● Over the course of eight years, Rex How has observed what he calls the “Ocean Mindset” in Taiwanese society. Drawing from interviews from experts in diverse fields, he describes how this mindset has evolved.

● In the post-pandemic era and amid significant global political shifts, this book analyzes what How calls the “mist” enveloping Taiwan.

● How focuses on critical issues impacting the younger generation and proposes solutions to address its malaise.

● How invites readers to move beyond what he calls the“Land Mindset” and collectively transform challenges into opportunities.

This insightful and indispensable book explores dramatic changes in Taiwanese society on the eve of the 2024 presidential elections. It seeks to demystify the complexities of Taiwan’s political landscape and illuminate social and political issues that are often overlooked.

Part One, The Mist, provides a backdrop of the last thirty years in Taiwan, focusing on the evolution of major political parties and the emergence of new political forces. This section provides a crucial overview of the electoral dynamics in Taiwan.

Part Two, The Smoke, uncovers the often-invisible influence of China on Taiwan’s politics and everyday life. From subtle economic pressures to overt cognitive warfare, external forces are shaping Taiwan’s political and social reality.

Part Three, The Elephant, turns the spotlight on pressing issues impacting Taiwan’s youth, among them housing, labor, and a sense of possibility. It sheds light on the unique challenges faced by the younger generation in Taiwan, who navigate a world vastly different from their predecessors.

Part Four, The Ocean, turns to the surrounding waters as both a literal source and symbol of Taiwanese potential and resilience. Drawing parallels from the ocean’s capacity to renew itself, this section portrays Taiwan as a nation at the forefront of significant global changes. It illustrates how Taiwan, much like the vast ocean, holds untapped opportunities and lessons for the world at large.

This book is an essential read for those interested in understanding this dynamic island nation and its role in global affairs.

[About the auhor ]

Rex How

A leader and changemaker in the publishing industry for over 40 years.

Established Locus Publishing in 1996.

Co-founded Taipei Book Fair Foundation in 2005.

National Policy Advisor to the President of Republic of China Ma Ying-jeou from 2009- 2013.

The script writer of Abi-Sword, graphics by Chen Uen, 1990.

The author of Abi-Sword Prequel Volume 1 and 2, 2020

The author of Confessions of an Underground Buddhist, 2009; Taiwan Unbound, 2016; Taiwan Sets Sail: New Hope, 2016, and others.

The translator of 2001: A Space Odyssey, Arthur C. Clarke; How to Read a Book, Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren.

Bestowed the title Knight of the Order of the Italian Star in 2021.

[About the editors]

Michelle Kuo

Author of Reading with Patrick, short-listed for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize and the Goddard Riverside Stephan Russo Social Justice Book Prize (2017); recommended by Taiwan Ministry of Culture

Published in multiple outlets, including New York Times, New York Review of Books, Los Angeles Review of Books, Public Books, The Point, Paris Review Daily

Visiting Associate Professor, National Chengchi University (NCCU), present

Visiting Associate Professor, National Taiwan University, 2021 to present

Assistant and Associate Professor, American University of Paris, 2015-2021

Skadden Fellow, 2009

Paul and Daisy Soros Fellow, 2006

Albert Wu

Associate Research Fellow, Institute of History and Philology, Academia Sinica

Humboldt Award for Postdoctoral Researcher (2017)

Author of From Christ to Confucius (2016)

Published in American Historical Review, Past and Present, Journal of American Academy of Religion, Central European History

Published in popular outlets, including Los Angeles Review of Books, Public Books, The Point, Commonweal