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Description
In this newly revised and updated edition of Taiwan: Nation-State or Province? John F. Copper examines Taiwan’s geography and history, society and culture, economy, political system, and foreign and security policies in the context of Taiwan’s uncertain political status as either a sovereign nation or a province of the People’s Republic of China. Copper argues that Taiwan’s very rapid and successful democratization suggests Taiwan should be independent and separate from China, while economic links between Taiwan and China indicate the opposite. New to the sixth edition is enhanced coverage of the issues of immigration; the impact of having the world's lowest birthrate; China’s economic and military rise and America’s decline; Taiwan’s relations with China, the United States, and Japan; and the KMT’s (Nationalist Party) return to power. The new edition will also examine the implications of the 2012 presidential election. A selected bibliography guides students in further research.
About the Author
John F. Copper is the Stanley J. Buckman Distinguished Professor of International Studies Emeritus at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. He is the author of more than twenty-five books on Taiwan, China, and Asian affairs. His book China’s Global Role won the Clarence Day Foundation Award for outstanding research and creativity.
“John F. Copper provides a comprehensive, yet succinct, analysis of Taiwan’s history, politics, economics, society, and international position that is informative, interesting, and highly readable. A major contribution of the text is the way that he discusses what each facet of Taiwan’s experience implies for the central question of whether it is an independent nation-state or a province of China.” —Cal Clark, Auburn University
Praise for the Previous Edition:
“John Copper continues to provide readers with the best-written and best-organized overview of Taiwan in the latest edition of Taiwan: Nation State or Province.”
—Dennis V. Hickey, Missouri State University
“In the fifth edition of this invaluable and comprehensive reference work, the preternaturally prolific John Copper provides the essential tools to understand Taiwan's unique position in global affairs in an exceptionally clear and jargon-free manner.”
—Thomas B. Gold, University of California, Berkeley; author of State and Society in the Taiwan Miracle
“Copper’s fifth edition expands and updates his concise yet comprehensive treatment of Taiwan. Its coverage of history, geography, and politics make this volume an ideal text for undergraduate courses.”
—June Teufel Dreyer, University of Miami
1. The Land and the People
Physical Setting
Climate, Soil, and Natural Resources
Population
Ethnic Groups
Culture
Transportation and Communications
The Media
Tourism
Notes
2. History
Prehistory and Early History
Western and Chinese Rule
Part of the Japanese Empire
World War II
Part of China Again
Taiwan as the Republic of China
Taiwan Ruled by Chiang Ching-kuo
Taiwan under Lee Teng-hui
Chen Shui-bian’s Taiwan
Notes
3. Society
Social Structure and Order
Ethnic Issues
Languages and Religions
Early Forces of Social Change
Economic Development and Social Change
Education
Social Welfare
Other Social Problems
Notes
4. Political System
Political Culture and Tradition
The Constitution
The National Assembly and the Presidency
The Five-Branch Government
Local Government
Political Parties
Elections
Ideology, Modernization, and the Future
Notes
5. The Economy
The Economy to 1950
The Economy: 1950–2000
Economic Growth Strategies
Key Industries and the Taiwan “Economic Miracle”
The Labor Force
Trade, Investment, and Energy
A Model of Economic Development
The economy under Chen Shui-bian
Notes
6. Foreign and Military Policies
Background
Diplomatic Decline and Partial Recovery
Domestic Affairs and Foreign Policy
Taiwan’s National Security Policy
Taiwan and the United States
Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China
Taiwan and the Rest of the World
Ties with International Organizations
Notes
7. The Future
Beginning Assumptions
External or Global Variables
Internal or Domestic Variables
Alternative Futures
Summing Up
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