Domestic Political Change in Taiwan: Implications for Democracy, Culture, and International Standing
May 14, 2009
China Focus presents a public lecture featuring Daniel Lynch
Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 3:30pm, Robinson Complex 3201
Reception and Light Food/Refreshments to Follow
Over the last 20 years, Taiwan has emerged from one-party rule to become one of Asiaís most dynamic democracies. After a year in office following eight years of tumultuous relations with Beijing, President Ma Ying-Jeou has acted on campaign promises of increased engagement with the Chinese mainland amid the backdrop of immense challenges to Taiwan ranging from the global financial crisis to the growing international standing of the Peopleís Republic of China.
Returning May 10th from a week in residency at the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, Professor Lynch will debrief by exploring the following questions: What has actually changed in Taiwan that is of political, cultural, and international significance, and what has actually stayed the same? How much of Taiwan’s posture and position in the world is situationally-dictated and how much is determined by which party or faction or individual holds office? Moreover, to the extent there are either continuities or changes, do they reinforce or undermine prospects for an improvement in the quality of Taiwanese democracy and its further consolidation?
Daniel Lynch is Associate Professor of International Relations at the University of Southern California, where he directs the PhD program in International Relations and Political Science and sits on the executive committee of the U.S.-China Institute. He serves as an advisor to numerous academic and non-governmental bodies, and is currently researching how Chinese intellectual and political elites are ‘mapping the future.’ Prof. Lynch has written extensively on domestic politics, collective identity formation, and political economy in both China and Taiwan. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Michigan.
