On May 14, the Center for Northeast Asian Policy Studies (CNAPS) at Brookings and the Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law (CDDRL) at Stanford University hosted a seminar analyzing progress and challenges in the consolidation of Taiwan’s democratization and reforms. While the presidential and legislative elections held on January 14 were interpreted by many as proof that Taiwan’s democratic system—including its government and society—has matured since the first transition of political power in 2000, both big-picture and day-to-day challenges to effective democratic governance remain.
The seminar featured leading practitioners and political scientists from Taiwan and the United States. Panelists examined reforms that have been enacted in Taiwan over the past decade, and analyzed their impact on the functions of government agencies, political parties, and other non-governmental organizations. They also discussed how reform and consolidation are affecting policy and public perception of the system.
After each panel, speakers took audience questions.
1:45 PM -- Panel 3: Implications of Democratic Consolidation
11:00 AM -- Panel 2: Politics and Society
John Fuh-sheng Hsieh Professor, Department of Political Science - University of South CarolinaShelley Rigger Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty, Brown Professor of Asian Politics - Davidson College -
9:00 AM -- Panel 1: Government
David G. Brown Visiting Scholar in China Studies, Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies - Johns Hopkins University