The Taiwan Education and Research Program was established in 2004 to promote and support both academic and policy-related study and research on the history, international relations, and the contemporary political, economic and social development of Taiwan.

The need for more focused and advanced study of Taiwan arises from Taiwan’s unique international position and internal development. Taiwan’s troubled relationship with the People’s Republic of China remains a key issue affecting the foreign policy of the United States and creates broader security concerns for the entire Asia-Pacific region. At the same time, Taiwan’s distinctive experience in areas such as democratization and economic development has made Taiwan a model for other societies and a rich field for comparative study.

One primary and continuing goal of the Taiwan Education and Research Program has been the creation and support of the Taiwan Resource Center at the George Washington University’s Gelman Library. The Program also sponsors a seminar series, the Taiwan Forum, organized in 2007 to promote discussion on current Taiwan affairs. Finally the Program collaborates with the Sigur Center to bring other Taiwan-related programming to the GW campus.

The Taiwan Education and Research Program operates under the Sigur Center for Asian Studies at The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. The program is directed by Liana Chen, Associate Professor of Chinese Language & Literature, and Alexa Alice Joubin, Professor of English, Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies, Theatre, International Affairs, and East Asian Languages and Literatures.