Why Taiwan (and Hong Kong) Matters: The Struggle for Freedom Democracy, and Self-Determination in a Contested State
Since its peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy in the late 1980s, Taiwan has developed into a model for liberal democracy in Asia where the rule of law and protection of civil liberties has allowed a society of diverse viewpoints and people to flourish. However, with geopolitical tension between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People’s Republic of China (PRC)—and the role of the United States in the conflict—at an all-time high, the future of freedom and liberal democracy in East Asia is uncertain. Join us for a screening of a short documentary introducing Taiwan and its relationship with the PRC, followed by a panel discussion guided by Adam Chen-Dedman (Executive Director of the Center for Global Citizenship at Centre College), a scholar of social movements and national identity in Taiwan, with Dr. Charlie Yi Zhang and Dr. Shui-yin Sharon Yam about the threat to local identities and freedom in Taiwan and Hong Kong. We will explore how national identities can be marshalled for progressive causes, the importance of resisting authoritarian creep, the difference between critical Chinese Studies and Sinophobia, and why Taiwan and Hong Kong should matter to those who care about social justice and human rights around the world.
An optional debriefing session will be held on Tuesday, October 17th from 11:30AM to 12:30PM in the Intercultural Suite (Campus Center, second floor).