How long is the shadow of dictatorship? Comparing the experience of Germany and of Taiwan

How long do legacies of authoritarian rule shape democratic life? This discussion compares experiences from Germany and Taiwan with transitional justice—from truth-seeking and rehabilitation to institutional reform. It centers on two guiding questions: How do transitional-justice issues, resolved or unresolved, echo today in the body politic and in broader society? What does it take to deal with remaining divisions about these issues? From the German side, the debate reflects on addressing GDR injustice and the role of the Federal Foundation for the Reappraisal of the SED Dictatorship; from Taiwan, on confronting authoritarian legacies and more recent institutional initiatives for accountability and remembrance. The panel examines how historical responsibility translates into democratic practice, the roles of parliaments, agencies, museums and civil society, and where tensions arise—between justice, reconciliation and resilience. The aim is an open exchange on what both sides can learn from each other and which approaches help strengthen institutional trust, reduce polarization and deepen democratic culture.

Organizers:
German-Taiwanese Dialogue Platform (DTDP) & Taipei Representative Office in Germany

Speakers:

• Prof. Chun-Hung Chen (Professor of Political Science, Soochow University, Taipei; former Director, National Human Rights Museum, Taipei)
• Dr. Paula Piechotta, Member of the German Bundestag (Member of the Board of Trustees, Federal Foundation for the Reappraisal of the SED Dictatorship)
• Moderator:Dr. Christian Johann (Director, European Academy Berlin)