| The path to democratization is riddled with obstacles. Tumultuous events in Taiwan since the country’s third direct presidential election on March 20, 2004 have shown this to be all too true. Yet even mature democracies face challenges, as the 2000 U.S. presidential election demonstrates – and indeed, Taiwan has surmounted far more perilous obstacles along its road to democracy. The island’s democratization may be controversial, but it is indubitably irreversible.
This is your gateway to understanding Taiwan’s current political situation. Here you will find synopses and analyses relating to the heated 2004 presidential race and other key political issues with international relevance.
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| The election story |
| Million-strong rallies and near-miss assassination attempts: the story behind the histrionics |
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| March 20 referendum |
| Balancing China’s threats, domestic factors, and US interests: Taiwan’s controversial first national referendum. |
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| Identity politics |
| The naming of people is a difficult matter. To be Taiwanese, Chinese -- or both? |
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| TFD election study tour |
| The Foundation led its own group of international experts to observe the election, and indeed, they made some interesting observations... |
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| Links: Taiwan’s election 2004 |
| Election 101: Names, numbers, facts, figures, and more. |