Government and politics in Taiwan / Dafydd Fell.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction to government and politics in Taiwan -- Authoritarian rule : the politics of martial law in Taiwan -- Transition to democracy and democratic consolidation -- Taiwan's government and constitutional structure -- Electoral politics : milestones, electoral systems, and political communication -- Party politics in Taiwan -- local and factional politics -- Competing national identities -- Taiwan's external relations : balancing international space and cross-strait relations -- From a Leninist corporatist state to vibrant civil society : the emergence and role of social movements -- Is democracy working in Taiwan? social welfare and political corruption -- Taiwan after 2000 : changes of ruling parties, critical elections and lessons of defeat -- A multitude of political miracles and future challenges.

Written by an experienced teacher and scholar this new textbook introduces the reader to the big questions that concern change and continuity in how politics operates and how Taiwan is governed. Taking a critical approach, Dafydd Fell provides students with the essential background to the history and development of the political system as well as an explanation of the key structures, processes and institutions that have shaped Taiwan over the last few decades. Topics covered include: the transition to democracy, party politics, cross-strait relations, foreign policy, electoral politics and voting, political economy, national identity and social welfare. Key features of this text are: 1-Suggestions for further reading 2-End of chapter study questions 3-Discussion points 4-Graphs, tables and figures 5-A series of case studies highlighting the vibrancy of Taiwanese politics. Government and Politics in Taiwan is an essential text for any course on Taiwanese politics, Chinese politics and East Asian Politics. It is also important supplementary reading for courses covering the process of democratisation.