Chris Horton

The gripping story of Taiwan’s rich past and precarious present from the country’s top foreign correspondent, now with an updated afterword.‘Compelling and important’ – Rana Mitter, The Observer‘Few books qualify as essential reading, but Ghost Nation is one of them’ – Clive Hamilton, bestselling co-author of Hidden Hand‘A thoughtful, illuminating exploration of Taiwan’s past and present as well as its possible future’ – BooklistTaiwan is the geopolitical tinderbox of the twenty-first century, a nation whose fate directly impacts every major economy, every global political alliance and even the future of AI. Sitting at the heart of the great power struggle between China and the US, the country is the linchpin of the modern world – yet it remains profoundly misunderstood.From colonial outpost to a thriving democracy and global technological superpower, Taiwan’s journey is one of incredible resilience against 400 years of foreign rule. In Ghost Nation, veteran journalist Chris Horton draws on over a decade of first-hand reporting to provide a panoramic and compelling history. He exposes the fundamental weakness of China’s sovereignty claims and illuminates the strength of a nation forged by struggle.Ghost Nation is the essential account of a people fighting for their self-determination and democracy and the definitive guide to understanding the current threat to global order. The world’s stability rests on Taiwan’s survival.‘Indispensable and timely’ – Melissa Chan, Emmy-nominated international affairs correspondent‘An unmissable account . . . Accessible, entertaining and immaculately researched’ – Dr Jonathan Sullivan, co-author of Taiwan: A Contested Democracy Under Threat and former director of the China Policy Institute

'Compelling and important' - Rana Mitter, The Observer'Few books qualify as essential reading but Ghost Nation is one of them' - Clive Hamilton, bestselling co-author of The Hidden Hand'A thoughtful, illuminating exploration of Taiwan’s past and present as well as its possible future' - BooklistThe gripping story of Taiwan's rich past and precarious present from one of the country's top foreign correspondents. With all eyes on Ukraine and the Middle East, Taiwan is emerging as the next geopolitical tinderbox. Despite sitting at the heart of the tense relationship between China and the US, Taiwan’s history and its people have long been overlooked and misunderstood. In Ghost Nation, Taiwan-based journalist Chris Horton tells their stories and explores why this diplomatically isolated country has become such an important player on the world stage. As China’s military preparations continue apace, the stakes have never been higher. Perched precariously on the fault-lines of global power, the fate of this vibrant democracy and tech colossus will shape Asia’s future – either containing or facilitating China’s expansionist goals. Drawing from over a decade of living and reporting in Taiwan, and informed by interviews with everyday citizens, presidents and other key figures, Horton provides a panoramic view of this fascinating country. Ghost Nation will leave readers with a profound appreciation for Taiwan’s struggle for self-determination – and its pivotal role in our shared future. 'Indispensable and timely' - Melissa Chan, Emmy-nominated international affairs correspondent'An unmissable account . . . Accessible, entertaining and immaculately researched' - Dr Jonathan Sullivan, co-author of Taiwan: A Contested Democracy Under Threat and former Director of the China Policy Institute

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.