Books by John Franklin Copper

This timely volume provides an in-depth analysis of recent events surrounding the conflict between Taiwan and China over Taiwan's sovereignty. After a thoughtful discussion of the origins of the dispute, Copper examines the hallmark 1996 election in Taiwan that brought to power the first direct elected Chinese chief executive in over 5,000 years. He then discusses the ruling Nationalist Party's congress and explores how the party is changing in light of democratization and increasing public concerns about political corruption and crime. Finally, Copper addresses the U.S. role in the conflict and examines why Washington has changed its policy concerning Taiwan in recent years.

This book assesses the process of democratization in Taiwan during the Chen Shui-bian Era and after. He shows that in several respects, press freedom, human rights, ethnic relations, political reform, constitutionalism, and clean governance, democratization regressed. Economic management was not good and relations with the United States were severely strained.

Taiwan, an island located off the east coast of southern China, is the largest piece of territory under the jurisdiction of the "e;nation"e; known officially as the Republic of China. Constant debate over whether Taiwan is its own sovereign state, part of the Republic of China, or part of the People's Republic of China has been going on for years. With Chinese leaders in the People's Republic of China rejecting Taiwan's legal separation and vowing that they will resolve the "e;Taiwan issue"e; by military force if necessary and most citizens of Taiwan opposing unification with China in the short run, it would appear that Taiwan faces some tough decisions ahead.The A to Z of Taiwan (Republic of China) offers insight into Taiwan's situation through a chronology, an introduction, appendixes, a map, a bibliography, and several hundred cross-referenced dictionary entries on important people, places, events, political parties, and institutions, as well as major political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of this island country. Whether or not Taiwan joins the People's Republic of China or gains its independence, Taiwan's outcome is of the utmost importance, and this reference provides the necessary information to understand its state of affairs.