Taiwan faces many of the same challenges as most newly democratized nations such as the legacy of an authoritarian government, a traditional culture, ethnic division, and non-majoritarian political institutions. Each of the chapters sheds light on the democratization process. They examine questions concerning the state of political trust, ethnicity, democratic values and political institutions. In the post-Cold War era when America's foreign policy is focusing on how best to foster democratic transition throughout the world, the lessons that can be learned from Taiwan's democratization impart valuable lessons to students and scholars.

Philip Paolino is Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science, University of North Texas, USA. James Meernik is Professor in the Department of Political Science, University of North Texas, USA.