Written by Huynh Tam Sang and Truong Tuan Kiet. This article argues that Cheng Li-wun’s claim that “Taiwan doesn’t have to choose” is implausible and misaligned with the current geopolitical context. Taiwan must accept the painful reality that neutrality is an illusion. It does not have the luxury to simply opt out of the geopolitical tug-of-war between the U.S. and China and should adopt the “porcupine strategy”.
Written by Tom Wilson. As Taiwan prepares for the 2026 urban resilience exercises, this article examines a key challenge in the current approach: a mismatch between how resilience is formally defined and measured, and how it operates in practice in Taiwan crisis settings, where informal, trust-based community networks often play a central role.
Written by Baosheng Guo. This article argues that Trump’s recent comments about arms sales to Taiwan at least violated the principle and tradition of the second article of the Six Assurances. Though his foreign policy is rife with unpredictability and uncertainty, his willingness to abide by the rule of law provides a measure of assurance to Taiwan’s security.
Written by Yingtai Lung. The article proposes that, in contrast to the preparation for war, Taiwan should prioritise resilience, communication, and goodwill diplomacy to prevent escalation, sustain trust, and protect society from panic, thereby making peace an active, practiced strategy.
Written by Hazem Almassry. Visiting Kinmen, a Taiwanese frontline-turned-tourist site, the author reflects on living under continuous threat, comparing it to Gaza. Both challenge conventional ideas of peace as post-conflict stability, revealing instead how people adapt to enduring militarisation and structural violence, in which “peace” often means managing rather than resolving ongoing conditions.
Written by Emma Baumhofer. This article argues that “good friction” supports trust, deliberation, and coexistence. Drawing on Taiwan’s civic tech and public life, it proposes designing systems that balance efficiency with social cohesion and the demands of positive peace.
