The Taiwan Research Academy (TRA) 2025 successfully concluded its second annual program on June 28, 2025, at the University of Texas at Dallas, marking another milestone in advancing Taiwan studies education and research. The comprehensive week-long program brought together 16 young TRA scholars including 4 interns from the National Chung Hsing University in Taichung, Taiwan and 14 distinguished faculty and guest speakers for an intensive exploration of Taiwan’s evolving role in global affairs.
Distinguished Sponsorship and Support
This year’s program received generous support from key institutional sponsors including the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, Ministry of Education, Taiwan ROC, Greater Dallas Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, and private donations. The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, established in 2003 as the first national democracy assistance foundation in Asia, continues its mission to strengthen democracy and human rights both in Taiwan and globally. The Greater Dallas Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1992 to promote business, economic, and cultural exchanges between Taiwan and the Dallas-Fort Worth area, has been a steadfast partner with UT Dallas in fostering Taiwan studies initiatives.
Innovative AI-Assisted Crisis Management Workshop
A highlight of the 2025 program was the groundbreaking AI-assisted simulation workshop titled “Crisis Management – Responding to Cyber Threats and Trade Disruptions” led by New Lines Institute Senior Director for Analytical Development and Training Mr. Eugene Chausovsky, and Dr. Dennis Weng at Sam Houston State Univerity. Mr. Chausovsky brings extensive expertise in political, economic, and security analysis focusing on Russia, Eurasia, China, and the Middle East, with particular emphasis on global connectivity issues related to energy and climate change.
The workshop’s primary objective was to develop strategic policy recommendations to mitigate risks in an increasingly complex global environment. Participants engaged in sophisticated scenario planning exercises that combined artificial intelligence tools with traditional crisis management methodologies, preparing them to address contemporary challenges facing Taiwan including cybersecurity threats and international trade disruptions.
Keynote Address and TRA presentations at Conference
The program culminated on June 28 with a distinguished conference featuring a keynote speech by Dr. Robert Sutter on “Taiwan’s Strategic Role in a Shifting Global Order”. Dr. Sutter, Professor of Practice of International Affairs at the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University, brought his extensive expertise in U.S.-China relations and East Asian affairs to address the critical importance of Taiwan’s position in contemporary geopolitics.
Dr. Sutter’s distinguished government career spanning from 1968 to 2001 included serving as Senior Specialist and Director of the Foreign Affairs and National Defense Division of the Congressional Research Service, National Intelligence Officer for East Asia and the Pacific, and China Division Director at the Department of State’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research. His recent analysis emphasizes that “Taiwan figures ever more prominently in leading US strategic, economic and governance efforts to counter China’s ambitions,” highlighting Taiwan’s vital role in supporting U.S. efforts to address challenges posed by China’s rising influence.
Another featured program of the conference was presentations by the TRA scholars who proposed Taiwan studies research on a variety of topics from land use policy in Taiwan to identity, to Japan as an ally and possible US response in Taiwan Strait security crisis.
Community Engagement and Recognition
The conference concluded with a banquet hosted by the Greater Dallas Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, providing an opportunity for scholars, faculty, and community leaders to celebrate the achievements of the program participants. This event mingled the new TRA scholars to local Taiwan community leaders building the strong partnership between academic institutions and the vibrant Taiwanese-American community in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
The Taiwan Research Academy continues its mission of cultivating the next generation of Taiwan studies scholars and policy analysts. Building on the success of its inaugural 2024 program, the 2025 iteration demonstrated significant growth in both scale and scope with about 50 percent growth (from 11 to 16 scholars) and expanded team (from three to seven members) including four interns from NCHU in Taiwan and three UTD graduate helpers. The program’s comprehensive approach, combining intensive academic training with practical policy analysis and community engagement, positions TRA graduates to contribute meaningfully to understanding Taiwan’s evolving role in regional and global affairs.
As Taiwan faces increasingly complex challenges in the international arena, programs like the Taiwan Research Academy play a crucial role in developing informed scholarship and strategic thinking. The success of the Taiwan Research Academy 2025 reflects the University of Texas at Dallas and the School of EPPS continued commitment to building the next generation of Taiwan scholars prepared to influence global discourse and policymaking.
For more details on the program and Taiwan Studies Initiative, visit the TRA website and TSI website.
