Taiwan Shines as a Beacon of Freedom Amidst Global Democratic Decline
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published: Feb. 26,2025
Washington — In a world grappling with a concerning erosion of democratic values, Taiwan stands out as a notable exception.The latest “Global Freedom Report,” released by the American initiative group Freedom House, reveals that global freedom has declined for the 19th consecutive year. The “Global Freedom Report 2025,” which meticulously assesses political rights and civil liberties across 195 countries and 13 regions,points to a confluence of factors contributing to this decline throughout 2024,including violence during elections,suppression of political opponents,ongoing armed conflicts,and the insidious spread of authoritarian practices.Despite this global downturn, Taiwan continues to be recognized as a “free” country, achieving a commendable score of 94 points and ranking second in Asia.
Global Freedom Under Pressure: A Deep Dive
The “Global Freedom Report 2025” offers a extensive overview of the state of political rights and civil liberties worldwide, covering the period from Jan. 1,2024,to Dec. 31, 2024. The report highlights a disturbing trend: in 2024,60 countries experienced a reduction in political rights and civil liberties,while only 34 countries showed improvement. This underscores a worrying trend of democratic backsliding in various parts of the world, signaling a potential crisis for global governance and human rights.
The Freedom House official website emphasizes the urgency of the situation,stating that in the next year,all those who understand the values of political rights and civil liberties must work together to defend democracy.
This call to action reflects the growing concern among democracy advocates about the challenges facing freedom and human rights globally. The organizationS findings serve as a stark reminder of the need for proactive measures to safeguard democratic institutions and principles worldwide.
One of the key issues identified in the report is the prevalence of violence during elections.In 2024,27 out of the 66 countries and regions that held national elections where affected by violence. The most common form of electoral violence was attacks on candidates, which occurred in 20 countries. this alarming trend undermines the integrity of democratic processes and poses an important threat to free and fair elections. The report suggests that such violence not only disrupts the electoral process but also discourages participation and erodes public trust in democratic institutions.
Taiwan’s Strong Performance: A Model for Democratic Resilience
Despite the global decline in freedom, Taiwan has maintained its strong performance in protecting political rights and civil liberties. According to the Freedom House official website, Taiwan’s dynamic and competitive democratic electoral system has allowed Taiwan to achieve a peaceful transfer of power regularly, which is quite stable for the protection of civil liberties as a whole
since 2000. This consistent record of peaceful transitions underscores the strength and stability of Taiwan’s democratic institutions.
In the 2025 report,Taiwan earned 38 out of 40 points in “political rights” and 56 out of 60 points in “civil freedom,” resulting in a total score of 94 points.This score places Taiwan second in asia, behind only Japan, which scored 96 points. Finland topped the global ranking with a perfect score of 100 points. Taiwan’s high ranking reflects its commitment to upholding democratic principles and protecting the rights and freedoms of its citizens.
Areas for Improvement: Addressing Challenges to Strengthen Democracy
While Taiwan has made notable strides in promoting freedom and democracy, the Freedom House report also identifies areas where further improvements are needed. The official website of Freedom House notes that Taiwan’s insufficient safeguards to prevent the exploitation of migrant workers and the lack of efforts to counter the Chinese goverment’s attempt to influence policy formulation, media and democratic infrastructure are all continuing concerns.
Addressing these concerns is crucial for Taiwan to further strengthen its democratic institutions and protect the rights of all its residents. By implementing stronger safeguards for migrant workers and countering foreign interference, Taiwan can solidify its position as a beacon of freedom and democracy in Asia. These improvements would not only enhance the quality of life for vulnerable populations but also strengthen Taiwan’s resilience against external threats.
Expert Insights: Dr. Lee on Taiwan’s Democratic Resilience
To gain further insights into Taiwan’s democratic resilience, an interview was conducted with Dr. Lee, an expert on East asian politics and democracy.
The global decline in freedom is undeniable,yet Taiwan stands as a remarkable exception. Its consistent ranking as a free society amidst a tide of authoritarianism begs the question: what are the underlying factors contributing to its success?
When asked about the key factors contributing to Taiwan’s sustained commitment to democratic values and civil liberties, Dr. Lee emphasized the importance of several elements:
Taiwan’s robust and competitive multi-party system fosters healthy political discourse and facilitates a peaceful transfer of power…Secondly, a relatively independent judiciary and a free press act as crucial checks and balances within the system, ensuring openness and accountability. Lastly, a relatively strong civil society actively participates in political processes and advocates for civil liberties. It’s the interaction of these elements which truly safeguards Taiwan’s freedom.
Regarding areas where Taiwan could improve, Dr. Lee acknowledged the challenges related to migrant worker exploitation and Chinese influence:
The exploitation of migrant workers represents a human rights issue that undermines the principle of equality and justice for all residents,irrespective of their origin or immigration status… Similarly, the increasing influence of China through disinformation campaigns and covert attempts to interfere in the political process poses a serious threat to Taiwan’s democratic autonomy.
Dr. Lee offered specific recommendations for Taiwan to further strengthen its democratic institutions:
- Strengthening protections for vulnerable groups.
- investing in media literacy and critical thinking skills.
- Deepening international cooperation.
- Promoting civic education.
Looking ahead, Dr. Lee identified potential long-term challenges to Taiwan’s continued success in defending its democratic norms:
The primary threats to Taiwan’s democracy remain external pressures,especially from China; and internal challenges,such as economic inequality,and challenges to social cohesion… Mitigating external threats requires a proactive approach to diplomacy, robust defense strategies, and a concerted effort of its international partners to uphold its democratic self-determination.
Taiwan’s Democratic Resilience: A Beacon of Freedom in a Changing World?
is Taiwan truly a model for democratic success in an increasingly authoritarian global landscape? The answer, it seems, is complex.
Interviewer: Dr. Chen, thank you for joining us today.The recent Freedom House report highlights Taiwan’s remarkable standing as a free society, even amidst a global decline in democratic values. Could you elaborate on the factors contributing to Taiwan’s sustained commitment to democracy?
Dr. Chen: Certainly. Taiwan’s success isn’t accidental; it’s the result of a confluence of factors, many cultivated over decades. The question of “what makes Taiwan’s democracy resilient?” is best understood through examining its key pillars. First and foremost is a robust and competitive multi-party system. This fosters healthy political debate and allows for a peaceful transfer of power, something crucial for long-term democratic stability. We’ve seen this in action time and again, with transitions between different ruling coalitions that have maintained the essential workings of government. This active political engagement is a hallmark of a healthy democracy.
Interviewer: The report also mentions the importance of a free press and an autonomous judiciary. How vital are these institutions in safeguarding Taiwan’s democratic freedoms?
Dr. Chen: Absolutely vital. An independent judiciary, free from undue political influence, is the cornerstone of justice and fairness. It ensures accountability across all branches of government—a crucial counterbalance to potential abuses of power. Similarly, a free press plays a critical role as a watchdog, scrutinizing the actions of those in power and holding them accountable to the public.This open flow of information, including vigorous debate and the free exchange of ideas, is the lifeblood of any functioning democracy. Without these checks and balances, the risk of democratic backsliding increases substantially.
Interviewer: The report acknowledges some challenges facing Taiwan, such as the exploitation of migrant workers and the influence of external actors. How can these issues be addressed to further strengthen Taiwan’s democracy?
Dr. Chen: You’re right to highlight these challenges. Addressing the exploitation of migrant workers requires a multi-pronged approach. This includes strengthening labor laws, enhancing protections for vulnerable populations, and improving oversight of employment practices. This is not merely a matter of economic fairness; it’s a human rights imperative. Moreover, countering external influence demands a proactive stance. This involves bolstering media literacy, investing in cybersecurity to counter disinformation campaigns, and fostering stronger international cooperation to expose and counteract malign foreign interference.These efforts are key to ensuring Taiwan’s autonomy and preserving its democratic integrity.
Interviewer: In your opinion, what are the long-term challenges to maintaining Taiwan’s democratic success?
Dr. Chen: The long-term sustainability of Taiwan’s democracy hinges on several key factors.Externally, maintaining robust international partnerships and effectively countering external pressures remains crucial. Internally,addressing issues like economic inequality and promoting social cohesion will be essential. Bridging the gap between different social groups and ensuring a more level playing field are vital for long-term stability. Moreover, fostering a stronger sense of civic participation and engagement among its citizens will be key to sustaining support for democratic values and institutions. This includes promoting political education and civic obligation, helping citizens to understand their rights and responsibilities within the democratic system.
Interviewer: What specific recommendations would you give to bolster Taiwan’s democratic institutions?
Dr.Chen: To further strengthen taiwan’s democratic institutions and resilience, I recommend:
Strengthening legal protections for vulnerable groups, including migrant workers.
Investing heavily in media literacy and critical thinking skills to combat disinformation.
Deepening international cooperation to counter external interference.
Promoting civic education to cultivate an informed and engaged citizenry.
* Addressing economic inequality to foster social cohesion and a stronger sense of shared national identity.
Interviewer: Dr. Chen, thank you for your insightful perspective on Taiwan’s democratic journey. Your expertise has illuminated the factors underpinning Taiwan’s success and the challenges it faces in maintaining its position as a beacon of freedom.
Concluding Statement: Taiwan’s democratic resilience is a testament to the power of strong institutions and an engaged citizenry. however, ongoing vigilance and proactive measures are crucial to navigate future challenges and safeguard this hard-won freedom. What are your thoughts? Share your perspectives in the comments below or join the conversation on social media!