ETHNIC-CONFLICT AND DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION IN TAIWAN - DISSOLVING THE LOGIC OF NATION-STATE AND DEMOCRATIC POLICIES

In the process of Taiwan's democratization, some have intentionally pr ovoked ethnic conflict and made it an issue. If such a phenomenon cont inues, there will be difficulties in consolidating Taiwan's democratic system. In this article, the author will examine whether the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan possesses the following conditions needed fo r democratic consolidation: a structural change in people's ethnic ide ntities; increased support for the democratic system; the formation of a power sharing political culture; and a shift of campaign appeals fr om ethnic conflict to other topics. The research findings indicate tha t recent developments in Taiwan's political culture will ensure furthe r consolidation of democracy in the future.