Volume 14 , Issue 1 , June 2026 , Pages 253-284
1 College of Political Science – Department of political science- University of Sulaimani-Iraq.
Taiwan underwent radical political and social transformations during the 1980s, culminating in its transition to democracy. This transformation, which began in 1987, changed Taiwan from an authoritarian regime to a more democratic society. Taiwan's democratic experiment is considered one of the most significant democratic transitions the world has witnessed since the 1980s. During this period, the transition from authoritarian rule to democracy accelerated, driven by growing political pluralism. The lifting of martial law marked a turning point in the Taiwanese political system, as it changed from a one-party system with socialist leanings to a multi-party system. This trajectory has shaped Taiwan's future through numerous political, social, and economic reforms aimed at democratizing political life, strengthening the rule of law, and protecting human rights.