Includes bibliographical references (p. 250-269) and index.

Introduction to government and politics in Taiwan -- Authoritarian rule : the politics of martial law in Taiwan -- Transition to democracy and democratic consolidation -- Taiwan's government and constitutional structure -- Electoral politics : milestones, electoral systems, and political communication -- Party politics in Taiwan -- local and factional politics -- Competing national identities -- Taiwan's external relations : balancing international space and cross-strait relations -- From a Leninist corporatist state to vibrant civil society : the emergence and role of social movements -- Is democracy working in Taiwan? social welfare and political corruption -- Taiwan after 2000 : changes of ruling parties, critical elections and lessons of defeat -- A multitude of political miracles and future challenges.