In five decades, Taiwan has shifted from an authoritarian regime to a multi-party democracy, has moved steadily toward modernization, and has become an economically affluent, socially pluralistic society. Its experience provides valuable lessons for developing countries. This book offers a critical assessment of Taiwan's path to modernization, focusing particularly on developments of constitutional democracy and the rule of law, democratic transition and consolidation, internationalization and globalization, and social developments.

From its market economy to its democratization, Taiwan provides a valuable case study. On social developments, it provides a unique model of demographic transition, rising women's social status, and the emergence of the nuclear family. In eighteen chapters written by prominent scholars, this book examines the multiple aspects of Taiwan's modernization in a global perspective.

A role model for late industrializing countries, Taiwan provides unique and interesting development lessons for third world countries. Once a poverty-stricken, resource-poor, technologically backward nation, Taiwan has become the hub of a global production network in many high tech industries with increasing significance in the world economy. In ten outstanding essays, written by highly respected economists, this book analyzes Taiwan's postwar economic development path, providing a valuable case study of its structural transformation from a labor-intensive to a technology-intensive economy.

The book addresses three major topics. First it recaptures the lessons of Taiwan's experience. Then it considers the role of foreign investment on structural transformation and globalization. Finally, it examines Taiwan's economy in a global perspective, evaluating its role in the world market from the past to the future and its evolution from a colony to a newly industrialized country.