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.
Written by Uma Baron. Taiwan has long been recognised as an international beacon for LGBTQ+ rights. This article analyses the existing diplomatic power and future potential of Tongzhi diplomacy as part of the agenda of preserving and expanding Taiwan’s presence in international spaces.
