The cross Taiwan Strait clash has evolved from a regime challenge revolving around ideological
confrontation between Taipei and Beijing into a conflict about Taiwan's nationhood. In Evolving
Identity Politics and Cross-Strait Relations Yana Zuo shows that Taiwan's future is still full
of uncertainty and unpredictability. A mutually acceptable solution is not likely without the
'one China' principle as an independent Taiwan fundamentally challenges China's modern national
identity. Zuo demonstrates that dialogues between nationalism studies and international
relations are urgently needed in explaining much of the identity-related conflict. States are
under pressure of finding balance between an ordered state and a harmonious society. National
consciousness contributes as a possible starting point to bring the society back to
constructivism theorization of identity.
