52 TAIWAN’S TRANSITION FROM SILICON TO AI ISLAND Taiwan is renowned for semiconductor innovation. With semiconductors pivotal to digital advancement, the island is essential in geopolitical trade. However, overreliance on semiconductors puts its economy and sovereignty-preserving silicon shield at high risk, given geopolitical tensions with China. Diversification is critical to securing a strong economic future. Investing in digital technology would utilize strengths while avoiding threats. This article analyzes Taiwan’s current situation and proposes discovery- based AI as a serious contender for alternative investment. NICOLE M. PASTERCZYK 60 THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE DECLINING BIRTH RATE IN TAIWAN Taiwan suffers from an ultralow birth rate and a soon-to-be superaged population, consequences of societal norms and limited access to fertility support. Without action, this combination has the potential to facilitate economic decline. To mitigate the population crisis, Taiwan must modernize its societal norms surrounding working women and motherhood, increase availability of fertility options, and liberalize immigration policies. ELLA R. ROSSETTI 68 CYBERSECURITY AS PART OF DEFENSE AND SECURITY POLICY IN TAIWAN Taiwan faces growing cybersecurity threats, particularly from China, that challenge its security and democratic institutions. Taiwan has responded by investing in cyber infrastructure, expanding legal protections, and fostering public–private collaboration. It also has positioned itself as a regional leader in digital governance. However, vulnerabilities remain, including disinformation campaigns and undersea cable risks. This article examines Taiwan’s current cybersecurity framework and proposes policy recommendations to strengthen coordination, protect critical infrastructure, and promote long-term resilience. DARIIA TYSHCHENKO 76 HOW TAIWAN’S COLLECTIVE IDENTITY AFFECTS HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE Taiwan’s ever-evolving identity, shaped by colonialism, democratization, and resistance to authoritarianism, directly reinforces its human rights advancements. As citizens increasingly identify as Taiwanese alone, a feedback loop emerges, fueling democratic participation and rights protections, which in turn strengthen collective identity. Indigenous recognition, LGBTQIA+ policies, and civic actions like the Sunflower Movement exemplify how cultural self-definition drives democracy. Steadfast amid rising Chinese pressure, identity remains central to preserving Taiwan’s autonomy and liberal values. YING WU 85 RETHINKING THE START-UP AND VENTURE CAPITAL INDUSTRY OF TAIWAN Taiwan’s dependence on semiconductors to power its economy and its intensifying geopolitical tensions have mounted pressure on its start-up and venture capital ecosystem. Although government programs have aimed at supporting in-house innovation, fragmented bureaucracy, a conservative investor culture, and limited global integration have stifled Taiwan’s true start-up potential. This article analyzes the historical roots of venture capital development in the small island, its current structural weak points, and proposals for reform. MANSOOR MUGHAL 94 OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR TAIWAN’S OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE Taiwan’s ambitious energy transition relies heavily on a build-out of offshore wind to reduce dependencies on imported fuels and mitigate geopolitical risks. This article examines development and financing aspects of the offshore wind sector, analyzing opportunities, challenges, and international benchmarks. It argues that regulatory initiatives, investing in transmission and storage, and building international partnerships are instrumental in achieving the ambitious targets. Offshore wind represents a critical opportunity for achieving long-term sustainability and energy security. MUZAMMIL JAWED ix
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