Chris Horton on “Ghost Nation” and Taiwan History-Cover to Cover Ep. 2
How has the history of Taiwan shaped the way it navigates Asia-Pacific geopolitics amidst the increasingly tense U.S.-China relations? “Ghost Nation: The Story of Taiwan and Its Struggle for Survival” recounts Taiwan’s history, its layered colonial past, and its complex geopolitical position in relation to China. Having worked in Taiwan since 2015, author and journalist Chris Horton offers in “Ghost Nation” a faithful and nuanced portrait of the nation and its people through a series of major figures and historical events. This 2025 masterpiece sheds light on the Taiwanese experience frequently overlooked and misunderstood, or deliberately marginalized in global narratives. Horton is a Taiwan-based journalist who has written for Bloomberg News, The New York Times, and The Atlantic. In this episode, he joins host Emily Y. Wu to discuss Lee Teng-hui, Peng Ming-min, and Su Beng, the three crucial figures in Taiwan’s history which he calls the “three immortals.” They talk about their contribution to Taiwan’s democratization and the rise of a distinct Taiwanese identity. Through a critical exploration of the past, this episode invites you to better understand Taiwan’s political realities and reflect on the challenges posed to regional security. “Cover to Cover” is a book podcast and interview series featuring in-depth conversations with four distinguished authors. Host Emily Y. Wu invites guests to share unique perspectives on their work in hopes to explore the history, identity, and stories that shape contemporary Taiwan.
