Taiwan sits at the crossroads of global power—an island democracy balancing freedom, identity, and geopolitical pressure. Perched precariously on the fault lines of global power, Taiwan is Asia’s freest democracy and a global tech colossus. Yet its remarkable people and their inspiring history are often overlooked and misunderstood in international affairs discourse outside of Taiwan. Ghost Nation draws from author and journalist Chris Horton’s decade of living and reporting in Taiwan, and is informed by interviews with everyday citizens, presidents and other key figures. Horton’s reporting brings together voices from all corners of the island—everyday residents, elected officials, activists, and innovators—to paint a panoramic portrait of this isolated but indispensable country that is both central to the Asian security order and the global economy.

Please join the Taiwan Education and Research Program (TERP) at the George Washington University for a special discussion with Ghost Nation author Chris Horton to unpack the major themes of the book as well as the human-centric historical narratives and sociopolitical dynamics threaded throughout. Whether you are new to Taiwan or have cultivated a longstanding interest in the island nation, we welcome you to participate in discussing this new and important addition to the field of Taiwan Studies!