the reform agenda in motion. These reforms liberalized the Kuomintang and
the state simultaneously. For this reason, understanding the democratization
of Taiwan requires an in-depth study of the Kuomintang.

Those who have done research on Taiwan-related topics know of the
difficulty in finding credible sources. While Western scholarship on Taiwan
is available, Chinese language sources are limited and ofttimes lack credibility.
Pre-1989 writings on the Kuomintang are mostly the products of prominent
party figures or those sympathetic to the party. Many of these materials lack
scholarly development and are most often idealized accounts rather than
accurate portrayals of political life in Taiwan under KMT rule. Recent works
are better. They reflect the political polarization that has driven the forces of
democracy, though they still lack theoretical development. Press coverage on
political events in Taiwan, though greatly improved, is often too speculative.
The Kuomintang archives proved helpful in providing early party documents,
though the KMT Historical Commission has kept nearly all party documents
dealing with Taiwan closed.

For these reasons, I relied heavily on interviews of scholars, party leaders,
government leaders, journalists, members of the opposition, and business
owners to fill in gaps where I thought the literature was still incomplete.
Most of the interviews were conducted during spring and summer 1993. I am
grateful to the Council of International Exchange of Scholars and the
Fulbright Committee for awarding a grant to conduct interviews and archival
research in Taiwan.

Several individuals in Taiwan helped me set up interviews. Johnny (Jen-
nan) Sand of the KMT Cultural Affairs Department and Li Yun-han of the
KMT Historical Commission made many of the initial contacts with party
officials for me. Susanna Su called upon personal acquaintances, giving me
access to several top-level officials. Michael and Jennifer Chi arranged lunch
meetings and other contacts with Democratic Progressive Party legislators and
party officials. To each of these individuals I express my sincere thanks.
Without their help, many of my interviews would not have been possible.

I am grateful to factional leaders and local party workers in the Taipei
City, Ilan County, and Tao Yuan County party offices for their time in helping
me understand local party organizations and their relationship to KMT party
central. Several professors spent many hours with me discussing all aspects
of Taiwanese politics. Professor Hu Fo, Chu Yun-han, and Lu Ya-li of
National Taiwan University helped sort-out the intricacies of Kuomintang
factions. Professor Yang Tai-shuenn met with me on several occasions. His
analysis of the political culture of Taiwan and the strengths and weaknesses
of Taiwan's political system helped me assess the strength of democratic
reforms in Taiwan.

In writing the book, I benefitted immensely from the comments of
prominent scholars who know Taiwan well. Professors Andrew Nathan,

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