Amid the fierce competition between China and the US over Taiwan, Sabella Abidde, a distinguished professor of political science at Alabama State University and a Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs fellow, offers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the decline of Western civilization. His analysis sheds light on the significance of democratic values in shaping Taiwan’s future and safeguarding its sovereignty.
Abidde has been in Taipei since January, immersing himself in the complex dynamics of East Asian politics and international relations. As the editor of several notable publications, including China and Taiwan in Africa: The Struggle for Diplomatic Recognition and Hegemony, his insights hold particular weight in the ongoing geopolitical struggle for Taiwan. During an interview on May 19 at National Chengchi University, Abidde highlighted the regenerative powers of Western civilization and their potential impact on the US-China competition. He argued persuasively that Western civilization, with its emphasis on democracy, human rights and the rule of law, holds the potential to inspire and guide Taiwan in its pursuit of sovereignty and self-determination.
“The battle for Taiwan goes beyond mere military confrontation; it represents a contest of ideologies and values,” Abidde said. “The regenerative powers of Western civilization, rooted in its unwavering commitment to democracy and individual freedoms, provide Taiwan with a compelling alternative amidst the pressures imposed by China’s assertiveness.”
While acknowledging China’s remarkable economic and technological advancements, Abidde cautioned against underestimating the intrinsic value of Western civilization’s contributions, even to China’s rise. He pointed to the historical achievements of Western democracies in fostering economic prosperity, safeguarding human rights and promoting social justice as evidence of the regenerative capabilities of Western ideals. He also underscored Taiwan’s own significance as a thriving democracy with a vibrant civil society, emphasizing how it serves as a testament to the transformative power of Western civilization. Considering this, he emphasized the vital role the US, as a champion of democratic values, should play in strengthening its support for Taiwan amid China’s growing influence.
“The United States has a crucial role in upholding the principles of Western civilization and ensuring the continuation of Taiwan’s democratic progress,” Abidde said. “By doing so, it not only protects a valued ally, but also reinforces the notion that democracy and individual liberties are universal aspirations.”
Abidde’s analysis offers a unique perspective on the ongoing competition over Taiwan, contrasting with the views of authors who argue for the decline of Western societies and the rise of potential competitors, notably China. While aligning with academics like Francis Fukuyama, Ian Morris and Niall Ferguson, Abidde emphasizes the regenerative powers of Western civilization. However, his perspective stands in contrast to Oswald Spengler’s cyclical view of history, Samuel Huntington’s focus on cultural clashes and Arnold Toynbee’s comprehensive analysis. By highlighting the potential for regeneration, Abidde underscores the importance of democratic values in shaping the future of Taiwan and safeguarding its sovereignty.
Engaging with diverse viewpoints enriches our understanding of the complexities involved in the battle for Taiwan and the broader geopolitical landscape. As we navigate an ever-changing world, it is crucial to consider the multifaceted factors that contribute to the decline and potential revitalization of Western civilization.
Richard Atimniraye Nyelade is a sociology-anthropology lecturer at the University of Ottawa and a visiting scholar at National Chengchi University.
On Sept. 3 in Tiananmen Square, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) rolled out a parade of new weapons in PLA service that threaten Taiwan — some of that Taiwan is addressing with added and new military investments and some of which it cannot, having to rely on the initiative of allies like the United States. The CCP’s goal of replacing US leadership on the global stage was advanced by the military parade, but also by China hosting in Tianjin an August 31-Sept. 1 summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which since 2001 has specialized
In an article published by the Harvard Kennedy School, renowned historian of modern China Rana Mitter used a structured question-and-answer format to deepen the understanding of the relationship between Taiwan and China. Mitter highlights the differences between the repressive and authoritarian People’s Republic of China and the vibrant democracy that exists in Taiwan, saying that Taiwan and China “have had an interconnected relationship that has been both close and contentious at times.” However, his description of the history — before and after 1945 — contains significant flaws. First, he writes that “Taiwan was always broadly regarded by the imperial dynasties of
A large part of the discourse about Taiwan as a sovereign, independent nation has centered on conventions of international law and international agreements between outside powers — such as between the US, UK, Russia, the Republic of China (ROC) and Japan at the end of World War II, and between the US and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) since recognition of the PRC as the sole representative of China at the UN. Internationally, the narrative on the PRC and Taiwan has changed considerably since the days of the first term of former president Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) of the Democratic
A report by the US-based Jamestown Foundation on Tuesday last week warned that China is operating illegal oil drilling inside Taiwan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Island (Dongsha, 東沙群島), marking a sharp escalation in Beijing’s “gray zone” tactics. The report said that, starting in July, state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corp installed 12 permanent or semi-permanent oil rig structures and dozens of associated ships deep inside Taiwan’s EEZ about 48km from the restricted waters of Pratas Island in the northeast of the South China Sea, islands that are home to a Taiwanese garrison. The rigs not only typify
RSS