The Dust That Never Settles

The Dust That Never Settles provides a historical review of the Taiwan independence movement in the framework of the economic, social, and cultural relations between the United States and China. Mei-ling T. Wang provides a detailed account of the movement, beginning in 1624 with the Dutch rule of Taiwan, through 1997. He emphasizes the complexity of the relationship between the United States and China, and he recognizes that the most intriguing aspect of the relations between them is the issue of the independence of Taiwan. Wang analyzes historical events of the past 300 years in order to provide insight into the nature of the development of the situation that plagues U.S. foreign policy, using political economy and cross-cultural discourse in the framework of eighteenth century imperialism, the Cold War, and superpower politics. This knowledge will allow foreign policy practitioners to understand the problems of the United States-China relationship and lead to more effective solutions.

Organized chronologically, this book provides an account of the history of the Taiwan independence movement, starting in 1624, when the Dutch started their rule of Taiwan, to 1997, the year after Taiwan's first direct presidential election. Wang (no credentials given) also evaluates the ways that these events have shaped the debates over this state's status among China, Taiwan, and the United States. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Mei-ling T. Wang is Assistant Professor of Communication at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.