai’s speech from geopolitical and domestic perspectives, focusing on democracy as a roadmap for Taiwan, Lai’s vision for cross-Strait relations and domestic agendas for Taiwan. It concludes that despite being bolder than Tsai in 2016, the speech was very status quo-maintained driven.
Taiwan’s Future under Lai Ching-te’s Leadership: Democracy, Unity, and Uncertainty
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.
Digital Democracy or State Surveillance? An afterthought after COVID-19 pandemic
Written by Yu-Ching Kuo and Chun-Yi Lee. With limited access to the physical public sphere, the COVID-19 pandemic has made digital democracy more vital than ever. This article examines the challenges and opportunities of its adaptation in post-pandemic Taiwan, especially on the relationship between digital protection and citizens’ privacy.
Han Kuo-yu – Taiwan’s only populist?
Written by Frédéric Krumbein. Han Guo-yu is arguably the most definitive example of a populist in Taiwan. This article reviews his quick rise and fall and the media narratives of him and reflects on whether Taiwan is a hard place for populists to succeed.
Civil Society Groups Commemorate Third Anniversary of Coup in Myanmar with Press Conference
Written by Brian Hioe. Taiwanese civil society groups held a press conference in the legislature on February 2nd to call attention to the third anniversary of the coup in Myanmar, which overturned the democratically elected government and instituted a military regime.
Taiwan’s Inevitable Internationalisation in 2024
Written by Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy. In 2023, Taiwan continued to present itself as a democracy internationally through subnational diplomacy. As it elected a new president and a new parliament in the new year, this article anlayses how the dynamics of cross-Strait relations are driving the internationalisation of Taiwan. It is expected that the two sides are likely to drift further apart in the coming years and this will further strengthen Taiwan’s identity as a democracy.
Taiwan Insight 