國立臺灣大學政治科學論叢

Abstract / Chinese PDF Download

This  paper  examines  the  interaction  between  political  personality  and  Taiwan’s China policy. Based upon President Lee Teng-hui’s self-revelation in three selected texts, the  paper  provides  an  in-depth  psychoanalytical  analysis  of  his  need  as  well  as  the projection  of  that  need  onto  public  objects.  The  result  is  a  re-interpretation  of  the meaning  of  cross-Taiwan  Straits  relations  in  terms  of  how  China  policy  serves  as self-therapy. The second half of the paper compares President Lee and current President Chen Shui-bian and shows how the latter, with a different personality, has brought with him a different style of policy making. Basically, Lee displays narcissism and he knows and struggles to control it. He does that by devoting himself to an abstract value. While he  is  sympathetic  with  Taiwan  independence,  he  fears  it  lest  pursuit  of  independence should  release  his  dreaded  narcissism.  He  consciously  shuns  his  disposition  for independence.  He  satisfies  his  ego  by  resisting  a  stronger  China  and  avoids  total self-involvement  by  opposing  Taiwan  independence.  In  comparison,  Chen  possesses authoritarian  personality  and  is  constantly  in  need  of  a  clear  guideline  from  a  certain omniscient superior. For him, the United States plays that role.