Focusing on aspects of modern Taiwan related to the fields of economics, social policy and politics, this collection brings together leading scholars to discuss recent developments in Taiwanese society. The contributors discuss economic policy making in Taiwan, the Diaspora of Taiwanese businessmen, the issue of national identity, the factors behind political liberalization and democratization, labour and social politics, the emergence of social movements that promote new social policies, and the impact of democratization on welfare state politics in Taiwan. Since the lifting of martial law in 1987, Taiwan has undergone a period of rapid industrialization and democratization which has changed the face of Taiwanese society. This volume will provide an insight into these dramatic economic, political and societal changes.