Taiwan's Constitutional Reform: Domestic Inspiration and External Constraints

This Special Report discusses both domestic inspirations for and external constraints on Taiwan’s constitutional reform. Minister Jiunn-rong Yeh of the Research, Development and Evaluation Commission, the Executive Yuan,Taiwan, argues that a new constitution could enhance Taiwan’s democratic and effective governance, and help to develop a Taiwanese national identity. Professor Jacques deLisle of the University of Pennsylvania Law School contends that a new constitution would worsen cross-Strait relations and challenge U.S. policy toward China and Taiwan. Professor Alan M.Wachman of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy maintains that mutual accommodation between China and Taiwan is possible through dialogue.While the three essays all recognize the inevitability of some sort of constitutional reform, they vary on its final direction as well as possible implications for WashingtonTaipei-Beijing relations.