Dr. T.Y. Wang, Illinois State University professor and chair of the Department of Politics and Government, delivered a keynote speech at the 2023 National Security and Public Opinion Conference in Taipei, Taiwan. At the invitation of the Election Study Center, his presentation, “Foreign Policy and the Study of Public Opinion,” examines the island citizens’ views of Taiwan’s external relations.
Wang analyzes survey data collected on the island during the past 30 years. He finds that Taiwan citizens possess well-structured views on foreign policy, particularly regarding cross-Strait relationships. Threatened by a menacing China, the public generally reacts to external events prudently and predictably. Their opinions are structured by several guiding principles, including peace and stability, preserving a democratic way of life, and rejecting Beijing’s “one country, two systems” unification plan. They are generally risk averse and collectively rational.
As US-China relations become increasingly complex, Taiwan is confronted by multiple challenges due to the strategic competition between the two major powers. In his conclusion, Wang identifies several areas for additional effort in this changing environment: Has Taiwan’s public opinion shifted? Who has changed? What are the factors contributing to the change? Has the government responded to public opinion in formulating its foreign policies? Or has public opinion been shaped by political elites and government officials?
In addition, Wang recommends several research approaches to studying Taiwanese citizens’ public opinion.
