October 22, 2007: Seminar on Taiwan and Security in Eastern Asia

Taiwan’s special history and transition to democracy (Prof. Wen-yen Chen)
- highlights of Taiwan’s history
- brief overview of transition to democracy
- functioning but fragile democracy
- lack of transitional justice

China’s rise and increasing military threat (Mr. Stephen Yates)
- basics of China’s claim to Taiwan; “One China Principle”
- Economic rise but no political liberalization, Jim Mann’s “China Fantasy”
- Military buildup focused on Taiwan; comparisons with pre-WW-II Europe
- What Europe and US can do: not lifting arms embargo / maintain adequate flow of arms sales to Taiwan

Taiwan’s strategic importance (Prof. June Teufel Dreyer)
- Importance of Taiwan in terms of its strategic location, straddling the sea lanes
- Importance of Taiwan in terms of its economic position, trade, high tech
- Importance of Taiwan as example of successful transition to democracy

Political outlook for 2008 (Prof. Jerome Keating)
- Political divide, similarity with Eastern Europe / Ukraine
- Outlook / importance of legislative elections
- Outlook / importance of presidential elections

Normalization of relations and membership in international organizations (Dr. Gerrit van der Wees)
- Views and drivers of the Taiwanese people on the island’s future
- Joining the international community as logical consequence of democratization
- Reasons for normalization of bilateral relations
- Reasons to end political isolation and accept Taiwan as full member in international community