CONTESTED TAIWAN: Book Talk | 國立台灣大學南樂教授
Explore Taiwan’s contested statehood & current political landscape

Talk by Dr. Lev Nachman
Assistant Professor, The Graduate Institute of National Development at National Taiwan University

Join us for a talk with Prof. Nachman (University of Puget Sound ’14) on his new book Contested Taiwan. The book examines how questions of identity and territory shape Taiwan’s political landscape. Despite maintaining de facto sovereignty, Taiwan remains largely unrecognized internationally, a status that deeply affects its domestic politics. Drawing on 150 interviews with activists and politicians, as well as a comparative analysis of Ukraine, Prof. Nachman shows how existential threats and strained relationships with established parties drive social movements into formal politics. The book offers a fresh perspective on contested statehood, movement party formation, and what motivates individuals to take political action worldwide.

This event is part of Taiwan Week 2025 (October 13–17). Learn more about Taiwan Week.

All Taiwan Week events are sponsored by the Asian Studies Department. For inquiries, please contact asianstudies@pugetsound.edu.