Dynamics of Democracy in Taiwan: The Ma Ying-jeou Years

"Explores the dynamics of democracy during the complicated Ma era in Taiwan (2008-2016), including party politics, the sources of governance challenges, changing public opinion, and shifts in the regional balance of power"--
This study draws on economic statistics, legislative and election data, and public opinion surveys to assess democracy during the eight-year administration of Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou (2008-2016), looking at policies of the Chinese Nationalist Party as well as the public’s level of trust in democratic institutions and the accountability of political leaders. After a section on party politics and the elections of 2012 and 2016, a section on democratic institutions and governance covers the performance of Taiwan’s core political institutions during the Ma era and the ascendance of the Legislative Yuan. Later sections examine public opinion, civil society, and the rise in social activism during the period, and analyze Taiwan’s strategic alignments with the US, Japan, and the People’s Republic of China. The book contains b&w charts and graphs. Annotation ©2020 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)
During the Ma Ying-jeou presidency in Taiwan (2008–2016), confrontations over relations with mainland China stressed the country’s institutions, leading to a political crisis. Nevertheless, its democracy proved to be resilient. The authors of Dynamics of Democracy in Taiwan explore key aspects of the complicated Ma era, including party politics and elections, the sources of Ma's governance challenges, changing public opinion, protest movements, and shifts in the regional balance of power.CONTENTS:The Dynamics of Democracy During the Ma Ying-jeou Era—the Editors.PARTY POLITICS AND ELECTIONS.The 2012 Elections—S. Rigger.The DPP in Opposition—A.H.-E. Wang.The KMT in Power—N.F. Batto.The Party System Before and After the 2016 Elections—K. Templeman.DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS AND GOVERNANCE.The Challenges of Governance—Y.-H. Chu and Y.-T. Chang.Legislative Politics—I. S.-H. Huang and S.-Y. Sheng.Watchdog Institutions—C. Goebel.Managing the Economy—P.-S. Lee.PUBLIC OPINION AND CIVIL SOCIETY.Assessing Support for Democracy—Y.-T. Chang and Y.-H. Chu. Trends in Public Opinion—C.-H. Yu.The Impact of Social Movements—D. Fell.Who Are the Protestors? And Why Are They Protesting?—M.-H. Huang and M. Weatherall. Social Media and Cyber-Mobilization—E.C.-H. Yu and J.-S. Yu. LOOKING OUTWARD.Cross-Strait Relations—S.-Y. Ho.In the Shadow of Great-Power Rivalry—D.P. Chen.