2022/07/05 |
How the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Works — And How It Will Affect Taiwan
The IPEF represents a deepening of the U.S.’s economic ties with countries in the Indo-Pacific. Though Taiwan has not been included, there are opportunities for similar initiatives.
2022/07/01 |
Taoyuan Mayoral Race Illustrates Hypocrisy in DPP and KMT Strategies
The Taoyuan mayoral race has featured hypocritical partisan attacks that speak to real problems in Taiwan’s democracy.
2022/06/17 |
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.
2022/05/21 |
“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.
2022/05/14 |
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.
2022/05/12 |
Taiwan’s Lost Growth (Part 1): How Far Has Taiwan’s Economy Fallen Behind Other Countries Due To Stagnant Wages?
When wages don’t grow, household expenditures and ultimately business profits stagnate as well. Here’s how this has played out in Taiwan.
2022/04/25 |
“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.
2022/03/22 |
What Pompeo’s Visit to Taiwan Indicates
While Mike Pompeo called for formal recognition of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on his recent trip, the Biden Administration will remain cautious and keep its options open.
2022/03/15 |
South Korea: How Did the Pardon of Park Geun-hye Affect the Election?
A pre-election survey undermines the oft-cited idea that national unity in South Korea is promoted through pardons of former presidents.
2022/03/15 |
Raising the Minimum Wage Does Not Increase Unemployment.
It makes sense for Taiwan’s businesses to support wage increases. Here’s why.
2022/03/15 |
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.
2022/03/10 |
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.
2022/03/09 |
What Ukraine Means for Taiwan’s Security
Although authoritarian states implement similar strategies against their military targets, there’s important distinctions worth keeping in mind when comparing the war in Ukraine to a potential cross-strait conflict.
2022/03/07 |
Legislators Leading Public Opinion on the Death Penalty
A recent report has found that many legislators in Taiwan privately believe that the death penalty should be abolished.
2022/02/17 |
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.
2022/02/11 |
Lithuania’s Minimum Wage Is More Adequate for Its Cost of Living Than Taiwan’s
Though lower in nominal terms, Lithuania’s minimum wage is more adequate for its cost of living than Taiwan’s, and catching up fast.
2022/02/09 |
Taiwan’s Minimum Wage is One of the Lowest In Its League
Taiwan is a wealthy country. Its recently instituted minimum wage hike does not compare favorably with its international counterparts.
2022/02/09 |
Movement to Lower Taiwan’s Voting Age to 18 Gains Momentum
Public support for lowering the voting age in Taiwan has largely fallen along party lines.