Ghost Nation

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.

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.