Strait Forward

China's military pressure on Taiwan is escalating. How is Taiwan responding? Fei-Fan Lin, Deputy Secretary-General of Taiwan’s National Security Council, joins hosts Channing Lee and Libby Lange to provide crucial insights into Taiwan's defense strategies.  This episode explores Taiwan's multifaceted approach to national security, lessons learned from the Ukraine war, and the importance of societal resilience.

Check out some related works:

Two Island Nations, From Neighbors to Partners

Taiwan: A Case Study in Resilience and Innovation

Beijing’s Play for Taiwan’s Young Voices Intensifies

Coming up: SCSP’s AI+ Expo for National Competitiveness, June 2-4 in Washington, DC. Register here!

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.

In this episode of Strait Forward, hosts Channing Lee and Libby Lange explore the crucial topic of digital resilience, particularly in the context of Taiwan's technologically advanced society. They discuss the multifaceted nature of digital resilience, encompassing both physical infrastructure and cybersecurity. The conversation delves into the challenges Taiwan faces, from natural disasters like typhoons to the pervasive threat of cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns.

The episode features a compelling interview with Audrey Tang, Taiwan's former Digital Minister and current Ambassador-at-Large for Cyber Affairs. Tang shares insights into Taiwan's innovative approaches to digital governance, including radical transparency, civic engagement, and the use of AI to foster digital democracy. The discussion highlights Taiwan's efforts to build a resilient and democratic digital ecosystem in the face of external pressures.

They discuss:

• Digital Resilience Definition
• Physical Digital Resilience
• Cybersecurity Threats
• Disinformation Campaigns
• Audrey Tang's Role
• Radical Transparency
• Civic Technology Initiatives (g0v, vTaiwan)
• Digital Democracy
• AI's Role in Governance (Assistive Intelligence)
• Taiwan Gold Card Program

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.

This episode of "Strait Forward" explores the intricate history of Taiwan's democratization, focusing on the pivotal moments that shaped its current political identity. It begins by establishing a glossary of key historical terms and then dives into the impact of these events on Taiwan's societal fabric. Historian Dr. Dominic Yang joins the conversation to shed light on the profound effects of trauma and memory on Taiwan's journey towards democracy, and how these elements continue to influence the island's political landscape.

They discuss:

• The lasting impact of Japanese colonial rule on Taiwan.
• The significance and consequences of the 228 Incident.
• The pervasive effects of the White Terror and martial law.
• Ethnic distinctions and their role in Taiwan’s political history
• Dr. Yang's background and research into trauma and memory studies.
• The KMT's arrival in 1949 and its immediate impact on Taiwan.
• The everyday experience of living under martial law.
• The challenges of reconciling historical trauma with democratic development.

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.

In the inaugural episode of "Straight Forward," Channing Lee and Libby Lange delve into the multifaceted importance of Taiwan in today's global landscape. They begin by discussing their personal connections to Taiwan and then provide a foundational overview of the island's geography, economy, and unique political status. Ambassador Alexander Yui joins the conversation to share his insights on Taiwan's journey from isolation to a key player in technology and democracy, the challenges it faces, and the burgeoning US-Taiwan relationship. 

They discuss:

• Ambassador Yui's career background
• Taiwan's journey from isolation to recognition
• Introducing Taiwan to a new audience
• Challenges in global diplomacy
• Taiwan's role in global innovation
• Maintaining democracy in the face of external threats
• The evolving threat from Beijing
• Opportunities for US-Taiwan cooperation in 2025
• Ambassador Yui's recommendations for learning more about Taiwan

Check out some related works:

- The PRC’s Remote Poaching Model

- The View from Taiwan: Democracy in Action

- Beijing’s Play for Taiwan’s Young Voices Intensifies

- Taiwan: Strength in Unity, Behind Innovation Power

- Two Island Nations, From Neighbors to Partners

- Taiwan: A Case Study in Resilience and Innovation

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.