Profile

Chung-Min Tsai is a Professor at the Department of Political Science at National Chengchi University and the editor of Taiwanese Political Science Review. He obtained his BA and MA from National Taiwan University and PhD from the University of California at Berkeley. He served as the secretary-general of Taiwan Political Science Association from 2015 to 2018 and the deputy director of Institute of International Relations at National Chengchi University from 2018 to 2020. He was the executive editor of Taiwanese Political Science Review from 2012 to 2017. His academic interests include comparative politics, political economy, and China studies. He has published articles in The China Quarterly, Asian Survey, Problems of Post-Communism, Issues & Studies, Taiwanese Political Science Review, Chinese Political Science, and edited volumes.

Research Interests

• Comparative Politics
• Political Economy
• China Studies
  
  

Awards and Honors

Selected Publication

Journal Articles

• Chung-Min Tsai*; Chih-shian Liou*, 2020.04, “The Governing Paradox in a Transition Economy: Repeated Institutional Reforms and Increasing Regulatory Capture in China’s Energy Sector,” Problems of Post-Communism, Vol.67, No.2, pp.156168. (SSCI)
• Chung-Min Tsai*, 2019.01, “Taiwan in 2018: Bitter Campaign and an Uncertain Future,” Asian Survey, Vol.59, No.1, pp.77-84. (SSCI)
• Chung-Min Tsai*, 2018.01, “Taiwan in 2017: The End of the Honeymoon?” Asian Survey, Vol.58, No.1, pp.73-79. (SSCI)
• Chih-shian Liou; Chung-min Tsai*, 2017.11, “The Dual Role of Cadres and Entrepreneurs: The Evolvement of Managerial Leadership in China’s State-Monopolized Industries,” Asian Survey, Vol.57, No.6, pp.1058-1085. (SSCI)
• Chung-min Tsai*, 2016.07, “Sino-Japanese relations over the East China Sea: The Case of Oil and Gas Field,” Journal of Territorial and Maritime Studies, Vol.3, No.2, pp.71-87.
• Chung-min Tsai*, 2016.03, “The Political Economy of Restructuring the Electricity Sector in South Korea,” Issues & Studies, Vol.52, No.1, pp.1-26. (SCOPUS)
• Chung-min Tsai*, 2014.06, “Regulating China's Power Sector: Creating an Independent Regulator without Autonomy,” The China Quarterly, Vol.0, No.218, pp.452-473. (SSCI)
• Chung-min Tsai*, 2011.05, “The reform paradox and regulatory dilemma in China’s electricity industry,” Asian Survey, Vol.51, No.3, pp.520-539. (SSCI)
  
  

Teaching

• Comparative Politics

Semester: Fall 2024 | 11310TSED 701100 | 3 credits 
Module: Foundational Course (PhD Level)
Abstract
This course, including major topics in comparative politics, is designed for the students who want to familiarize themselves with the subfield, its evolution, and emerging research questions and controversies. It considers works of theoretical importance dealing with politics in the developed and developing world and examines the main theoretical and conceptual building blocks of the sub- field. The course proceeds thematically and each week we discuss a subsection of the pertinent scholarly literature. Upon completion of this course, students should have an understanding of the historical development of intellectual trends in the study of comparative politics and ability to articulate the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches. Critical thinking is stressed throughout the course. Because this is a reading and discussion seminar, active student participation is essential.

• Research Design in Social Inquiry

Semester: Fall 2024 | 11310TSE 505000 | 3 credits 
Module: 
Abstract
Designing a research project in social sciences is very different from it in nature sciences. A well- designed research project is not only important but also interesting and valid. Student could build up their ability of doing good research by learning from others’ works. This course aims to help students achieve three goals: first, learning the research basics, for example, what is a theory and puzzle? How to operationalize a concept? Second, understanding both the quantitative and qualitative methods. Third, learning to read, write a social science research paper and review academic works.

• Comparative Political Economy

Semester: Spring 2025 | 11320TSE 502700 | 2 credits 
Module: Foundational Knowledge
Abstract
This course provides a broad survey of some of the major debates in comparative political economy today, focusing especially on the creation, evolution and reform of market institutions. We begin by reading some of the classic works in political economy, including those of Smith, Marx, List, and Polanyi. We review some of the most influential works from four disciplines: History, Sociology, Economics, and Political Science. We then proceed with a selective survey of literature on the political economy of developed countries, newly industrialized economies, developing countries, and the post-Communist economies. The class concludes with the discussion on the post-globalization era and rise of state capitalism.