The Fukushima effect: explaining the resurgence of the anti-nuclear movement in Taiwan

Abstract

Taiwan’s anti-nuclear movement has a chequered history over the past three decades; its revival after the 2011 Fukushima incident was unanticipated. Analysing the political outcomes triggered by a major international disaster, I argue that Japan’s nuclear catastrophe did not directly stimulate Taiwanese activism, but its effect was relayed through a host of domestic factors. The persistent efforts of anti-nuclear activists after their 2001 defeat were eventually rewarded with the local audience becoming more receptive to their message. The resurgence of social movements after 2008 also provided a more supportive environment. Finally, because the Democratic Progressive Party, which in earlier years had been closely associated with the anti-nuclear movement, was forced into taking a back seat, anti-nuclear sentiment could cross the partisan divide.