Taiwanology

Is artificial intelligence a threat to human agency, or an opportunity for civic innovation? 2025 Right Livelihood Laureate and Taiwan Cyber Ambassador Audrey Tang discusses the shift from algorithms to symbiotic "local Kami" AI. Find out why she has no fear for AI agents and OpenClaw. It’s a masterclass in staying human in a world of synthetic intimacy, with one life hack that will help you sleep better.[05:46] How Audrey "translated" the Taiwan model to be adopted in California[09:40] How her book inspired Anno to run for Tokyo Governor[12:05] What do "Civic AI" and "6 Pack of Care" have to do with AI anxiety?[14:20] How Civic AI principles played out in Taiwan's combat on fraud[20:50] Why conflict is not a bug but a power source[24:15] When AI agents do all the jobs, what's left for humans?Host: Kwangyin Liu, Deputy Managing Editor of CommonWealth MagazineGuest: Audrey Tang, Taiwan Cyber AmbassadorProducers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Read more on Audrey’s take on AI: https://civic.ai/＊Read more on Audrey’s take on AI: https://civic.ai/openclaw/＊Read more: https://english.cw.com.tw＊Share your thoughts：[email protected] Powered by Firstory Hosting

As China becomes increasingly opaque, how can Taiwan maintain a clear-eyed perspective? We are joined by Professor Tao to dissect the China Monitoring Report by Thinking Taiwan Foundation. They move past the headlines to analyze 50 indicators across economy, finance, and society, revealing a dual-speed reality and rising systemic social unrest. [03:00] Thinking Taiwan 2.0: Former President Tsai Ing-wen’s platform for policy analysis [05:53] The 50-Indicator Framework [16:16] Dual-Speed Economy: Record exports vs. trapped savings [20:30] How China’s low consumption triggers global de-industrialization [22:05] Record-low birth rates and the rise of "systemic unfairness" grievances [30:50] Why Xi prioritizes military/tech over social welfare stimulus Host: Kwangyin Liu, Deputy Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guest: Yifen Tao, Associate Professor of National Taiwan University Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Read more: https://english.cw.com.tw ＊Share your thoughts：[email protected] Powered by Firstory Hosting

Is Taiwan’s biggest ally still reliable? For years, the U.S. and Taiwan were "best friends" because of democracy. But now, the conversation has changed to "protection fees" and business deals. This shift is creating a wave of U.S. skepticism across the island. We look at why people in Taiwan feel anxious and what happens to Taiwan’s security when friendship becomes a transaction. [00:34] Why Taiwan’s mood is a global warning sign. [01:43] The "might makes right" dynamic at Davos. [07:33] The shift from "shared values" to "protection fees." [11:43] Understanding the gap between anxiety and trust. [18:24] Is moving chip capacity to the U.S. a dangerous move? [34:47] The U.S. warning: Pay more to be "worth defending." Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guest: William Yang, Senior Analyst of the International Crisis Group Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Read more: https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action ＊Share your thoughts：[email protected] Powered by Firstory Hosting

There is historic shift in Europe-Taiwan ties. From Ukraine war to the "Trump factor," we examine why Brussels is looking past old constraints of its One China policy. A new paper asks if Taiwan can turn symbolic support into economic substance Europe now needs for resilience. 01:50 - The explosion in Taiwan-EU interactions 04:00 - How global instability sobered up EU policy toward Taiwan 17:20 - Mapping 30 nations' attitudes 23:30 - Why EU leaders are vocal about Taiwan 28:10 - The shift from symbolism to economic security 34:10 - Why Taiwan must move from a subject of debate to an active partner Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guests: Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy, Visiting Fellow at the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies Matej Šimalčík, Executive Director of Central European Institute of Asian Studies Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Read more: https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=4394 ＊Share your thoughts：[email protected] Powered by Firstory Hosting

COP30 wrapped in Belém after two weeks, and the final deal landed with a weak punch. No fossil-fuel phaseout, no major breakthrough. So what does this outcome mean? And with Taiwan hosting an unprecedented pavilion in the Green Zone, what role is Taiwan carving out in global climate politics? In this episode, I speak with climate scientist Rachel Cleetus and NGO worker Jack Huang to break it down. 3:08 — Is clean energy development on track for 1.5°C? 8:10 — Why doesn’t Taiwan have a country pavilion? 11:38 — How did Taiwan secure a presence in the Green Zone? 15:10 — Why should Taiwan care about COP at all? 22:15 — Why the climate crisis isn’t a zero-sum game Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guest: Rachel Cleetus, Union of Concerned Scientists and Jack Huang, Project Coordinator of United Nations OICT Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Read our COP30 coverage： https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=4446 ＊Share your thoughts：[email protected] Powered by Firstory Hosting

In September, U.S. Customs hit Taiwan's Giant with a Withhold Release Order—the first ever against a Taiwanese company—blocking its bikes from entering the U.S. over alleged forced labor. The move puts over US$1 billion in exports at risk and exposes gaps between Taiwan’s labor laws and global standards. What must Taiwan do to rebuild trust in its supply chains? 3:30 – Why is the broker system a high-risk factor for forced labor? 6:28 – What steps can Giant take to resume U.S. exports? 10:55 – Why is there a gap between Taiwan’s labor laws and global standards? 12:50 – What actions should Taiwanese companies take to improve? 20:50 – Story of an employer who covers recruitment fees for her worker. Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guest: CC Wu, trade compliance consultant of PwC Taiwan Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Read about Taiwan's migrant workers：https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=3597 ＊Share your thoughts：[email protected] Powered by Firstory Hosting

As the world marks two years since the October 7 conflict, peace feels more distant than ever. Israeli peace educator Roi Silberberg and Palestinian scholar Hazem Almassry share deeply personal stories—from childhood in Gaza to life in a shared Jewish-Arab village. They reflect on Gaza’s devastation, Israel’s militarized “normal,” and Taiwan’s own security, arguing that peace begins not with agreements, but with dialogue. 03:00 — Hazem’s childhood in Gaza and path to Taiwan 09:50 — Roi’s journey into peace education 20:15 — Family under siege: Hazem's life and loss in Gaza 30:56 — The fellows' Kinmen visit and Taiwan’s “front line” identity 35:00 — The power in the choice of word "genocide" Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guests: Hazem Almassry, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Academia Sinica Roi Silberberg, Director of School for Peace     Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Read about Taiwan： https://english.cw.com.tw  ＊Share your thoughts：[email protected] Powered by Firstory Hosting

Taiwan is at an energy crossroads. After decades of debate, a recent referendum revealed that over 70% favor restarting its last nuclear power plant. What does this shift mean for Taiwan’s energy security? We sit down with Danny Chang, former chairman of Star Buck Power Corp, to unpack Taiwan’s nuclear dilemma and why the island is rethinking its position on nuclear power. 0:00 – How Taiwan’s latest referendum sparks debate on nuclear power 6:00 – Why Taiwan’s anti-nuclear stance is rooted in history 10:30 – Shifting opinions: costs, climate change, and rising power demand 17:04 – Japan and the U.S. show how nuclear comebacks happen 24:27 – Can renewables meet Taiwan’s ambitious energy goals? Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guest: Kuor hsin Chang, former Chairman of Star Buck Power     Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Tracking Taiwan's nuclear debates：https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=4287  ＊Share your thoughts：[email protected] Powered by Firstory Hosting

Taiwan’s largest military exercise, the Han Kuang drills, now includes a supermarket chain helping with evacuation plans. With China’s military pressure near-constant, Taiwan is expanding its defense strategy to include asymmetric warfare, civil defense, and psychological readiness. Silva Shih, CommonWealth Magazine's defense reporter, joins us to explain how Taiwan is preparing—and what could still be missing. - 3:10 Why does Taiwan’s defense conversation feel more urgent this year? - 8:08 The major trends observed through a PLA activities dashboard - 14:20 What's new with this year's Han Kuang military drills? - 19:45 Taiwan’s largest supermarket chain joined the drills. What does that tell us? - 22:16 How worried should Taiwan be about a blockade or gray-zone harassments? Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guest: Silva Shih, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine   Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Check out CommonWealth's PLA activities dashboard: https://www.cw.com.tw/graphics/pla-activities-around-taiwan-en/  ＊Share your thoughts：[email protected] Powered by Firstory Hosting

In 2025, Taiwan is witnessing an unprecedented wave of citizen-led recall campaigns targeting lawmakers—mostly from the opposition Kuomintang. Branded the “mass recall” movement, it raises a question: is this a genuine expression of civic outrage, or a politically driven power play? To unpack the roots and implications of this political upheaval, we speak with Nathan Batto, political scientist and author of the Frozen Garlic blog. - 8:10 How does the Sunflower Movement connect to today’s recall wave? - 12:02 What sparked this massive recall push? Perspectives from both sides - 18:45 Is the movement truly grassroots—or party-driven? - 21:50 Why hasn’t the KMT been able to mobilize as effectively? - 30:55 Is mass recall Taiwan’s only option for breaking political deadlock? - 34:01 How might the results affect Taiwan’s geopolitical position? Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guest: Nathan Batto, Associate Research Fellow at Academia Sinica,   Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Read CommonWealth's explainer on the mass recall and its implications：https://english.cw.com.tw  ＊Share your thoughts：[email protected] 留言告訴我你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cledx9shs004801v3cmkogc7e/comments Powered by Firstory Hosting

As global powers pour billions into the hydrogen economy, Taiwan is just getting started. In this episode, we ask: Is Taiwan ready for the hydrogen economy? Could hydrogen be Taiwan’s next move for energy security and net-zero goals? We explore what it will take for Taiwan to catch up, from industrial policy to infrastructure. - 03:30 From flour to fuel: How Linde LienHwa evolved into a hydrogen leader - 07:40 Why hydrogen? What makes it a game-changer in energy - 10:02 Hydrogen on the move: Its role in decarbonizing transportation - 16:00 Taiwan’s challenge: Building up hydrogen infrastructure - 22:00 Rethinking energy: What must change in Taiwan’s infrastructure to go net-zero Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guests: Christine Miao, Vice President of Corp. Communications & Head of Hydrogen Mobility, Linde LienHwa & Toby Collins, Managing Director of Lien Hwa New Energy  Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Learn what’s holding back Taiwan’s renewable energy ambitions — and what it will take to overcome. https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=3689  ＊Share your thoughts: [email protected] Powered by Firstory Hosting

With Trump's return, the push for tariffs, reshoring, and a "great manufacturing renaissance" is gaining momentum. But what does reindustrialization actually look like—and where does Taiwan fit into this vision? Our guest, Jack Hou, COO of Universal Cement, shares insights from both sides of the Pacific, including how he helped turn around his family business and what it would take to rebuild manufacturing in the U.S. - The mood in Boston and New York about a second Trump term [05:40] - Can high tariffs bring manufacturing back to the U.S.? [13:14] - A case study from Taiwan: How Universal Cement engineered a turnaround [18:17] - What it takes to spark a manufacturing renaissance in America [23:17] - The opportunities for Taiwan to play a role in America's reindustrialization [28:00] Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guest: Jack Hou, COO, Universal Cement Corporation Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Read more about Taiwan's manufacturers are rethinking their strategies going forward: https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=4068 ＊Share your thoughts: [email protected] Powered by Firstory Hosting

What does it mean when the world’s most advanced chipmaker—Taiwan’s TSMC—pledges $100 billion to make advanced chips in the US? It’s more than just a business move. In this episode, we explore the geopolitical stakes, national security concerns, and the race for tech dominance between the U.S. and its rivals. Our guest, Jeremy Chang, CEO of Taiwan’s think tank DSET, joins us to unpack how this historic investment might reshape the global semiconductor landscape—and whether TSMC can remain at the top. - [2:45] How Taiwan’s first tech geopolitics think tank got its start - [9:10] The tight rope: Taiwan’s delicate balancing act - [15:12] Why the U.S. is hungry for advanced chips—and what AI has to do with It - [19:10] Will betting big on the U.S. hurt TSMC’s edge?  - [22:10] If America makes its own chips, is Taiwan still worth defending? Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guest: Jeremy Chih Cheng Chang, CEO of DSET Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Read more about the insider information surrounding TSMC's investment in Intel: https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=4006 ＊Share your thoughts: [email protected] Powered by Firstory Hosting

Donald Trump’s return to the White House is shaking up the global semiconductor industry. Rumors are swirling that he wants TSMC to bail out Intel, raising big questions about Taiwan’s role in the U.S.-China tech war. Could TSMC realistically “save” its American rival? And what does this mean for Taiwan’s long-term competitiveness and the so-called Silicon Shield? We break it all down with Rocky Uriankhai, a leading expert on geopolitics and tech. - How Taiwan became a semiconductor powerhouse [3:40] - Why are there rumors that Trump wants TSMC to help Intel? [6:45] - Why isn’t TSMC’s U.S. fab expansion enough? [12:10] - What are the real scenarios for TSMC “saving” Intel? [14:30] - Could this jeopardize TSMC’s long-term competitiveness? [19:35] - Why the "Silicon Shield" might not protect Taiwan [25:35] Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guests: Rocky Uriankhai, CEO of SciTech Power Research ＊Read more about the insider information surrounding TSMC's investment in Intel: https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=3971 ＊Share your thoughts: [email protected] Powered by Firstory Hosting

In late February, RightsCon, often nicknamed the Burning Man of human rights activism, takes place in Taiwan for the first time. This four-day event is expected to bring together thousands of activists, policymakers, and tech leaders to tackle pressing issues at the intersection of human rights and the digital age. What can we expect and why Taipei was picked to be the host city? - How Access Now and RightsCon began [6:40] - Why Raman left Google to join Access Now [9:25] - The origins of RightsCon [16:17] - What to expect at this year's RightsCon in Taipei [19:40] - Why Access Now chose Taipei this year [23:00] - What Taiwan's unique geopolitical position mean for digital rights [29:25]   Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guests: Raman Jit Singh Chima, Senior International Counsel and Asia Pacific Policy Director of Access Now; Jason Liu, Senior Policy Analyst of Access Now ＊Listen to the interview with Taiwan's Digital Minister: https://open.firstory.me/story/clyxmnib90fbm01xr7dhu5vgp ＊Share your thoughts: [email protected] Powered by Firstory Hosting

Taiwan is renowned for its world-class semiconductor manufacturing, but it’s not often recognized as a hub for software startups. So why did Appier, an AI-driven marketing tech company, choose Taiwan as its base—and how did it become the island’s first AI software unicorn? In this episode, co-founder Chih-han Yu shares the lessons learned from eight (!) failures. - What is Appier, and who are its customers? [4:30] - Eight failures and their lessons [10:54] - The ‘aha’ moment: Combining AI and marketing [14:32] - Why Taiwan? Returning from the U.S. to build a software startup [19:40] - Why Tokyo was the go-to market [26:14] - Looking ahead: How Taiwan can foster more software unicorns [34:00] Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guest: Chih-han Yu, CEO and Co-founder of Appier ＊Read more about Appier's journey: https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=2950 ＊Share your thoughts: [email protected] Powered by Firstory Hosting

As President-elect Trump returns to the White House, the stakes for U.S.-Taiwan relations are at an all-time high. Wenchi Yu, a renowned global affairs advisor and expert in cross-border strategy, offers her perspective on navigating the intricate dynamics among the U.S., Taiwan, and China during these volatile times. What can we expect from Donald Trump’s second term? - The mood in Washington, D.C., as Trump returns to power [09:17] - How Trump’s second term may differ from his first [11:39] - Will Trump’s approach to China shift this time around? [13:28] - What Taiwan can anticipate under Trump 2.0 [19:05] - Is Taiwan’s “Silicon Shield” losing its strength? [23:40] Host: Kwangyin Liu, Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guest: Wenchi Yu, Research Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Read more about how Taiwan can navigate Trump's second term: https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=3812 ＊Share your thoughts: [email protected] Powered by Firstory Hosting

Did you know Taiwan’s first Olympic medal was a silver in the decathlon at the 1960 Rome Olympics? CK Yang finished just behind his close friend Rafer Johnson of the US. Their story is one of fierce competition and lifelong camaraderie, now told in the new documentary Decathlon: The CK Yang & Rafer Johnson Story. In this episode, we dive into this incredible tale with journalist Mike Chinoy and producer James Liu of Joint Pictures. - Mike Chinoy shares how he became involved in the project. [01:09] - The filmmakers discuss their decision to use animation to recreate key scenes. [07:25] - Exploring Johnson's reputation in the United States. [16:43] - Insights into the unique friendship between Rafer Johnson and CK Yang. [22:35] - Examining why CK Yang's legacy has faded in Taiwan over time. [28:00] - Reflecting on the significance of this decathlon story in today’s world. [36:38] Host: Kwangyin Liu, Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guest: Mike Chinoy, former CNN Beijing bureau chief & James Liu, founder of Joint Pictures  Producer: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Read more about Taiwan's participation in the Olympic Games: https://english.cw.com.tw/ ＊Share your thoughts: [email protected] 留言告訴我你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cledx9shs004801v3cmkogc7e/comments Powered by Firstory Hosting

In this Episode: We sit down with Gunter Pauli, a visionary entrepreneur, author, and the driving force behind the "Zero Emissions" and "Blue Economy" movements. Known as "the Steve Jobs of Sustainability" and "the Che Guevara of Sustainability," Gunter discusses groundbreaking ideas and the future of sustainable innovation. From pioneering the first zero-emissions factory to shaping global supply chains, Gunter's insights are a must-listen for anyone passionate about creating a sustainable future. What You’ll Learn: [12:30] How Gunter’s First Zero-Emissions Factory Became a Marketing Phenomenon [17:00] The True Meaning Behind the Blue Economy [26:10] Meeting Stan Shih, Founder of Acer [29:10] Taiwan’s Role in Sustainable Innovation [32:00] Why "Who Will Pay for That?" is the Wrong Question [41:25] What’s Wrong with COPs? [48:10] How Gunter believes we can inspire the next generation of innovators. Host: Kwangyin Liu, Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guest: Gunter Pauli, entrepreneur, economist, and author of "The Blue Economy" Producer: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Read about the crucial role Taiwan plays in building the world's supply chain: https://english.cw.com.tw/ ＊Share your thoughts: [email protected] 留言告訴我你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cledx9shs004801v3cmkogc7e/comments Powered by Firstory Hosting