Enabling Student-led Activism in Taiwan-Southeast Asia Connectivity

Abstract

years. This article focuses on examining the development of the student activism in Taiwan and explore its international connections. This article utilizes data from in-depth interviews with activists and NGO leaders of the student activism in Taiwan and in the region. Some analysis on recent movements is based on the interviews and participatory observation by the authors, including the participation in the latest student-led activism known as the Sunflower Movement (taiyang hua yundong) 2.0, or the Blue Bird
Action (qingniao xingdong), happened in Taipei in May 2024. Hence, this article is divided into five parts. The first part serves as the introduction. The second part offers a brief history of student activism in Taiwan inclusive of its pre-modern development and modern progress. The third part summarizes the characteristics of the abovementioned student-led activism, including how technology matters in the new wave of student activism in Taiwan. Then the fourth part deals with its international connections, with a special focus on the Sunflower Movement of 2014 and the Blue Bird Action of 2024. The final part concludes with research findings of new waves of student activism featured with Taiwan’s influence with three key words, namely, pluralistic practice, democratic solidarity and technological
innovation.