Ethnic Conffict and Democratic Consolidation in Taiwan: Dissolving the Logic of Nation-State and Democratic Policies

Abstract

In the process of Taiwan’s democratization, some have intentionally provoked ethnic conflict and made it an issue. If such a phenomenon continues, there will be difficulties in consolidating Taiwan’s democratic system. In this article, the author will examine whether the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan possesses the following conditions needed for democratic consolidation: a structural change in people’s ethnic identities; increased support for the democratic system; the formation of a power-sharing political culture; and a shift of campaign appeals from ethnic conflict to other topics. The research findings indicate that recent developments in Taiwan’s political culture will ensure further consolidation of democracy in the future.