Taiwan's Modernization In Global Perspective

In five decades, Taiwan has shifted from an authoritarian regime to a multi-party democracy, has moved steadily toward modernization, and has become an economically affluent, socially pluralistic society. Its experience provides valuable lessons for developing countries. This book offers a critical assessment of Taiwan's path to modernization, focusing particularly on developments of constitutional democracy and the rule of law, democratic transition and consolidation, internationalization and globalization, and social developments.

From its market economy to its democratization, Taiwan provides a valuable case study. On social developments, it provides a unique model of demographic transition, rising women's social status, and the emergence of the nuclear family. In eighteen chapters written by prominent scholars, this book examines the multiple aspects of Taiwan's modernization in a global perspective.

Taiwan's modernization and increasing economic affluence is offered as an example for developing countries.

PETER C.Y. CHOW is Professor of Economics at City College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. He is also a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research, a Consultant for the World Bank, and the editor of the companion volume Taiwan in the Global Economy (Praeger, 2001).