Ghost Nation
The Story of Taiwan and Its Struggle for Survival
Chris Horton(Author)
Macmillan (Publisher)
Published on 17. July 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
336 pages
978-1-0350-3403-1 (ISBN)
Description
The gripping story of Taiwan's past and precarious present from one of Taiwan's top foreign correspondents.
Following the war in Ukraine, all eyes have turned to Taiwan as the next possible geopolitical tinderbox. Yet while it lies at the epicentre of China and the USA's tense relationship, its story and its people go overlooked and misunderstood. In Ghost Nation, leading journalist Chris Horton will uncover why this disputed country has become so critical to the world's future.
Drawing on over a decade of Horton's life and reportage in Taiwan, Ghost Nation unravels the complexity of this thriving democracy and technological powerhouse. Exploring the ghosts of Taiwan's past, a history haunted by colonization and political turmoil, Horton interviews influential figures and everyday citizens to provide a panoramic view of this fascinating country.
As Taiwan grapples with its identity and dreams of international recognition, this riveting and empathetic account will leave readers with a profound appreciation for Taiwan's history and people.
Following the war in Ukraine, all eyes have turned to Taiwan as the next possible geopolitical tinderbox. Yet while it lies at the epicentre of China and the USA's tense relationship, its story and its people go overlooked and misunderstood. In Ghost Nation, leading journalist Chris Horton will uncover why this disputed country has become so critical to the world's future.
Drawing on over a decade of Horton's life and reportage in Taiwan, Ghost Nation unravels the complexity of this thriving democracy and technological powerhouse. Exploring the ghosts of Taiwan's past, a history haunted by colonization and political turmoil, Horton interviews influential figures and everyday citizens to provide a panoramic view of this fascinating country.
As Taiwan grapples with its identity and dreams of international recognition, this riveting and empathetic account will leave readers with a profound appreciation for Taiwan's history and people.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Pan Macmillan
Target group
Interest Age: From 18 years
Product notice
Paperback (UK-trade)
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 148 mm
Thickness: 26 mm
Weight
416 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-0350-3403-1 (9781035034031)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
07/2025
Macmillan
€21.99
Available for download
Person
Chris Horton is a freelance reporter in Taiwan, having covered cross-strait politics, domestic politics, the economy, culture and breaking news in Taiwan for The New York Times, Bloomberg, The Atlantic, The Guardian, Financial Times and Quartz. He has lived in Taiwan since 2015 and in China and Hong Kong for the decade preceding that. He is the last foreign journalist to interview former president Lee Teng-hui, arguably the midwife of Taiwanese democracy and one of the most underappreciated post-war Asian leaders.