Whither Taiwan and Mainland China: National Identity, the State and Intellectuals
ISBN: 9789882205338
Platform/Publisher: JSTOR / Hong Kong University Press
Digital rights: Users: unlimited; Printing: chapter; Download: chapter
Subjects: Political Science;

This is one of the few books that argues for a feasible compromise solution to the political conflict across the Taiwan Strait that still troubles greater China. The author elaborates on the factors both enabling and constraining the formation of a hybrid federation and confederation. In a unique way he deals with the role of the state and intellectuals (organic, professional, and critical) as well as their interaction in shaping national identities. The important questions raised are: Can China become a true world leader? Will Taiwan be a key player in China's transformation? The book should be of interest to students in political science, sociology, and history, as well as policy makers and businesspeople concerned about the development of cross-Strait relations.--Zhidong Hao is an associate professor of Sociology at the University of Macau.--Hao Zhidong has provided essential background on the types of thinking that could create a unified island-mainland polity. Do the politicians in Beijing and Taipei want one enough to make the symbolic sacrifices that would be needed to bring their citizens peace with prosperity? The thinkers whom Hao analyzes in this book can show them ways to do this. - Lynn White, Princeton University--A sane, thoughtful and thoroughly grounded study of what intellectuals are doing--and could do--to mediate the contentious patriotism in both Mainland China and Taiwan. Hao brings the sensibilities of a native to a rigorous comparative sociological analysis of the states and the intellectuals involved and what it would take to resolve this key relationship. - Timothy Cheek, University of British Columbia-


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