ABSTRACT
Academic economists often prefer to discuss problems of economic development independently of political and institutional backgrounds and their changes. To highlight the interdependence of the narrowly economic and the many noneconomic elements that will shape Taiwan’s future, author have deliberately chosen a broad title, “Shaping Taiwan’s Future.” Perestroika, or structural transformation, is in its present context dominated by the theme of economic reform. Taiwan’s future therefore depends upon how well its leaders, including the legislators of both parties, can wisely retain from the island’s citizens the options they now have regarding future relations with the mainland. In the meantime, this chapter suggests that there are many things that need to be done in Taiwan, and some with great urgency. Taiwan now has the opportunity to produce, for all developing countries in the world to see, if it can achieve a second miracle, political democratization sustained by continued economic success.
