Taiwan's Struggle: Voices of the Taiwanese

(Paperback)

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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 countrys 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 Taiwans 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-ching, Jack F. Williams, Wong Ming-hsien, Wu Rong-i, Wu Rwei-ren, and C. Eugene Yeh.

Reviews

World interests seldom hear the voices of Taiwanese. Economically, Taiwan is important to the world but politically it is treated as a pawn in Sino-American relations. . . .This book . . . is an important collection of articles written solely by Taiwanese [that shows] who the Taiwanese people are, what they wish for their future, and the importance of Taiwan in the world. [It is] vital reading for people to understand the struggle of the Taiwanese to establish their identity and the significance of democratic Taiwan in the free world. * Pacific Times *
A comprehensive look at Taiwan and its recent transition to democracy [including] excellent insights by people who were directly involved in the democratic process, from President Lee Teng-hui on down. . . .Kudos to the two editors, Shyu-tu Lee and Jack Williams, for bringing this group of contributors together to present such a wealth of insights and information not found in other analyses by outside scholars. It is indeed a genuinely unique view from the inside. Highly recommended. * Taiwan Communiqu *
The essays in this volume are worthwhile in tracing the evolution of Taiwans democracy, and could be helpful background for newcomers to the subject. * Taiwan Business Topics *
This volume makes a significant contribution to the literature on Taiwan politics concerning an important issue. The ideas of many leading Taiwanese politicians and intellectuals are presented in their own words; areas of consensus as well as disagreement among Taiwanese identities emerge; and the quality of the essays [makes] the book of considerable interest to specialists on Taiwan and presents vital materials for the policy-making community. * American Journal of Chinese Studies *
A treasure trove of diverse topics. The rise of nationalism is traced as well as the shaping of culture by history; then there is the matter of the diversity of Taiwans DNA, the development of human rights; it all ends in how Taiwans history is clearly separate from that of China. * Taipei Times *
While a great deal has been written about Taiwan, remarkably little attention has been devoted to the people whose lives are most affected: the Taiwanese themselves. This volume addresses that profound lacuna. The contributors address issues ranging from history, politics, economics, ethnic identity, literature, and international relations that reflect their concerns for their future. Included are academics, former government officials, and public figuresall but one ethnic Taiwanese. Vital reading for all those who would understand this volatile yet vibrant area better. -- June Teufel Dreyer, University of Miami
In today's world, voices from Taiwan struggle for a hearing. Taiwan's Struggle enables many different voices from the island nation to speak internationally. The writings of such former politicians as Lee Teng-hui, Peng Ming-min, Michael Tsai, and Rong-I Wu and such scholars as Rwei-ren Wu, Shiao-feng Lee, Chen Yi-shen, Frank S.T. Hsiao, and Chang-yi David Chang provide stimulating new analyses of the difficulties facing Taiwan. -- J. Bruce Jacobs, Monash University
Written by the people who helped forge Taiwans recent history, this remarkable book contains a wealth of insights and information not found in other analyses by outside scholars. It is indeed a genuinely unique view from the inside. Highly recommended. -- Gerrit van der Wees, editor of Taiwan Communiqu and senior policy advisor, Formosan Association for Public Affairs

Author Bio

Shyu-tu Lee is a research fellow with the Institute for Taiwanese Studies. He has served on the board of directors for the Formosan Association for Public Affairs and as chair of the Research Committee and president of the North American Taiwanese Professors Association. Jack F. Williams is professor emeritus of geography at Michigan State University and has published widely on Taiwan and China. Since his retirement, he has been visiting professor of geography at the University of Hong Kong and National Taiwan University.