Taiwan

In the fourth edition of Taiwan: Nation-State or Province? Professor 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: whether 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 increasingly important economic links between Taiwan and China say the opposite. Copper argues that while Washington and Beijing exacerbate the problem by espousing opposing policies regarding resolution of the “Taiwan issue.” This book pursues the theme of Taiwan’s unique status and seeks to gauge its future as one of the world’s vortex political entities.