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Documentary & Panel-debate on the Discourse of Taiwan.~Remember to sign up for tickets~
In all of the lands far far away… Superpowers seem to be snatching up territory like never before: Ukraine, Venezuela, Greenland, Palestine… and Taiwan. The latest in our interest, and all existing in the borderlands of dangerous and complicated geopolitics and nationmaking.
For us in Denmark and EU, Taiwan can seem geographically very far-removed. Taiwans status-quo status is a complicated topic which can feel hardly relevant, as their geopolitical situation is difficult to relate to. In public discourse Taiwan seems almost invisible. But what many need to know, is that Taiwans economy has a much more significant impact compared to Ukraines. They work on and have the most current semiconductor knowledge and technology, and alternatives are scarce. If war breaks out in or around Taiwan, the impact on the global economy will without question be felt by everyone.
As China’s military presence only increases over time, and after what happened in Hong Kong years ago, the Taiwanese fear the worst. As tensions are also rising between the two tigers of the East (China and Japan) over one mountain (Taiwan), and with an unstable superpower like the US hovering on the other side of the island, who’s not to say that the status-quo is at risk? If so, what world will we wake up to tomorrow, and the day after that?
To quote Thucydides: “[Will] the strong do what they can, and the weak suffer what they must[?]”
This event is designated to provide insight for everyone, regardless of whether you know a lot already, have been following the Taiwan-situation a bit or barely know anything. We urge you to come with curiosity and participate in the discourse on Taiwan, its geopolitics and democracy.
The late afternoon and evening will first features a documentary showing of “Invisible Nation” (2023), directed by Vanessa Hope. This documentary is about Former President Tsai Ing-wen's (term 2016-2024) tightrope walk in a battle of ideology as she fights for their democracy. It is a living account of Tsai’s challenges, as she balances the hopes and dreams of her nation between the complicated geopolitical forces of the east and the west.
The documentary will be followed by a dinner-break, with catering for all registered participants (Vegan sandwich, limited tickets, sign up to get yours!), before we get a presentation introducing Taiwan’s history and politics by Peter Zinckernagel, just recently returned from Taiwan.
The event will end with an hour long panel-debate featuring:
- Troels Kjems Petersen, historian and Taiwan specialist, author and teacher who will present for us the Taiwanese perspectives and struggles with being one of the only democracies in Asia.
- Jørgen Delman, sinologist and professor emeritus of China Studies at the University of Copenhagen, who will present for us the Chinese perspectives on Taiwan, as well as the current political stance on Taiwan in China.
- Franz Jessen, former EU diplomat and current Taiwan Center for Security Studies (TCSS) researcher, who will help us put into perspective Taiwan’s geopolitical situation into relevance for us here in Denmark and the EU.
Program:
16:00-16:10 Brief Introduction
16:10-17:40 ‘Invisible Nation’ Showing
17:40-18:25 Break, w/ Food & Drinks
18:25-18:40 Presentation of Historical Facts and Relevant Information
18:40-19:40 Panel Debate/Discussion
19:40-20:00 Q&A
The event is sponsored by Tuborgfondet and arranged by Kinastuderendes Forening v/ Københavns Universitet (Abreviation: KSF, and English translation: China Studies Student-Association at the University of Copenhagen)
SIGN UP to the event and secure a delicious vegan sanwhich here [limited tickets]:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdovlWrGmODOHhWXDsQkr4ayFX3d4xsSMnmsM48EKbnFezA4g/viewform?usp=header
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Karen Blixens Vej 8 (21.0.54), 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark, Karen Blixens Vej 4, 2300 København S, Danmark, Copenhagen , Denmark
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