Parliamentary Diplomacy of Taiwan in Comparative Perspective: Against Isolation and Under-representation

Parliamentary diplomacy has been a crucial tool for Taiwan in pursuing its interests in the international arena, and this book assesses its potentials and constraints. It provides valuable insights for other entities with similar challenges and aspirations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2021
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Parliamentary diplomacy has emerged as a vital and promising avenue for Taiwan to pursue its interests on the global stage. This comprehensive book delves into the potential and limitations of parliamentary diplomacy in Taiwan's foreign policy endeavors. By adopting a comparative perspective, the authors examine the implementation of parliamentary diplomacy in Taiwan and its impact on the country's foreign relations. Through an in-depth analysis of the interactions between the Legislative Yuan in Taiwan and the US Congress and the European Parliament, the authors uncover valuable insights that hold significant implications for other entities facing similar challenges and aspirations.

The book begins by providing an overview of parliamentary diplomacy and its significance in the contemporary international landscape. It highlights the role of parliaments as key actors in shaping foreign policy and the importance of building strong parliamentary relationships for effective diplomacy. The authors then delve into the specific context of Taiwan, examining the historical background, political structure, and economic development that have shaped the country's foreign policy priorities.

The authors employ a rigorous methodology to assess the potentials and constraints of parliamentary diplomacy for Taiwan. They analyze the legislative processes, legislative-executive relations, and parliamentary diplomacy practices in Taiwan, comparing them with those in other countries. Through this comparative analysis, the authors identify key factors that contribute to the success or failure of parliamentary diplomacy in Taiwan.

One of the key findings of the book is that parliamentary diplomacy has played a significant role in advancing Taiwan's interests in the international arena. The authors argue that parliamentary diplomacy provides a platform for legislators to engage with their counterparts from other countries, exchange ideas, and advocate for Taiwan's positions on various issues. This engagement has helped to build trust and understanding between Taiwan and other nations, which has in turn facilitated the development of bilateral and multilateral relationships.

However, the book also highlights several constraints that hinder the full realization of parliamentary diplomacy's potential in Taiwan. One of the primary challenges is the political polarization and fragmentation in Taiwan's legislature, which can make it difficult for legislators to work together and reach consensus on foreign policy issues. Additionally, the limited influence of the Legislative Yuan in Taiwan's foreign policy decision-making process can limit its ability to shape the country's foreign policy agenda.

To address these challenges, the authors offer several recommendations for improving the effectiveness of parliamentary diplomacy in Taiwan. They suggest that the legislature should foster greater cooperation and collaboration among legislators, regardless of their political affiliations. They also recommend that the Legislative Yuan should increase its engagement with other branches of government, such as the Executive Yuan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to ensure that its perspectives are heard in foreign policy decision-making.

Furthermore, the authors suggest that Taiwan should explore new avenues for parliamentary diplomacy, such as building stronger relationships with regional parliaments and engaging in more frequent parliamentary exchanges with other countries. They also emphasize the importance of public education and awareness-raising about parliamentary diplomacy, to ensure that the public understands the role of parliamentarians in shaping foreign policy and supports their efforts.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of parliamentary diplomacy in Taiwan. It sheds light on the potential and limitations of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing Taiwan's interests on the global stage. By drawing on a comparative perspective and using evidence from the interactions between the Legislative Yuan in Taiwan and the US Congress and the European Parliament, the authors offer valuable lessons that can be applied to other entities facing similar challenges and aspirations. The book is a valuable resource for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the role of parliamentarians in shaping foreign policy.

Weight: 472g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529211184