April 16, 2021 Advertisement Having long been relegated to the fringes of sinological research, Taiwan studies is finally establishing itself as an independent, interdisciplinary field of studies. This development has important domestic implications for Taiwan, as it creates a space for more holistic and critical definitions of Taiwanese identity, inclusive of the multifarious experiences of Indigenous Austronesians, Hoklos, Hakkas, the so-called Mainlanders, and more recent migrants from Southeast Asia. Equally important are the international implications. The rise of Taiwan studies positively contributes to the nation’s soft power projection and helps shape discourse on Taiwan globally, as the relevance of Taiwan studies is arguably directly proportional to the relevance of Taiwan itself.