SDG16
Rooted in the South, Connecting the World: NCKU Political Science 25th Anniversary Conference
A Warm Opening: An Academic Gathering of Heritage and Innovation
The opening ceremony on the first day was co-hosted by Dean Chun-Li Tsai of the College of Social Sciences and Chair Ching-Hsing Wang of the Department of Political Science. In addition to thanking the visiting scholars, faculty, and students for their enthusiastic participation, Dean Tsai and Chair Wang highlighted that since its inception as a graduate institute and later as a full department, NCKU Political Science has consistently upheld the spirit of being "Rooted in the South." The department has continuously produced impactful research across various subfields of political science while striving to "Connect the World" and broaden international perspectives.
Diverse Topics: From International Strategy and AI Governance to Democratic Development
The two-day conference featured rich and forward-looking content spanning diverse areas such as authoritarian development, affective polarization, AI technology regulation, economic strategy, and political thought:
In-Depth Exploration of Political and Social Issues: The first day's sessions featured a wide array of topics and highlights. Faculty members from NCKU Political Science—including Shih-Hao Huang, Yi-Fan Wang, Yu-Ceng Liao, and Shen-Hao Chung—alongside researchers from IPSAS—including Chuan-Hsien Chang, Tsung-Han Tsai, Cheng-Nan Lin, Chih-Hsin Shen, Tse-Min Fu, Wei-Ting Yen, and Ying-Tung Chen—presented in-depth analyses on critical issues such as legislative discourse under authoritarian regimes, public acceptance of AI traffic regulation, the impact of affective polarization on political parties and legislation, and public attitudes toward defense and national health insurance spending. Ranging from political institutions and technology governance to public resource allocation, these interwoven research perspectives demonstrated the depth and breadth of political science in addressing contemporary societal challenges.
Showcasing Student Research Capabilities: The second day focused on regional security and political psychology. Notably, in addition to Ph.D. candidates and doctoral students, undergraduate and master's students from NCKU Political Science also presented their research findings on the same stage. Topics ranged from Taiwan-Japan and EU-Japan cooperation strategies, US-Japan media discourse, and US state government AI accountability mechanisms, to how traditionalism and ambivalent citizens shape populism. Lively discussions and enthusiastic exchanges ensued, with diverse viewpoints colliding to spark brilliant academic insights and showcase the vibrant energy of inter-university and inter-institutional exchange.
Professional and In-Depth Peer Commentary: The conference invited NCKU Political Science faculty, multiple researchers from IPSAS, as well as scholars such as Professor Wei-Ning Wu from National Sun Yat-sen University and Director Wei-Chuan Chen from National Kaohsiung Normal University, to broaden research perspectives through insightful critiques and inspire fresh thinking via deep dialogue. The lively discussions and dynamic exchanges demonstrated the abundant vitality of cross-campus and cross-institutional collaboration!
A Successful Conclusion: Advancing Toward the Next Brilliant 25 Years
The conference concluded successfully at noon on September 19 amidst enthusiastic exchanges and intellectual stimulation, writing a splendid chapter for the 25th anniversary of NCKU Political Science. Over the past 25 years, the department has cultivated numerous outstanding talents, deepened academic research, continuously addressed contemporary issues with professionalism, and practiced social care through knowledge. This grand event further connected the academic strengths of NCKU and Academia Sinica, deepened inter-institutional cooperation, and inspired fresh visions for future development. While the event has concluded, the exchange continues; 25 years of accumulation mark the starting point of the next exciting journey!
The conference concluded successfully at noon on September 19 amidst lively exchanges and intellectual brainstorming, writing a remarkable chapter for the 25th anniversary of the NCKU Department of Political Science.
Featuring professional and in-depth peer commentary, diverse perspectives intersected and sparked vibrant academic exchanges, demonstrating the dynamic energy of inter-university and inter-institutional collaboration.
The conference delved deeply into political and social issues while showcasing students' research capabilities.
The two-day conference covered a wide range of topics, including international strategy, AI governance, and democratic development.
The Department of Political Science at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) grandly hosted the "Rooted in the South, Connecting the World: NCKU Department of Political Science 25th Anniversary Academic Conference" on September 18–19, 2026.
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