From Island-Hopping to the First Island Chain: Visible and Invisible American Power in Okinawa and Taiwan

Presented by Hui Hsin Kuo (National Taiwan University GERP). Traces how WWII "island-hopping" footholds became a lasting network of American military power in East Asia, comparing Okinawa, with its highly visible base presence and anti-base movements, and Taiwan, where American advisers, servicemen and operations were more dispersed and often obscured in official narratives and public memory. Asks how military power becomes visible or invisible, including through servicemen's everyday encounters beyond the bases. Part of the EASC / NCTA "Exploring Taiwan" series. Free; 2 PD hours. Attend all four sessions to receive a copy of Taiwan Travelogue by Yang Shuang-Zi.