This timely volume provides an in-depth analysis of recent events surrounding the conflict between Taiwan and China over Taiwan's sovereignty. After a thoughtful discussion of the origins of the dispute, Copper examines the hallmark 1996 election in Taiwan that brought to power the first direct elected Chinese chief executive in over 5, 000 years. He then discusses the ruling Nationalist Party's congress and explores how the party is changing in light of democratization and increasing public concerns about political corruption and crime. Finally, Copper addresses the U.S. role in the conflict and examines why Washington has changed its policy concerning Taiwan in recent years.