A 2021 Pew Research Center study on where people in different countries find meaning in life revealed something interesting about Taiwan.

In most countries surveyed, family came first. In Taiwan, the most common answer was society, places and institutions.

The finding provides a helpful starting point for understanding Taiwan’s democracy. It connects public life and shared institutions to the everyday experiences that people in Taiwan find meaningful.

Taiwan is also one of the clearest democratic success stories outside of traditional western democracies. It now stands among the freest democracies in Asia. These achievements were not handed down by an international organization or bestowed by a great power — the Taiwanese did it themselves.

After the Second World War, Taiwan came under the control of the Republic of China following Japan’s surrender. Nearly 40 years of authoritarian rule and martial law followed. Many Taiwanese lost their lives, freedom and some overseas Taiwanese were blacklisted from returning home.

Read more: Hidden women of history: Hsieh Hsüeh-hung, communist champion of Taiwanese self-determination

By the 1990s, after decades of authoritarian rule and martial law, Taiwan had begun its transition to democracy. It transitioned peacefully into a multi-party democracy, holding its first direct presidential elections in 1996.

Much of Taiwan’s social energy was directed toward building civil and political rights at home: freedom of........

© The Conversation