ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on four closely related questions on the Chen Shui-bian period: (1) How can we best explain the results of three presidential elections (2000, 2004 and 2008)? (2) How can we assess the impact of the change of ruling parties in 2000? Thus, I consider the patterns of change or continuity in government policy after the first power transfer. (3) Was 2000 a genuine turning point in Taiwan’s political history or what political scientists call a ‘critical election?’ (4) To what extent did the losing sides in these elections learn the lessons of defeat from these setbacks? In other words, did these learning experiences contribute to improved electoral performances in subsequent elections?
