Natalie Chiu
Abstract
Despite being diplomatically marginalized in the international arena, Taiwan has been able to forge a distinct path for itself through its economic prosperity and ideological alignments. Taiwan as a whole has taken advantage of its resources and ability to integrate with the global economy, and this strategic approach continues to serve as a core element of the state’s foreign policy. This paper aims to further illuminate a relatively overlooked perspective concerning the role of the semiconductor industry in Taiwan’s nation branding efforts. Within its aims and limitations, this paper argues that the industry serves as a soft power and leverage tool for the government to expand and strengthen unofficial ties, consequently serving broader benefits to reinforce Taiwan’s legitimacy. The paper concludes that the semiconductor industry is implemented as a soft power form of economic power by the government, rather than of a traditional coercive, hard power.
