Narrative Non-fiction · Hardback

Taiwan

Norwegian title: Stormens øy

Taiwan takes the reader into the heart of disputed Taiwan - a country caught between the ambitions of superpowers, struggling for democratic values.

China stands on the threshold of a possible invasion. The US is ready with promises of defence. Taiwan not only explores the potentially catastrophic consequences of military confrontation in Asia, but also poses an existential question: What is the future of democracy?

Kristoffer Rønneberg dives into Taiwan’s complex history; from Ilha Formosa, as Portuguese navigators called the island, to the hyper-modern and well-developed democracy it has become today. The book draws parallels between Taiwan today and pre-war Europe, while reflecting on the West’s reactions to authoritarian regimes, both historically and in the present.

With personal testimonies from residents - their hopes, fears and dreams - Rønneberg paints a vivid picture of a people determined to preserve their identity against external pressure. Taiwan is more than just an island; it is a testimony to the fact that democracy can flourish, even in the shadow of threatening and autocratic forces.

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