I have moved into my beautiful office in the Social Science Building at National Taiwan University. I can't believe they reserve the best views for the visitors, but they do. And I have students. They are taking my 5-week minicourse, "The Rise and Fall of Democracy Around the World." And based on our first class, I think they are from all around the world, too, which is just … [Read more...] about I Have an Office! And Students! Yay!
Posts
Taiwan is Watching Hong Kong
I wrote a short piece on how the Hong Kong unrest is affecting Taiwan's politics for the Washington Post Monkey Cage blog. Check it out! Click on "Read More" to see a gallery of photos of the "Lennon Wall" in the Gongguan pedestrian underpass. Supporters of the Hong Kong demonstrations have hung hundreds (maybe thousands) of sticky notes expressing their sympathy with the … [Read more...] about Taiwan is Watching Hong Kong
Making the Most of a Subway Station
Taipei's subway stations are way more than places to get on and off trains. They have clean, safe public toilets (outside the turnstiles, where anyone can access them). They also have post offices (which, incidentally, provide banking services) and cell phone charging stations with WiFi hotspots. Click "Read More" for photos. … [Read more...] about Making the Most of a Subway Station
New Things to Try
I've been to Taiwan and Shanghai many times, and altogether I've spent a few years in those two places. As a matter of fact, I think I'm in a bit of a rut. I've decided that this time, inspired by the Fulbright spirit, I'm going to push myself to try some new things. I'll be building a list on this post, and reporting on my progress. I also welcome you to suggest things you … [Read more...] about New Things to Try
Why Sunflowers?
You might be wondering: You’re a political scientist, not a botanist, so why are you studying sunflowers? The simple answer is, the “Sunflower Generation” refers to the generation of Taiwanese that led the 2014 Sunflower Movement. In the wake of the movement, we’ve been referring to young Taiwanese as Sunflowers. But there’s more to the story, of course. … [Read more...] about Why Sunflowers?
