Domestic factors of democratization of Taiwan

The article is devoted to domestic factors that led to democratization of Taiwan in 1986-1996. The analysis of each factor consists of three consecutive important steps: the first step is finding reasons for their emerging; the second is finding events or processes in the politico-social life of Taiwan where they are reflected; the third is proving their importance by tying them with particular policies that were aimed at democratization of the regime in Taiwan. The emphasis on the shift of the power factor is made in the article, because it appears to be the most important constituent that contributed to the politico-social changes in Taiwan society. This factor comprises a gradual and consequent shift of political elite on every level of power: presidential, ministerial, parliamentary and local. Relative statistic data can be found in the article that indicate gradual rejuvenation of the political elite and growth in the average educational level. There was also a shift of the ethno-political nature: an increase in the number of local Taiwanese that were born and raised on the island and were more open-minded towards China, while the number of mainlanders that escaped China with Chiang-Kai-shek after the loss in the Civil War in 1949 decreased. The chronological terms in the article (1972-1986) were also chosen with attention to the time when this factor emerged in the politico-social life in Taiwan and became the leading factor of democratization. Other factors were considered as well, but their role as a catalyst of democratic changes is disputable, while their role as determinants of the shape and methods of democratization is certain. These factors include the social opinion factor, the cooperation and political dialogue between authorities and opposition factor, the security factor (the emphasis is made on military security). The social opinion factor and the cooperation and political dialogue between authorities and opposition factor are important as those decreasing the level of social tension. It seems that its relatively low level was the main reason for the peaceful and gradual character of changes in the Taiwan society. Security (military security, first of all) is closely connected with the martial law that was established till 1986 and justified disrespect for political and human rights and freedom of Taiwan citizens. In turn, it hindered the democratization process. A gradual increase in the defense level of the island by building up armaments (of defense nature) led to diminishing the sense of threat and danger, imposed by China, and made the maintenance of the martial law meaningless. The influence of foreign factors on politico-social transformation of Taiwan is evident, but it is not the subject to this work.

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