| ID | 170371 |
| Title Proper | Myth of polarization among Taiwanese voters |
| Other Title Information | the missing middle |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Wang, Austin Horng-En |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Are Taiwanese voters polarized? By presenting four novel visualizations based on a factor analysis of Taiwan National Security Surveys from 2002 to 2017, this article describes the contours of structural change in Taiwan politics. Overall, the cross-strait position among Taiwanese voters can be described by a stable inverted U shape over time. This arises from the fact that most nonpartisans—typically neglected in the literature on polarization—are moderate. Before 2008, increasing polarization among partisans can be attributed to pan-green voters moving toward independence. Between 2008 and 2014, decreasing polarization stems from moderates self-identifying as pan-blue supporters. Since 2014, a record-breaking number of nonpartisans have left the pan-blue camp, and more extreme pan-blue voters have contributed to a return of polarization among partisans. The results yield important implications for the study of polarization and populism, as well as for the future of Taiwanese politics. |
| `In' analytical Note | Journal of East Asian Studies Vol. 19, No.3; Nov 2019: p.275-287 |
| Journal Source | Journal of East Asian Studies Vol: 19 No 3 |
| Key Words | Polarization ; Cross-Strait Relations ; Party Identification ; Visualization ; Taiwanese Politics |