The definitive account of Taiwan's history, from its colonial past to its rise as a democratic, economic and geopolitical force on the world stage, told through the stories of its people.

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’ – Booklist

Taiwan 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