Written by Shih-An Wang. This article examines the 2024 amendment to the Constitutional Court Procedure Act from the perspective of democratic backsliding. The author argues that the amendment demonstrates an alarming political attempt to undermine the Constitutional Court’s integrity and advocates for greater levels of public oversight to halt the derogation of democracy.
Written by Dr Chieh-chi HSIEH. This article examines the domestic political turmoil in Taiwan in 2024, including corruption scandals for all three main parties and ongoing confrontation in the Legislature. However, it argues that these challenges have demonstrated the resilience of Taiwan’s democracy based on the evidence of its institutions, leadership and people.
Written by Dah-Wei (David) Yih. This article describes a workshop hosted at the NATSA conference that aimed to empower participants to communicate Taiwan’s significance to American audiences. The workshop emphasised Taiwan’s multifaceted importance to the United States, ranging from economic and geopolitical ties to shared democratic values and technological cooperation. It used interactive activities and facilitated discussions to help attendees understand why Taiwan matters and how to communicate this understanding to others effectively.
Written by Dominika Remžová. This article examines the recent Bluebird Movement in Taiwan, sparked by controversial legislative amendments pushed by the pan-Blue majority. Drawing parallels to the 2014 Sunflower Movement, it discusses the implications for Taiwan’s democracy, legislative transparency, and the balance of power between political factions.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
Written by Russell Sherrard-Smith. This article compares Taiwan’s DPP with the Liberal Party of the Philippines, focusing on party institutionalisation and how it contributes to our understanding of the quality of democracy. The author looks at the two parties’ systemness, centralisation, leadership stability and other factors that significantly influence the countries’ democratic development.
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.
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.
Taiwan Insight 