Written by Bonnie, Yushih Liao. This article argues that Taiwan’s democracy must be stress-tested. While the ultimate results may not have shifted parliamentary power: the campaign’s institutional impact, social effects, and geopolitical implications highlight a crucial inflexion point in Taiwan’s ongoing democratic development.
Written by Dr Chieh-chi HSIEH. This article analyses the winners and losers of the great recall election in Taiwan. It argues that while the two opposition parties (KMT and TPP) neither gained nor lost and the DPP is undoubtedly the main loser, the main winner is the Taiwanese society. The self-motivated attempts to recall their respective legislators, albeit unsuccessful, consolidate Taiwan’s democracy.
Written by Meng Kit Tang. Taiwan’s 2025 mass recall movement mobilised unprecedented civic energy but failed to unseat a single lawmaker. This commentary explores how a campaign born of democratic hope left behind deeper polarisation, institutional strain, and little collective pride. The way forward will require not only better laws or more elections, but also maturity, dialogue, reform and healing.
Written by Tzu-chiao Su. This article suggests that the mass recall movement briefly opened a political Pandora’s box in Taiwan. Fortunately, the results of the vote managed to close it again. The recalls showcased Taiwan’s vibrant democratic energy and its strong democratic resilience, but the recall mechanism must be critically reassessed.
Written by Brian Hioe. This article argues that the great recall movement is more reminiscent of the 2018 than the 2016 elections. The recall movement is sometimes interpreted as the successor of the Bluebird movement last year, but the spectre of the Sunflower Movement still haunts it. Ultimately, however, the dynamics of it are fundamentally different from those of an election.
Written by Jonathan Leung. This article argues that the 2025 mass recall campaign is an attempt to overthrow the legislative election result in 2024. It is also a form of snap election. It is also a delegitimisation of democracy and a derecognition of the previous election results. Therefore, there is no winner in this campaign.
Written by Chang, Chunhao. This article argues that the defeat of the recall campaign indicates that Taiwanese voters are unwilling to reverse electoral outcomes through post-election manoeuvres. The DPP fails to understand the priorities of moderate, unaffiliated, or floating voters. They want responsible governance, not political revenge, and are deeply committed to the democratic process.
Written by Bright Isle. This article argues that the true value of Taiwan’s democracy is to be the future of Chinese civilisation, in contrast to the authoritarian CCP. Taiwan demonstrates Confucian values in its political leadership and civic education. However, Taiwan’s democracy has to be constantly defended, including deepening democratic governance and strengthening national defence.
Written by Yung Lin. This article compares Taiwan and the TRNC to explore how de facto states navigate border control, legitimacy, and human security. It argues for people-centred governance and inclusionism as alternative frameworks for building resilience and engaging with global challenges.
Written by Yi-Ting Chang. This article revisits Taiwan’s overlooked space history by tracing astronaut visits and the symbolic journeys of ROC flags into space during the Cold War. It reveals how diplomacy, identity, and geopolitics shaped Taiwan’s unexpected role in early space exploration.
Written by Dominika Remžová. This article examines how Chinese EV and Taiwanese semiconductor investments are reshaping Central and Eastern Europe’s automotive industry. It highlights diverging national strategies, geopolitical implications, and the potential for industrial upgrading amid tensions between economic pragmatism and values-based foreign policy.
Written by Hsiao-Chen Lin. The article examines how South Asia’s recent strategic developments, particularly Pakistan’s use of integrated C4ISR systems, offer crucial insights for Taiwan’s defense. It highlights China’s export of integrated warfare doctrines and Taiwan’s efforts to enhance its resilience through defence reforms, societal readiness, and strategic realignment amidst evolving Indo-Pacific dynamics.
Taiwan Insight 