Divided Not Doomed: Domestic Challenges for the Lai Administration’s Foreign Policy

Written by Nils Peterson. This article analyses the domestic challenge for the Lai administration’s foreign policy under a KMT-aligned Legislative Yuan. The divided government poses two potential hurdles: the risk of domestic gridlock and fights over defence appropriation funding. These challenges will require some degree of compromise between the KMT and the DPP, reinforced by the recent recall campaigns.

Taiwan’s Looming Budget Crisis: A Stress Test for Democracy and National Security

Written by YouHao Lai and Gahon Chiang. This article explores the procedural and substantive controversies of the unprecedented budget cuts and their impact on Taiwan’s government and national security, ad what might come next. The cuts disrupt the core government’s functions and policy implementation and efforts to strengthen its self-defence. It is a test of national will to ensure Taiwan’s long-term security.

The Smoking Gun of Democratic Backsliding? The 2024 Amendment to the Constitutional Court Procedure Act in Taiwan 

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.