society and culture, economy, political system, and foreign and security policies in the context of Taiwan’s uncertain political status: whether a sovereign nation or a province of the People’s Republic of China. Copper argues that Taiwan’s very rapid and successful democratization suggests Taiwan should be independent and separate from China, while increasingly important economic links between Taiwan and China indicate the opposite. New to the fifth edition is enhanced coverage of the issues of an aging population, immigration, Taiwan’s loss of diplomatic status, and its improving commercial—though not political—relations with China. The new edition also examines the implications of the recent Chen Shui-bian administration and the 2008 presidential election. A selected bibliography guides students in further research.

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