Strait Forward
- Episodios
- 45
- Se publica
- cada dos semanas
- Último episodio
- 9 Nov 2026
Sobre el podcast
Strait Forward is a podcast series from the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), where Channing Lee takes a deep-dive into Taiwan, the island at the forefront of technological innovation and the global fight for democracy. Hear Taiwanese experts discuss geopolitics, technology, and culture.
Episodios 45
How Arizona Became America's Chip Hub
How did Arizona become a major hub for Taiwanese semiconductor investment, and what did it take to make the partnership work?In a new mini-series about “How Arizona Became America’s Chip Hub,” host Channing Lee …
Notas del episodio
How did Arizona become a major hub for Taiwanese semiconductor investment, and what did it take to make the partnership work?
In a new mini-series about “How Arizona Became America’s Chip Hub,” host Channing Lee visits Phoenix to speak with Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA). Watson traces the relationship behind TSMC’s Arizona investment, beginning with a 2013 trip to Taiwan, years before a specific project was on the table. They discuss how Arizona brought government, industry, and universities together to attract investment, address the cost challenges of U.S. manufacturing, and build the supplier networks and talent base that semiconductor companies need. Watson explains how ACA serves as a single point of contact for businesses navigating different levels of government, and why consistent support across Republican and Democratic administrations helped build trust. The conversation also explores Arizona’s growing ties with Taiwan, opportunities in AI and healthcare, and what other states can learn from Arizona’s approach.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
What Taiwan Brings to the Robot Race
In this episode of Strait Forward, recorded at the Taiwan Expo USA in Dallas, Texas, host Channing Lee explores how the United States and Taiwan can partner on robotics. She sits down with CH Wu (吳志煌) of Aeolus …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of Strait Forward, recorded at the Taiwan Expo USA in Dallas, Texas, host Channing Lee explores how the United States and Taiwan can partner on robotics. She sits down with CH Wu (吳志煌) of Aeolus Robotics, a Taiwanese company whose robots already work in airports and nursing homes across Taiwan and Japan. Joined by the company’s robot Aeobot, nicknamed xiaobai (小白), CH shares how the company trains physical AI, why robots replace tasks rather than jobs, and how security patrols at U.S. data centers became its first American pilot projects. They explore why CH sees the United States and Taiwan as partners rather than competitors in the budding, global robotics industry.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
Why Taiwan’s Tech Firms are Betting on Texas
In this episode of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee goes to the Taiwan Expo 2026 in Dallas, where more than 150 Taiwanese companies are showcasing Taiwan’s latest innovations in artificial intelligence …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee goes to the Taiwan Expo 2026 in Dallas, where more than 150 Taiwanese companies are showcasing Taiwan’s latest innovations in artificial intelligence, autonomous drones, robotics, semiconductor manufacturing, and more.
As economic ties between Taiwan and Texas continue to strengthen, Taiwanese firms are looking to the Lone Star State as a growing hub for investment and advanced manufacturing. TAITRA Chairman James Huang shares his perspectives on the future of U.S.–Taiwan trade, the opportunities for Taiwanese businesses in Texas, and the challenges of expanding into the American market.
Channing also speaks with MICROIP’s Peter Wang, Gye Tay Machinery Works’s (GMW) Jacob Liao, and Iván Romo of SMarTsol Technologies, the supplier of Techman Robot, about their technologies and their plans to expand into the United States.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
Inside Taiwan’s First Sovereign AI Benchmark
In this crossover episode with our “Chipping In” event series, host Channing Lee takes the stage with Taiwan's Minister of Digital Affairs, Lin Yi-jing (林宜敬), one year into his tenure at the Ministry of Digital …
Notas del episodio
In this crossover episode with our “Chipping In” event series, host Channing Lee takes the stage with Taiwan's Minister of Digital Affairs, Lin Yi-jing (林宜敬), one year into his tenure at the Ministry of Digital Affairs (moda). A former IBM researcher, startup founder, and bestselling author, Minister Lin explains why "who controls AI controls the past," how Taiwan is building a sovereign AI corpus and a weekly-updated “Basic Evaluation Benchmark” that tests 180+ models for Taiwanese values, and why he calls Taiwan the "honeypot of the free world" as it absorbs 2.6 million cyberattacks a day. They discuss how a Trojan horse incident inspired new cybersecurity standards; Taiwan's push for access to frontier cyber models, data backups and satellite links for wartime resilience; and how an anti-scam partnership with a U.S. company traced a thread from Taipei to Cambodia. Plus: what keeps the minister up at night, and why he sees echoes of Oppenheimer in today's AI race.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
Made in Wisconsin: Inside Foxconn's American AI Manufacturing Boom
In this episode of Strait Forward, Channing Lee tours Foxconn's Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin campus with Robert Schlaeger, Head of U.S. Region Public & Government Affairs at Foxconn, to unpack how the Taiwanese …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of Strait Forward, Channing Lee tours Foxconn's Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin campus with Robert Schlaeger, Head of U.S. Region Public & Government Affairs at Foxconn, to unpack how the Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant built one of its largest U.S. footprints — and is enabling America to build in the age of AI.
They trace Foxconn's roots in America back to Houston in the 1980s, discuss the pivot from Wisconsin's original consumer-electronics plans to today's booming AI data server production, and explore how the company trains a local workforce through partnerships with Wisconsin’s technical colleges and Taiwanese universities.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
Why Taiwan Didn’t Steal America’s Chip Industry (Pt. 3: Industry & Culture)
Building advanced semiconductor foundries — and serving as the world’s trusted semiconductor supply chain capital — requires far more than purchasing multi-million-dollar lithography equipment. It also requires …
Notas del episodio
Building advanced semiconductor foundries — and serving as the world’s trusted semiconductor supply chain capital — requires far more than purchasing multi-million-dollar lithography equipment. It also requires a fundamental alignment between a company’s business strategy, structural architecture, and organizational culture.
In the last episode of a three-part Strait Forward miniseries on why Taiwan did not steal America’s chip industry, host Channing Lee speaks with Dr. Konrad Young, a former Director for Research and Development (R&D) at TSMC, to discuss the secret sauce behind Taiwan’s semiconductor industry — and why Taiwan’s partnership with American tech firms has been the key to both countries’ technological successes.
00:00:09:16 — Introduction
00:02:20:11 — Dr. Young's Early Career
00:04:24:23 — Origins of Taiwan's Semiconductor Industry
00:05:31:06 — Taiwanese Talent Pipeline Through US Universities
00:07:40:05 — The Fabless/Foundry Split
00:10:34:14 — Why TSMC Chose the Foundry Model Over the IDM
00:12:57:14 — TSMC's Difficult Early Years
00:17:16:14 — Cultural Conflict Between Manufacturing Discipline and R&D Creativity
00:20:46:03 — The Financial/ROI Advantage of the Foundry Model vs. the IDM Model
00:23:51:10 — Development of the 0.13 Micron Process
00:27:14:22 — TSMC's Dominance in Foundry
00:28:04:05 — Culture of Foundry Work vs. Big-Country "King" Mentality
00:32:02:00 — How the AI boom is reshaping demand and TSMC's business
00:34:28:03 — AI and Automation's Potential Impact on Manufacturing Labor
00:38:34:18 — Why Dr. Young Chose to Return to Taiwan from the US
00:41:10:16 — Building TSMC's Unique R&D Culture
00:43:08:12 — Working Under Morris Chang and TSMC's Cultural Legacy
00:46:22:21 — Taiwan Recommendation
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
Why Taiwan Didn’t Steal America’s Chip Industry (Pt. 2: Institutional Ecosystem)
Political rhetoric often relies on simple villains, and few narratives are as convenient — or as fundamentally flawed — as the claim that Taiwan "stole" America's semiconductor industry. In this second episode …
Notas del episodio
Political rhetoric often relies on simple villains, and few narratives are as convenient — or as fundamentally flawed — as the claim that Taiwan "stole" America's semiconductor industry. In this second episode of Strait Forward's three-part miniseries, host Channing Lee continues debunking this myth by examining the institution at the heart of Taiwan's chip story: the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI).
Channing sits down with Stephen Su, Senior Vice President at ITRI, to trace how a single 1974 breakfast meeting between Taiwanese officials led to a pivotal technology licensing agreement with RCA — bringing 36 researchers to the US for a year of training that would seed Taiwan's entire semiconductor foundry industry. Su walks through how ITRI incubated both UMC and TSMC as spinoff companies, and explains why he attributes only a small fraction of Taiwan's success to luck — the rest coming from decades of sustained hard work once that initial opportunity was in place.
The conversation also explores TSMC's deeply global supplier ecosystem, ITRI's ongoing research partnerships with US universities like Stanford, Berkeley, CMU, and MIT, and Su's framework for understanding Taiwan's evolving role — from "Made in Taiwan," to "Made by Taiwan" overseas, to what he argues must become "Made with Taiwan": a model of deep international partnership essential not just for semiconductors, but for the future of AI and quantum computing.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
Why Taiwan Didn’t Steal America’s Chip Industry (Pt. 1: Geoeconomic History)
Political rhetoric often relies on simple villains, and few narratives are as convenient — or as fundamentally flawed — as the claim that Taiwan "stole" America’s semiconductor industry. In a new three-part …
Notas del episodio
Political rhetoric often relies on simple villains, and few narratives are as convenient — or as fundamentally flawed — as the claim that Taiwan "stole" America’s semiconductor industry. In a new three-part miniseries of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee seeks to debunk this myth by examining how and why Taiwan built its chip industry, and how Taiwan’s emergence as a manufacturing powerhouse enabled America to unleash its innovation power.
This first episode featuring Dr. Roy Lee, formerly Taiwan's Representative to the EU and Belgium and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, explores the geopolitical and economic conditions that created the urgency — and opportunity — for Taiwan to become the world’s chip hub. Contrary to the narrative of theft, Taiwan’s semiconductor success resulted from a deliberate, 45-year strategic partnership built on mutual survival, risk-taking, and shared security imperatives between Washington and Taipei.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
Assessing PLA Military Readiness
China's military is testing Taiwan in new ways — fewer dramatic air incursions, and far more Coast Guard ships crowding Taiwan's waters in a slow, deliberate squeeze. In this episode, host Channing Lee sits …
Notas del episodio
China's military is testing Taiwan in new ways — fewer dramatic air incursions, and far more Coast Guard ships crowding Taiwan's waters in a slow, deliberate squeeze. In this episode, host Channing Lee sits down in the Strait Forward studio with Dr. I-Chung Lai, President of the Prospect Foundation, to assess how Taiwan reads the readiness of the People's Liberation Army to conduct an operation around the island. They dig into whether Beijing has the capability for a full-scale invasion, why a blockade or quarantine may be the more realistic threat, what China might be learning from conflict in the Middle East, and how gray-zone tactics are reshaping the fight across the strait. Lai closes on a hopeful note: a Taiwan growing more economically confident and more sure of its own ability to defend itself.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
Sharing Boba Tea, Sharing Taiwan
It's Taiwan's most famous export in a cup, but behind every chewy tapioca pearl is a global business story of culture, competition, and surprising technology. In this episode, host Channing Lee talks about all …
Notas del episodio
It's Taiwan's most famous export in a cup, but behind every chewy tapioca pearl is a global business story of culture, competition, and surprising technology. In this episode, host Channing Lee talks about all things boba with Greg Chen, CEO of International Business and Chief Investment Officer for the group behind Sharetea and Unique Green (UG) Tea, two of Taiwan's biggest bubble tea brands. They cover where boba came from, how the drink became a worldwide phenomenon and a symbol of Taiwanese culture, why Chinese chains flooding the market pose a growing competitive threat, and how AI-powered machines are helping stores leap from 100 cups a day to thousands. Producer Bobby Owens also tries boba for the very first time.
Keep up with SCSP on our website and social media:
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https://www.linkedin.com/company/specialcompetitivestudiesproject/posts/
https://substack.com/@scsp/notes
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Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
The U.S.-Taiwan Semiconductor Education Alliance
As the United States and Taiwan deepen their semiconductor partnership, can they build a talent pipeline resilient enough to sustain it? Recorded live in Orlando at the 2026 U.S.-Taiwan Semiconductor Higher …
Notas del episodio
As the United States and Taiwan deepen their semiconductor partnership, can they build a talent pipeline resilient enough to sustain it? Recorded live in Orlando at the 2026 U.S.-Taiwan Semiconductor Higher Education Networking Event, on the sidelines of the NAFSA: Association of International Educators 2026 Annual Conference, host Channing Lee sits down with three university leaders shaping that future: Dr. Lin Chi-Hung, President of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Taiwan; Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, President of San Jose State University in the heart of Silicon Valley; and Dr. Reza Abdolvand, Professor and Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Central Florida. Fresh off the signing of a new memorandum of understanding, they dig past the buzzwords into what an education partnership really requires, from micro-credentials to cross-border student exchanges, why education may be the ultimate win-win in U.S.-Taiwan relations, and how each side defines success.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
How Taiwan is Building an AI Island
Taiwan's Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs, Chia-Lin Yang, joins host Channing Lee live at the AI+ Expo for a conversation on Taiwan's ambitions to become an “AI island” grounded in democratic values. They …
Notas del episodio
Taiwan's Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs, Chia-Lin Yang, joins host Channing Lee live at the AI+ Expo for a conversation on Taiwan's ambitions to become an “AI island” grounded in democratic values. They discuss the mission of Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs (moda), the country's Ten AI Initiative, and the challenge of building a competitive software ecosystem to match Taiwan's already dominant hardware capabilities. Deputy Minister Yang also reflects on AI governance, cybersecurity priorities, and what it will take to push Taiwan's digital transformation from prototype to widespread adoption.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
A Strategy for Defending Taiwan
Channing Lee hosts a live conversation at the 2026 AI+ Expo Bookstore with historian Eyck Freymann, a Hoover Fellow at Stanford University. Drawing from Freymann’s new book, Defending Taiwan: A Strategy to …
Notas del episodio
Channing Lee hosts a live conversation at the 2026 AI+ Expo Bookstore with historian Eyck Freymann, a Hoover Fellow at Stanford University. Drawing from Freymann’s new book, Defending Taiwan: A Strategy to Prevent War with China, the discussion delves into the "deterrence stack," a multi-layered defense framework encompassing political, military, strategic, and economic pillars. Freymann explains that while the United States is well-prepared for conventional military scenarios, it remains vulnerable to gray-zone tactics and economic coercion, making a comprehensive strategy essential for navigating future cross-strait crises.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
Defending Against PRC Doublethink & Information Manipulation
At the 2026 AI+ Expo, host Channing Lee speaks with Doublethink Lab Founder and CEO Ttcat, Senior Analyst Jerry Yu, and Strategic Partnership Manager Dahyun Kim to expose the evolving tactics of PRC influence …
Notas del episodio
At the 2026 AI+ Expo, host Channing Lee speaks with Doublethink Lab Founder and CEO Ttcat, Senior Analyst Jerry Yu, and Strategic Partnership Manager Dahyun Kim to expose the evolving tactics of PRC influence. From the alarming "GoLaxy Leak"—which revealed PRC state-backed AI profiling of Taiwan and U.S. citizens—to the "Borderless Group" content farms infiltrating social media, this episode pulls back the curtain on PRC foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). The team discusses the critical role of democratic control over the AI supply chain and shares why human vigilance is still the best digital defense.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
How to Brew Taiwanese Tea
In this episode of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee sits down with Paul Chang, founder of the Morganhope Tea Shoppe in Taipei, to discuss the history and uniqueness of Taiwanese tea. As a "first-generation tea …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee sits down with Paul Chang, founder of the Morganhope Tea Shoppe in Taipei, to discuss the history and uniqueness of Taiwanese tea. As a "first-generation tea maker," Paul explains how his shop blends modern practices with ancient craftsmanship. He walks Channing through a tea tasting experience, exploring the spectrum of seaweed-like notes in Taiwanese green tea to the honeyed sweetness of Oriental Beauty oolong.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
Japan's Stake in the Taiwan Strait
In this episode of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee is joined by Ken Moriyasu, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and former foreign correspondent for Nikkei Asia, to discuss how Japan is navigating its …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee is joined by Ken Moriyasu, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and former foreign correspondent for Nikkei Asia, to discuss how Japan is navigating its stake in Taiwan’s future. Drawing on decades of experience reporting from Beijing, Washington, and Tokyo, Moriyasu provides a sobering, pragmatic assessment of the Japan-Taiwan relationship and the shifting geopolitical realities of the Indo-Pacific. They discuss the recent, controversial statements by Prime Minister Takaichi, who described a Taiwan contingency as "survival-threatening" for Japan, as well as Japan’s potential role in a cross-strait conflict.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
A Ghost Nation’s Struggle for Survival
In this episode of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee is joined by Taipei-based freelance journalist Chris Horton to discuss his new book, Ghost Nation: The Story of Taiwan and Its Struggle for Survival. With …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee is joined by Taipei-based freelance journalist Chris Horton to discuss his new book, Ghost Nation: The Story of Taiwan and Its Struggle for Survival. With over two decades of experience reporting for major news outlets from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, Horton offers an "outsider-on-the-inside" perspective on the island’s history and how Taiwan has evolved from a geopolitical afterthought to an indispensable global player that still struggles for formal recognition.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
Why Taiwan Matters to Every U.S. City & State (Subnational Diplomacy Explained)
Strait Forward celebrates its first anniversary with a special crossover episode featuring SCSP’s in-person “Chipping In” event series! Host Channing Lee welcomes on stage Andrea Yang, Deputy Representative of …
Notas del episodio
Strait Forward celebrates its first anniversary with a special crossover episode featuring SCSP’s in-person “Chipping In” event series! Host Channing Lee welcomes on stage Andrea Yang, Deputy Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO), to discuss how Taiwan is engaging in subnational diplomacy across American cities and states. She provides a historical overview of Taiwan’s resilient diplomatic efforts since 1979, highlighting how Taiwan’s 13 representative offices, numerous "Sister City" relationships, and significant tech industry investments across America foster critical cultural, agricultural, economic, and tech ties between the United States and Taiwan.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
How to Cook Taiwanese Cuisine
On this episode of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee explores the rich tapestry of Taiwanese culture through the lens of its world-class cuisine. Moving beyond the "clichés" of beef noodle soup (牛肉麵) and …
Notas del episodio
On this episode of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee explores the rich tapestry of Taiwanese culture through the lens of its world-class cuisine. Moving beyond the "clichés" of beef noodle soup (牛肉麵) and xiaolongbao (小籠包), the episode highlights how food serves as a powerful unifier and a key component of Taiwan's global soft power.
Author and award-winning food journalist Clarissa Wei discusses her cookbook, Made in Taiwan: Recipes and Stories from the Island Nation, explaining how centuries of history—from Japanese colonial rule to post-war American influence—have created a unique culinary melting pot. The episode then moves into the kitchen as cooking instructor Ivy Chen joins Channing for a hands-on lesson in making Stir-Fried Rice Vermicelli, or Chao Mi Fen (炒米粉), teaching the essential wok techniques and "folding" methods that define authentic Taiwanese home cooking.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
Civilian Preparedness Through Film & TV
On this episode of Strait Forward, Channing Lee is joined by Lin Jin-Chang and David Kao, among the creators of Taiwanese TV series “Zero Day Attack,” to discuss the important role that film and television play …
Notas del episodio
On this episode of Strait Forward, Channing Lee is joined by Lin Jin-Chang and David Kao, among the creators of Taiwanese TV series “Zero Day Attack,” to discuss the important role that film and television play in civilian preparedness. Released in August 2025, “Zero Day Attack” depicts the grey-zone threats that the PRC poses to Taiwan and the resilience of the Taiwanese people amid the pending threat of invasion. The show is currently only available to watch in Taiwan and Japan. A former National Security Council official in Taiwan, executive producer Lin shares how he brought his decades of experience in government to the script to ensure an authentic portrayal of PRC hybrid warfare tactics. The series is the first to portray cross-strait tensions on the big screen – a topic that has long been considered a "taboo" in the entertainment industry due to the pressure of the Chinese market.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
Cognitive Warfare & Civilian Defense
On this episode of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee sits down in Taipei with Puma Shen (沈伯洋), a member of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, associate professor of criminology at National Taipei University, and …
Notas del episodio
On this episode of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee sits down in Taipei with Puma Shen (沈伯洋), a member of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, associate professor of criminology at National Taipei University, and co-founder of Kuma Academy and Doublethink Lab. Puma breaks down the multitude of threats that Taiwanese civilians face from Beijing, ranging from traditional military coercion to the invisible battleground of cognitive warfare, their impact on domestic Taiwanese politics, and what ordinary citizens are doing to defend themselves. He discusses how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) uses transnational repressions to intimidate the Taiwanese people, and why he believes it is important to stay strong.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
Unpacking the U.S.-China Commission's Recommendations on Taiwan + Predictions for 2026
In this first episode of 2026, host Channing Lee rings in the new year with a look at recent events surrounding Taiwan, including a record-breaking $11 billion U.S. arms package and unannounced, large-scale PLA …
Notas del episodio
In this first episode of 2026, host Channing Lee rings in the new year with a look at recent events surrounding Taiwan, including a record-breaking $11 billion U.S. arms package and unannounced, large-scale PLA military exercises. Randy Shriver and Mike Kuiken, Chair and Vice Chair of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, join Channing to discuss the USCC’s 2025 Annual Report and its recommendations to the U.S. Congress on Taiwan, predictions for the region in 2026, and the critical "window of opportunity" for deterrence as 2027 looms closer.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
Unpacking Taiwan’s Wild Year — And Libby Reveals What’s Next
On this episode of Strait Forward, hosts Channing and Libby wrap up the year in Taiwan news, reflecting on a turbulent but ultimately optimistic 2025. They discuss major geopolitical and defense developments …
Notas del episodio
On this episode of Strait Forward, hosts Channing and Libby wrap up the year in Taiwan news, reflecting on a turbulent but ultimately optimistic 2025. They discuss major geopolitical and defense developments, including Japan's assertive comments on Taiwan's security, Taiwan's increased defense budget, and recent U.S. arms sales and legislative assurances. Following a special announcement, Libby reflects on her years living and working in Taiwan, sharing personal stories, and explaining why the democratic island is an essential model for the world.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
Taiwan's Vision for Space
On this episode of Strait Forward, recorded live at SCSP’s AI+ Space Summit, Channing and Libby speak with Holmes Liao, Senior Advisor at the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), about how Taiwan is rapidly building its …
Notas del episodio
On this episode of Strait Forward, recorded live at SCSP’s AI+ Space Summit, Channing and Libby speak with Holmes Liao, Senior Advisor at the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), about how Taiwan is rapidly building its space capabilities. The discussion covers Taiwan's latest FORMOSAT satellite launch, its efforts to leverage existing strengths in electronics and manufacturing, and how both private and public sector initiatives are integrating AI for smart satellite operations. They also discuss how Taiwan is overcoming geopolitical challenges in space through international and commercial partnerships to safeguard security in the Indo-Pacific.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
Can a Board Game Prepare Taiwan for War?
On this episode of Strait Forward, Channing and Libby are joined by KJ Chang, founder of Mizo Games, to discuss the studio’s board game, 2045, which simulates a PLA invasion of Taiwan 20 years in the future. KJ …
Notas del episodio
On this episode of Strait Forward, Channing and Libby are joined by KJ Chang, founder of Mizo Games, to discuss the studio’s board game, 2045, which simulates a PLA invasion of Taiwan 20 years in the future. KJ explains that his games are inspired by real-world events and Taiwan's history, aiming to use the "pressure of the play" to help players understand the difficult choices made at the edge of survival. Following the interview, the Strait Forward team – joined by producer Bobby Owens – try out the game for themselves!
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
Securing Taiwan's Energy Supply
In this episode of Strait Forward, Channing and Libby delve into Taiwan's energy security, a critical issue due to the island’s high import dependency and vulnerability to geopolitical risks. They open with a …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of Strait Forward, Channing and Libby delve into Taiwan's energy security, a critical issue due to the island’s high import dependency and vulnerability to geopolitical risks. They open with a segment featuring Caleb Barnes, Associate Director for Fusion at SCSP, to discuss the most common concerns about nuclear energy in Taiwan, then welcome Tsaiying Lu, Research Fellow & Director of Energy Security Research at Taiwan’s Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Technology (DSET), who details Taiwan's ongoing energy resilience efforts. Tsaiying explains the complex politics surrounding nuclear power in Taiwan, how the island plans to meet the energy demands of its semiconductor fabs and the AI industry, and new research into lesser-known threats to Taiwan’s energy supply.
Additional reading:
- Vulnerabilities at Depth: Submarine Power Cable Sabotage and Supply Chain Risks Amid China’s Rise
- Climate Change and Infrastructure Resilience: An Analysis of Water Resources and Electricity Use in Taiwan’s Semiconductor Industry
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
Taiwan and Europe: A Shared Democratic Future
In this episode of Strait Forward, Channing and Libby move beyond the U.S.-Taiwan conversation and dive into the evolving relationship between Taiwan and Europe. They highlight the shared democratic values and …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of Strait Forward, Channing and Libby move beyond the U.S.-Taiwan conversation and dive into the evolving relationship between Taiwan and Europe. They highlight the shared democratic values and significant economic ties that are driving deeper cooperation.
In this episode, they welcome Jonas Parello-Plesner, Executive Director of the Alliance of Democracies Foundation and author of The Battle for Taiwan. Jonas offers a critical European perspective on Taiwan, detailing the varied approaches countries across the continent take when it comes to engaging with Taiwan.
He discusses how the war in Ukraine has heightened Europe's awareness of the threat to Taiwan, the challenges posed by Chinese coercion, and the dangers of "preemptive obedience" among European nations. Ultimately, Jonas argues that supporting a free Taiwan is vital for global economic stability and the future of democracy.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
D.C. Grad Students on China, Party Politics, and Taiwan’s Future
In this episode of Strait Forward, hosts Channing Lee and Libby Lange are joined by three young Taiwanese leaders — Fanny Chao, Alaze Lin, and Joyce Chiang — who bring unique experience from Taiwan's three …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of Strait Forward, hosts Channing Lee and Libby Lange are joined by three young Taiwanese leaders — Fanny Chao, Alaze Lin, and Joyce Chiang — who bring unique experience from Taiwan's three major political parties. As grad students in Washington D.C., the guests discuss how the U.S. capital fosters common ground and nuance that is often missing in domestic Taiwanese politics.
The conversation tackles controversial arguments about Taiwan's strategic value and defense spending, candid assessments of their respective parties’ policies, and reflections on how their view of Taiwan's place in the world has changed since coming to the United States.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
Deterrence by Drone
In this episode of Strait Forward, hosts Channing Lee and Libby Lange explore the evolving role of drones in modern warfare and their importance for Taiwan's defense. They discuss the shift from large …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of Strait Forward, hosts Channing Lee and Libby Lange explore the evolving role of drones in modern warfare and their importance for Taiwan's defense. They discuss the shift from large, expensive military drones to more affordable, mass-produced systems, and the impact of the War in Ukraine on drone development and deployment.
The episode features Lorenz Meier, founder and CEO of Auterion, who details his company's mission to build an "Android for drones" — a common open-source operating system for future drone swarms. Meier shares his "Kyiv to Taiwan" story, explaining how his experiences in Ukraine highlighted the urgent need to help Taiwan develop its drone army for deterrence rather than just defense. He further elaborates on the operational applications of drones, from long-range deep strike capabilities against naval targets to close-range combat, emphasizing the applicability of lessons learned from Ukraine to Taiwan's defense challenges.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
Episode 15 - Public Opinion & Polarization
In this episode of Strait Forward, hosts Channing Lee and Libby Lange welcome Lev Nachman, an assistant professor in the Graduate Institute of National Development at National Taiwan University (NTU) and author …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of Strait Forward, hosts Channing Lee and Libby Lange welcome Lev Nachman, an assistant professor in the Graduate Institute of National Development at National Taiwan University (NTU) and author of Contested Taiwan: Sovereignty, Social Movements, and Party Formation. They discuss how public opinion and polarized politics shape perceptions of recent events in Taiwan.
Lev Nachman shares his expertise on political participation in Taiwan, discussing public identity, willingness to fight, and the implications of the "great recall movement." He analyzes how polarization impacts national security and the ongoing debate surrounding Taiwan's defense budget, including different perspectives on military spending. The conversation also touches on the rising influence of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) and the importance of independent voters in Taiwan's political landscape.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.
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