Why Taiwan Matters: Small Island, Global Powerhouse Paperback – October 9, 2013

Reading Professor Shelley Rigger's book about Taiwan helped me better appreciate the subtle and obvious complexities of Taiwan and enhanced my understanding of People's Republic of China. While Professor Rigger distilled these complexities into a mere 197 pages of text, her book is an easy read for those who know next to nothing about Taiwan and the PRC's long running "unshakeable goal" of subsuming Taiwan into the PRC's social, economic and political orbits. Indeed, this book is a superb primer on these critical issues.A study of the PRC would not be complete without understanding the issues masterfully presented and discussed (respectfully, realistically and lovingly) by Professor Rigger in her book entitled "Why Taiwan Matters: Small Island, Global Powerhouse." Brevity is often seen as an enemy to scholarly writing (by their authors), but in this case, brevity is appreciated and is a tremendous testament to Professor Rigger's mastery of the complex issues discussed in her book and her masterful (i.e., succinct and thorough) presentation of thereto.Taipei 101 is indeed a metaphorical and real symbol of the "lonesome" island that is Taiwan, which is a manufacturing and information technology global powerhouse. The resiliency, ingenuity and pragmatism of human beings are embodies by Taipei 101. It's fitting that Professor Rigger began her book by discussing Taipei 101: "the blue-glass tower . . . is everywhere in Taiwan."Professor Rigger captured the added complexities which confront Taiwan and its people with this apt metaphor: "The relationship between Taiwan and China today is like a failing marriage: the couple is separated, but not divorced. Taiwan independence would constitute a divorce -- Taiwan would begin using its 'maiden name.' Once a divorce is final, reconciliation is unlikely, so even though remaining separate is hardly Beijing's preference, it prefers separation to divorce. For Taiwan, the trick is to maintain as much freedom of action as it can without finalizing the divorce; the PRC's goal is to end the separation."This book helps one better appreciate how these issues may evolve and materialize in the future. Professor Rigger helps the reader understand and appreciate the fact that while a large proportion of Taiwanese (over 23 million strong) are of Chinese ancestry, Taiwan has its own unique self-identity, culture and history: e.g., Austronesians who settled in Taiwan about four thousand years ago and islanders who are native Hokkien and Hakka speakers.A study of the PRC scholarship should include the scholarship of Taiwan and this book is an instructive and insightful resource in that regard.

The author of this book had an enormous task ahead of her, which is made clear by how she manages to weave an engaging narrative in such a concise introduction to the history of Taiwan. Although Miss Rigger's is a scholarly effort, even someone who could not place Taiwan on a map before reading the book would find herself turning the page with the ease of the most engaging novel, a quality of writing that reminds me of such history authors as David McCullough and Simon Winchester.Relatedly, the organization of the book is well considered; e.g., one chapter focuses on Taiwan's shift from a primarily agricultural country to an industrial one and later post-industrial. This focus, however, is chronological. Along those lines, one reviewer mentioned that Miss Rigger can be repetitive, and I think this is because she keeps relating the historical development of Taiwan with the present; in other words, emphasizing the implications that these developments have not only on Taiwan but the world around it. For instance, going back to the chapter alluded to earlier ("From Farmers to Manufacturers"), the time she spends making clear the relationship between China and Taiwan, and America's great historical influence in Taiwan, pays off when she explains Taiwan's shift to a focus on science and technological innovation after China became a nuclear state and America chose to officially recognize mainland China diplomatically.Finally, Miss Rigger does not overly praise any of the actors in the engaging story that is the history of the Taiwanese, but neither does she skimp on compassion for her subject, as evidenced when she says, "... [Taiwan's] people, like all people, are ends in themselves, not mere instruments of someone else's destiny."

It is a very rare book about about Taiwan. I have come to know why Taiwan really matters to East Asia as well as to the United States.It is an intellectual product of long field work and deep contemplation with love of Taiwanes people. I have come to like Taiwan through this book.

This is an absolute must-read for those interested in Taiwan in any capacity. Dr. Rigger draws on years of experience and excellent personal and professional connections for insightful interviews scattered throughout the book. This is a readable but detailed book; a perfect introduction to the many fascinating elements of Taiwan. Exactly what I was looking for!

As a person that lives and works in Taiwan I enjoyed this book. I now recommend it to anyone coming to Taiwan to work or study. It's a quick read that gives a solid foundation on Taiwan politics and history. Ms. Rigger is a well known scholar on Taiwan and she has written a very readable book. If you only buy one book on Taiwan, this is the one to buy.

I bought this for my thesis work. Although it is not the type of book I needed, I find it easy to read and provides a counter-reason to al of the scholars that have advocated abandoning Taiwan.It is a Great contemporary perspective for Taiwan scholars or people curious about East Asia and the potential implications of China's rise.

The book is an excellent primer on Tawiwan - its history, economy and place in the world. It is short and easy to read, but thorough. The writing is frequently repetitive, which is its only negative attribute.