This book presents a cogent but comprehensive review of Taiwan's socio-economic transformation from a Japanese colony to a thriving East Asian mini-state. Since the 1980's, Taiwan has primarily been viewed as a thriving economic model. Though certainly true, this assessment belies the amazing social and political success story for 23 million people on a small New Hampshire-sized island just off the China coast. Metzler highlights the engaging political narrative of democratization as well as Taiwan's noteworthy accomplishments despite the proximity and opposition of communist China. Further, the result of the 2016 elections and its implication are analyzed. Scholars studying East Asia and policy makers will gain a greater appreciation for the island's dynamic, prosperous resilience, despite pressure from China.

Though Taiwan is usually covered as a subtext of contemporary China studies, this book focuses on the unique socio-political achievements of Taiwan itself and provides an in-depth analysis of the historical and cultural factors that have shaped the country's progression to democracy This book presents a synthesis of the Taiwan story, explaining the complicate and generally unknown history, emphasizing the ongoing economic miracle, and shedding new light on the thriving democratization This book illustrates Taiwan's wider story beyond the economic miracle or Beijing's target and reflects on the island's hard won place as a vibrant Chinese democracy

Autorentext
John J. Metzler teaches comparative government and Asian Studies at St. John's University in New York. He is likewise a longtime United Nations correspondent covering diplomatic, defense and developmental issues.

Inhalt

1. Japanese Interlude 1895-1945.- 2. Return to Chinese Rule: 1945-1950.- 3. Free China; Cold War Fortress 1951-1971.- 4. The Republic of China 1972-1992.- 5 The Republic of China on Taiwan 1993-1999.- 6. Taiwan (The Republic of China) 2000-2008.- 7.Taiwan/Republic of China 2008-2015.- 8.Conclusions; Prospects and Portents.