How will Taiwan shape Asia’s future? With Chris Horton

Welcome to Intelligence Squared, where great minds meet. I'm producer Mia Sorrenti. The issue of Taiwan is a constant background hum in today's news cycle. Perched precariously on the fault lines of global power, the fate of this vibrant democracy and tech colossus will shape Asia's future, whether containing or facilitating China's expansionist goals. But what do we really know about this small country, its industry and its people?

On today's episode, we're joined by top foreign correspondent Chris Horton. Horton has spent over a decade living and reporting in Taiwan and has interviewed everyday citizens, presidents and other key figures for his new book, Ghost Nation, a panoramic overview of the country which weaves together its complex past and perilous present. Chris is joined by host Adam McCauley to discuss how Taiwan became a Tech powerhouse, why its fate matters to the world, and what its story reveals about the future of democracy in Asia. Let's join Adam now with more.

Welcome to Intelligence Squared. I'm Adam Macaulay. Nestled in the blue waters of the Pacific, approximately 87 nautical miles from the coast of mainland China, sits the island of Taiwan. Home to 23 million people and a history stretching back thousands of years, this little island plays an outsized role in the story of international affairs. Most specifically in an emerging narrative about the inevitable clash between East and West for control over, among other things, our collective future.

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