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Ghost Nation

The Story of Taiwan and Its Struggle for Survival

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Ghost Nation

By: Chris Horton
Narrated by: Christopher Ragland
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About this listen

'Indispensable and timely' - Melissa Chan, Emmy-nominated international affairs correspondent

'Few books qualify as essential reading but Ghost Nation is one of them' - Clive Hamilton, bestselling co-author of The Hidden Hand

The gripping story of Taiwan's past and precarious present from one of Taiwan's top foreign correspondents.


With all eyes on Ukraine and the Middle East, Taiwan is emerging as the next geopolitical tinderbox. Despite sitting at the heart of the tense relationship between China and the US, Taiwan’s history and its people have long been overlooked and misunderstood. In Ghost Nation, Taiwan-based journalist Chris Horton tells their stories and explores why this diplomatically isolated country has become such an important player on the world stage.

As China’s military preparations continue apace, the stakes have never been higher. Perched precariously on the fault-lines of global power, the fate of this vibrant democracy and tech colossus will shape Asia’s future – either containing or facilitating China’s expansionist goals.

Drawing from over a decade of living and reporting in Taiwan, and informed by interviews with everyday citizens, presidents and other key figures, Horton provides a panoramic view of this fascinating country. Ghost Nation will leave listeners with a profound appreciation for Taiwan’s struggle for self-determination – and its pivotal role in our shared future.

'An unmissable account . . . Accessible, entertaining and immaculately researched' - Dr Jonathan Sullivan, co-author of Taiwan: A Contested Democracy Under Threat and former Director of the China Policy Institute

Asia Colonialism & Post-Colonialism Military Politics & Government China Imperial Japan Haunted

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Critic reviews

[A] compelling and important book on [Taiwan]'s recent history and politics . . . crisp and deeply researched (Rana Mitter, The Observer)
If you think it's an exaggeration to say that Taiwan is the fulcrum on which the world's balance of power rests, then Chris Horton's book should change your mind. Apart from crushing a vibrant democracy, a Chinese takeover of Taiwan would be a victory for authoritarianism everywhere. Few books qualify as essential reading but Ghost Nation is one of them (Clive Hamilton, author of The Hidden Hand)
Indispensable and timely — this is an urgent moment for everyone to better understand Taiwan, one of the most interesting democracies in the world — written engagingly by the international journalist who knows the country best (Melissa Chan, Emmy-nominated International Affairs Correspondent and author of You Must Take Part in Revolution)
Through fascinating details and keen insights, Chris Horton’s exemplary storytelling brings to life Taiwan’s complex political and social circumstances. Ghost Nation is an absolutely compelling read (Shawna Yang Ryan, award-winning author of Green Island)
For the past decade, Horton has been one of the most reliable and incisive foreign journalists based in Taipei. He has used that experience, knowledge and access to produce an unmissable account of Taiwan's political trajectory . . . Accessible, entertaining and immaculately researched (Dr Jonathan Sullivan, co-author of Taiwan: A Contested Democracy Under Threat and former Director of the China Policy Institute)
Horton’s retelling of Taiwan’s past and present through the eyes of everyday people who experienced Taiwan’s highs and lows firsthand will leave readers with a deep sense of empathy and hope. It is a must read for anyone invested in peace and understanding on either side of the Taiwan Strait (Lev Nachman, Assistant Professor at National Taiwan University and author of Contested Taiwan: Sovereignty, Social Movements and Party Formation)
Accessible and borne from on-the-ground reporting. Delves far beyond the headlines, deep into the history and the forgotten personalities that helped make modern Taiwan (Dr Samir Puri, author of Westlessness: The Great Global Rebalancing)
Taiwan is too often reduced to a geopolitical talking point . . . In Ghost Nation, journalist Chris Horton offers a vivid, clear-eyed account of a place that has defied the odds. Far from a passive player, Taiwan emerges here as a vibrant democracy shaped by its own history, people and political will. Drawing on over a decade of reporting, Horton reveals the deeper stakes of Taiwan’s survival—and why its future matters to us all (Clarissa Wei, author of Made in Taiwan)
All stars
Most relevant
I really enjoyed listening to this book which covers both the history and the present in Taiwan. No prior knowledge is assumed and the author really explains Taiwan from the Taiwanese perspective. He introduces you to 228, the white terror, the strawberry generation and the sun flower movement. The complex history and interactions of the PRC and KMT are revealed and the book makes sense of the current situation. Countless personal stories really bring the narrative to life.

If you are looking for a book to help you better understand the current situation in not only Taiwan but Asia in general, this is a very worthwhile discovery. It's also a really entertaining read!

Past, present and future of Taiwan nailed!

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The content of this book is exhaustive, well researched and balanced. The narration was tough going with more than a few mispronunciations. The book itself is essential reading

Excellent book

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