The Transformation of the KMT`s Ideology

Abstract

It is the author`s view that ideology played an important role in the modernization and democratization of Taiwan. However, the ruling Kuomintang (KMT, Nationalist Party of China) used the Three People`s Principles of Sun Yat-sen in a pragmatic way, as some of its tenets were followed strictly, some were interpreted according to concrete needs, and others were ignored.\nThe pragmatic character of Sun`s designs facilitated the development of the KMT`s ideology and undoubtedly facilitated the KMT`s rule of Taiwan, as the KMT used his tutelary policies as a nation-building blueprint. In the initial stage, minshengzhuyi (people`s livelihood) encouraged the KMT to carry out land reforms that laid down the basis for later rapid economic growth, and minquanzhuyi (democracy, especially the tutelage principle) encouraged local self-governance that formed the basis for recent democratization. Sun placed election politics in a central position in the political constitution, and his plan has been largely fulfilled by the KMT in Taiwan. Meanwhile, the KMT`s ideology has transformed from actual authoritarian convictions to a democratic ideal. The KMT`S elitist ideology has been transformed to a constituent-oriented ideology, and with this change to electoral politics, the KMT is also converting from mainland-oriented nationalism to Taiwan-oriented nationalism. Its concerns have shifted from long-range and messianic ones to short-range and pragmatic ones. This democratic change of the KMT`s ideology is an important factor in the democratic transformation of Taiwan`s political system.