This comprehensive book explores contemporary Taiwan from the perspective of the Taiwanese themselves. In a unique set of original essays, leading Taiwanese figures consider the country's history, politics, society, economy, identity, and future prospects. The volume provides a forum for a diversity of local voices, who are rarely heard in the power struggle between China and the United States over Taiwan's future. Whether it will be absorbed by China, continue in its current limbo as an unrecognized state, or seek outright independence and national sovereignty remains an open question. Reflecting the deep ethnic and political differences that are essential to understanding Taiwan today, this work provides a nuanced introduction to its role in international politics. Contributions by: Andrew C. Chang, Chang Chang-yi David, Pochih Chen, Chen Yi-shen, Chi Guo-chung, Strong C. Chuang, Frank S. T. Hsiao, Jolan Hsieh, Joseph C. C. Kuo, Lee Shiao-feng, Shyu-tu Lee, Lee Teng-hui, Marie Lin, Jay Tsu-yi Loo, Lu Hsiu-lien Annette, Peng Ming-min, George Sung, Michael M. Tsai, Tsay Ting-kuei (Aquia), Tu Kuo-ch'ing, Jack F. Williams, Wong Ming-hsien, Wu Rong-i, Wu Rwei-ren, and C. Eugene Yeh.
Introduction: Listening to the Voices of the Taiwanese Shyu-tu Lee and Jack F. Williams Part I: Society and Identity Chapter 1: Establishing a Taiwan-Centered Identity Lee Teng-hui Chapter 2: Fragment of/f Empires: The Peripheral Formation of Taiwanese Nationalism Wu Rwei-ren Chapter 3: Two Different Cultures: Taiwan vs. China Lee Shiao-feng Chapter 4: Democratization in Taiwan: Lifting the Blacklist George Sung Chapter 5: The Struggle against KMT Rule: A Personal Memoir Strong C. Chuang Chapter 6: Nonviolent Struggle in Taiwan: A Personal Memoir Tsay Ting-kuei (Aquia) Chapter 7: Retracing the Han among the Taiwanese Marie Lin Chapter 8: Subjectivity and Tradition in Taiwanese Literature Tu Kuo-ch'ing Chapter 9: Development of Human Rights Consciousness in Taiwan Jolan Hsieh Part II: International Status Chapter 10: The International Status of the Taiwanese People Peng Ming-min Chapter 11: Pariah Manifesto: The Moral Significance of the Taiwanese Tragedy Wu Rwei-ren Chapter 12: The Shaping of Taiwan's Status after World War II Chen Yi-shen Chapter 13: Westerners' Perceptions of Taiwan and Taiwanese Anxiety Andrew C. Chang Chapter 14: America's Security and Taiwan's Freedom Jay Tsu-yi Loo Part III: International Relations Chapter 15: The "Black Hole" and the "Mystery Force": Taiwan Caught Between China and the United States Joseph C. C. Kuo Chapter 16: Silent Annexation: China's Unification Strategy Wong Ming-hsien and Lu Hsiu-lien Annette Chapter 17: Threat to Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific Region: The Rise of China's Military Power Michael M. Tsai Chapter 18: Economic Integration in East Asia: The Perspective from Taiwan Wu Rong-i Chapter 19: ECFA and China's Strategy to the World Pochih Chen Part IV: Economy, Technology, and Environment Chapter 20: Taiwan in the Global Economy: End of the "Miracle"? Frank S. T. Hsiao Chapter 21: Development of Taiwan's High-Technology Industries C. Eugene Yeh and Chi Gou-chung Chapter 22: Taiwan's Environment at a Pivot Point Chang Chang-yi David Bibliography
