Written by Ian Murphy. This article introduces TAIDE, the Trustworthy AI Dialogue Engine. TAIDE is Taiwan’s domestic project to build a large language model. It examines how, by investing in AI technology, Taiwan is not only aiming to reduce its reliance on external sources but also to protect itself from potential threats, particularly from China.
Written by Wen Liu. This article highlights three major contributions of Wendy Cheng’s historically grounded book Island X, including the understanding of Taiwan through the US-China-Taiwan stance, the need for Asian American studies to incorporate geopolitical analysis and situating Taiwan in Asian American studies.
Written by Adrian Chiu. This special issue presents a brilliant line-up of scholars and observers of the two movements which provides insights and perspectives to analyse and reflect on the tenth anniversary of the Sunflower and Umbrella Movements. This introductory piece briefly sets the scene for their excellent analysis by reviewing some of the significant political changes both internationally and domestically.
Written by Chee-Hann Wu. This article argues that the Oscar-nominated short documentary Island in Between highlights the liminality and in-betweenness of both the island of Kinmen and the director’s diasporic identity. Rather than emphasizing its geopolitical significance and constant military presence, the short documentary focuses on the director’s personal journey and narrative, growing up in both Taiwan and the US, moving back to Taiwan in 2017, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, being drawn to Kinmen where his father served in the military. Through the director, the audience sees how he re-experiences Kinmen as a way to reconnect with a part of his identity, and is also able to reimagine Kinmen’s past and present.
Written by Plamen Tonchev. The presidential and parliamentary elections held in Taiwan on 13 January 2024 were closely watched globally, as their potential implications could reverberate far beyond the island’s shores. Two oft-quoted arguments relate to the fact that Taiwan is home to a huge chunk of the world’s cutting-edge semiconductors, and the volume of maritime traffic through the 110-mile-wide strip of water between the Chinese mainland and the self-governed island. Add to that the political significance of Taiwan’s subjugation to Beijing’s “national rejuvenation” vision, as well as the geostrategic importance of the first-island chain to the entire Indo-Pacific region.
Written by You-Hao Lai. Taiwan’s civil society played a critical role in countering disinformation during the 2024 election. This article details civil groups’ ongoing efforts in protecting Taiwan’s democracy from outside influences and the rising challenge of AI-generated disinformation.
