Politics


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2022/10/25 | Kirsten Han

If Singapore Wants to Debate the Death Penalty, Talk To Us — Not Richard Branson.

If the Singapore government really prioritized the well-being of people in Singapore, they wouldn’t be wasting time and money trying to get Richard Branson over for a “debate.”

2022/11/26 | TNL Staff

KMT Legislator Chiang Wan-an, Great Grandson of Chiang Kai-shek, Wins Taipei Mayoral Election

Chiang, the mayor-elect of Taipei, has billed himself as a revitalizing force for the KMT, more than half of whose party members are above the age of 60.

2022/11/14 | Mario Yang

An Interview With Chiang Wan-an: From “Drifting North” To “Leaving the North”

As we discussed why Chiang Wan-an joined the KMT after returning to Taiwan, he said, “One of the most important factors includes Mr. [Chiang] Ching-kuo’s full commitment to public affairs and care for the people. This has left a profound impression on the hearts of Taiwanese people to this day.”

2022/05/14 | Kirsten Han

The Death Penalty Makes Us Forget Our Humanity. Don’t Let It.

When fighting against the cold machinery of death, we must all the more cling on to empathy and care for one another.

2022/01/18 | Jeremy Van der Haegen

Taiwan’s Plan to Cement Its Newfound Alliance With Lithuania

Taiwan’s investment plan for Lithuania needs to be economically sound, and cannot rely simply on geopolitical conflict.

2022/04/25 | Judy Chen

“Princess in the Attic”: Kao Chia-yu’s Path

Kao Chia-yu, one of Taiwan’s highest profile political leaders, is a constant subject of sensationalist media attention. What hasn’t been explored in depth is her background, values, and how she came to her position. This is the first part of a three part essay on Kao and the world that made her.

2022/02/17 | Roy Ngerng

Taiwan’s Minimum Wage Is Not Adequate for Its Cost of Living

Taiwan’s low minimum wage has contributed to half of workers earning less than what they need to have a basic standard of living.

2022/01/13 | Roy Ngerng

Taiwan’s Businesses Are Increasing Prices To Earn Higher Profits

Average consumers will take a hit, while businesses will continue to earn high profits from the recent price increases.

2022/03/10 | Timothy S. Rich

South Korea: How Does Moon Jae-in’s Presidency Affect the Election

The results of a pre-election survey suggest that growing backlash to Covid-19 policies led to declining support for Moon, perhaps indirectly affecting perceptions of the losing candidate, Lee Jae-myung.

2022/11/02 | Brian Hioe

The Tsai Administration Is Silent on Lula’s Victory. What Would It Take for That To Change?

The Tsai administration’s passing on an opportunity to demonstrate support for democracy in Brazil is disappointing. All the more so because in 2018, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued immediate congratulations to Bolsonaro on the day of his presidential election.

2022/11/26 | Bryan Chou

Taiwan Fails To Lower the Voting Age to 18

Experts have said the referendum is unlikely to pass due to the high threshold and a relatively low turnout in local elections.

2022/06/17 | Roy Ngerng

Taiwan’s Lost Growth (Part 2): How Stagnant Wages are Throttling the Economy

Taiwan has one of the lowest GDP growths since 1995 among emerging economies. This is not going to change if wages don’t grow.

2022/03/15 | Kirsten Han

Singapore’s Elastic Commitment to Accountability

Raeesah Khan’s case shows that the latitude we’re willing to give to untruths and screw-ups varies depending on what the ruling party might be able to get out of it.

2022/01/14 | Itamar Waksman

The Siraya’s Fight for Recognition in Taiwan

The Siraya has yet to be officially recognized by Taiwan’s government as an Indigenous group, excluding them from access to social benefits including scholarship and subsidy for healthcare.

2022/08/23 | Brian Hioe

The Real Problem With Taiwan’s Plagiarism Scandals

The focus on educational background in Taiwan’s electoral politics closes paths to office for the many without the power or money to gain degrees from elite institutions — illicitly or not.

2022/05/21 | Judy Chen

“Now I Walk My Own”: Kao Chia-yu’s Path, Part 2

Kao Chia-yu frames her rise as that of a self-made actor against established forces. The story begins in her college years. This is the second part of a three-part essay on Kao and the world that made her.