Written by Matthew Lorence. This article compares Taiwan’s Sunflower Movement and Hong Kong’s Umbrella Movement in 2014. This comparison illustrates how the structural differences between a sovereign democracy and a semi-autonomous territory operating under Beijing’s ultimate authority shaped the fate of each protest. The divergent fates of the two territories reflected precisely what the young people feared and fought so passionately to prevent.
Written by Brian Hioe. This article argues that the great recall movement is more reminiscent of the 2018 than the 2016 elections. The recall movement is sometimes interpreted as the successor of the Bluebird movement last year, but the spectre of the Sunflower Movement still haunts it. Ultimately, however, the dynamics of it are fundamentally different from those of an election.
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 Brian Hioe. This article compares the Bluebird Movement to the 2014 Sunflower Movement, emphasizing how both large-scale protests were fundamentally driven by concerns over China’s influence rather than purely about domestic issues.
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 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.
