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"Required reading for understanding Taiwan politics." --Tommy Chung-Yin Kwan, Pacific Affairs "Combines superb historical background and quantitative analysis to illustrate the intricacies of one of the world's most geopolitically significant democracies." --Marc Marmino, Asian Affairs "Captures the essence of Taiwan's political and democratic development during the Ma Ying-jeou presidency.... A highly enjoyable read." --Wai Fong Chau, Democratization "This excellent collective analysis of the Ma Ying-jeou presidency reveals an era of fascinating contradictions.... Highly recommended." --Choice "Provides valuable insight into the difficult choices faced by Taiwan during the Ma Ying-jeou era... an important case study for anyone who is interested in the nexus between the international environment and domestic political dynamics." --John Hsieh, University of South Carolina During the Ma Ying-jeou presidency in Taiwan (2008-2016), confrontations over relations with mainland China stressed the country's institutions, leading to a political crisis. Nevertheless, its democracy proved to be resilient. The authors of Dynamics of Democracy in Taiwanexplore key aspects of the complicated Ma era, including party politics and elections, the sources of Ma's governance challenges, changing public opinion, protest movements, and shifts in the regional balance of power. CONTENTS: The Dynamics of Democracy During the Ma Ying-jeou Era--the Editors. PARTY POLITICS AND ELECTIONS. The 2012 Elections--S. Rigger. The DPP in Opposition--A.H.-E. Wang. The KMT in Power--N.F. Batto. The Party System Before and After the 2016 Elections--K. Templeman. DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS AND GOVERNANCE. The Challenges of Governance--Y.-H. Chu and Y.-T. Chang. Legislative Politics--I. S.-H. Huang and S.-Y. Sheng. Watchdog Institutions--C. Goebel. Mana