1st Edition

Contemporary Taiwan More than a Flashpoint

Edited By Kristina Kironska, Eunika Rejtová Yang Copyright 2026
122 Pages 24 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

122 Pages 24 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

122 Pages 24 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

This new textbook presents an excellent introduction to the most important aspects of contemporary Taiwanese society, politics, economy, and international relations in a comprehensive and reader-friendly way. Illustrating Taiwan as more than just a military hot spot – also as a vibrant democracy, a beacon of human rights, a technological leader, and an economic hub – each chapter poses a... Read more

Introduction: What should everybody know about Taiwan?
Kristina Kironska

1. Historical Legacy: How did Taiwan become Taiwan?
Klára Dubravčíková & Kristina Kironska

2. Domestic Politics: How did Taiwan become a democracy?
Kristina Kironska & Eunika Rejtová Yang

3. Society: How does Taiwan blend tradition and modernity?
Eunika Rejtová Yang

4. Human Rights: What are the roadblocks in an otherwise progressive path?
Kristina Kironska

5. Economy and Technologies: How did Taiwan become an 'Asian Tiger'?
Richard Turcsanyi & Kristina Kironska

6. Cross-Strait Ties: What it is like to live with a dangerous neighbor?
Filip Šebok

7. The International Status of Taiwan: How does a scarcely recognized country conduct diplomacy? Matej Šimalčík

Biography

Kristina Kironska is Assistant Professor at Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic, and Co-Director at the Central European Institute of Asian Studies (CEIAS).

Eunika Rejtová Yang is a research fellow at the Central European Institute of Asian Studies (CEIAS).

‘The discourse surrounding Taiwan in international media predominantly centers on its contentious relationship with the People’s Republic of China. This textbook on contemporary Taiwan presents the latest insights into Taiwanese society and the various challenges it encounters beyond the issue with China. It is essential reading for students seeking a current understanding of Taiwan in the present day. Journalists covering Taiwan or aiming to write about it comparatively will find the impartial and concise background information in this book invaluable.’

Julie Yu-Wen Chen, Professor of Chinese Studies, University of Helsinki, Finland

'Contemporary Taiwan: More than a Flashpoint is a collection of articles that explores key aspects of Taiwan’s politics, economy, society, and international relations. It represents a timely and insightful volume that caters to readers seeking a deeper understanding of Taiwan—not only from a historical perspective but also in its contemporary context.'

Mei-Chuan Wei, GIDS, National Chengchi University, Taiwan