ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book introduces and defines the main concepts involved in the discussion, namely "civil society organizations (CSOs)" and "CSOs as actors in conflict transformation". It analyzes the activities of Taiwanese CSOs (TCSOs) in different issue areas: political analysis and advice, social services, culture, education, environmental protection and conservation, and disaster relief and development assistance. The book describes the activities and projects of particular TCSOs in particular issue-areas and the role of these Taiwanese CSOs in cross-strait relations. It traces TCSOs active in politically related issues such as policy advice, the political status of Taiwan, in human rights and in supporting democracy. The book investigates the role of TCSOs in re-shaping the conflict relationship between Mainland China and Taiwan. It explains how CSOs may work in conflict transformation the multi-track and multi-level approach will be used.
