Written by Alan H. Yang. In May 2024, up to 100,000 people protested on Qingdao East Road, Taipei, against amendments to the Act Governing the Legislative Yuan’s Power, arguing these changes could expand legislative authority and undermine democracy. The protests saw significant involvement from the younger generation and led to the “Bluebird Action,” which leveraged digital technology for mobilisation.
Written by Chun-yi Lee. This article reflects on the relevance of the Sunflower and Umbrella Movement today. Looking at the case of media freedom, the author highlights the importance of civil society guarding against authoritarian expansion and democratic consolidation. The movements remind of the fight against authoritarian power.
Wriiten by Desmond Hok-Man Sham. The Umbrella Movement did not just construct the identity of local Hong Kongers but also overseas Hong Kongers, where Taiwan plays an important role in that process. This article reflects on how the identity was constructed overseas through diaspora mobilisation and activism and the future of Taiwan-Hong Kong connections.
Written by Leon Kunz. The Sunflower Movement is a stark contrast to the insurrection of the January 6 storming of the US Capitol. This article makes this case by comparing through the structural sphere, ideational-interpretative sphere and performative sphere. The Sunflower Movement involved diverse participants, aimed to protect democracy and was non-violent.
Written by Klavier Wang. This article focuses on the movement-place making, a process of transforming physical spaces into vibrant and inclusive environments that foster community engagement and identity, of the Sunflower and Umbrella Movement. It sheds light on an important legacy of the two movements, the development and strengthening of their civil societies.
Written by Jackson Yeh. This article reviews the influential legacies of the Sunflower Movement to Taiwan politically and its state-society relations, including an institutionalised oversight mechanism of future cross-Strait deals. Nevertheless, the article contends that the journey of the Sunflower Movement against the China factors remains unfinished.
