Politics & Society
Taiwan's Economic Miracle
Taiwan's economic miracle turned an agricultural backwater into a world powerhouse. Can today's officials show as much resolve as the engineers of that miracle in revitalizing Taiwanese industry?
Politics & Society
Taiwan's Public Health Miracle
Once seen as a disease-ridden tropical island, Taiwan won international kudos for eradicating malaria and other parasitic infections. And its national health insurance system has ushered in a new age of "fair, universal" public health.
Politics & Society
An Enlightened Transition
Under his leadership, authoritarian rule reached a crescendo, and also came to an end. Over a 200-day period in 1986, Chiang Ching-kuo permitted an organized opposition to form and set the stage for Taiwan's democracy.
Politics & Society
Ma Ying-jeou vs. Tsai Ing-wen
Though similar in many ways, the chairpersons of Taiwan's two major parties differ markedly in their views of what's best for Taiwan. CommonWealth Magazine compares the two leaders head-to-head.
Politics & Society
Beyond the Commotion
Over the past 60 years, Taiwan has managed to form a vibrant, yet fragile, democracy. Beset with carnival-style electioneering and pork-barrel politics, where is Taiwan, the Chinese-speaking world's laboratory for democracy, headed?
Culture
1949 to 2009
Six decades – a full epoch by traditional Chinese reckoning – have passed since the KMT lost control of China and took refuge on Taiwan, creating the political system and ethnic mix that now define the island. What does the future hold?