A Daoist Analysis of the Inaugural Addresses of

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CMU Central Michigan University
The Art of Address
CMU Central Michigan University
A Daoist Analysis of the Inaugural Addresses of
Chen Shui-bian and Ma Ying-jeou
Eric C. Schulz McNair Scholars Program Central
Michigan University Mentors Dr. E. Hinck, Dr. C.
Owens
ABSTRACT In 2008, Ma Ying-jeou became the
president of Taiwan. Mas presidency might bring
a significant transition in cross-Strait
relations. The international system has a vested
interest in the relationship between China and
Taiwan. As a response, this study provides
insight into the cross-Strait policies of the
last two presidents of Taiwan through an analysis
of their inaugural addresses.

• RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
• Chens address more thoroughly fulfills the
  basics of the Western conception of an inaugural
  address
• Mas address is more attuned to Daoism and
  follows many strategies outlined in Art of War
• This study does not stand alone as a complete
  analysis of the cross-Strait policies of Chen and
  Ma. However, it is a useful assessment of an
  important aspect of their policies. To make the
  analysis more comprehensive, additional speeches,
  interviews, and documents need to be considered.

INTRODUCTION Chen Shui-bians cross-Strait
policy was largely fruitless. In contrast, Ma
Ying-jeou seems to be performing much better. A
substantive explanation for the perceived
outcomes of Chens and Mas policies, however,
has been previously unavailable. Due to the
significance of the inaugural address in
cross-Strait relations, Chens Five Nos speech
from 2000 and Mas Taiwans Renaissance from
2008 are the most logical points to begin a
rhetorical analysis of the presidents respective
cross-Strait policies.
Chen Shui-bian
Ma Ying-jeou

• METHODOLOGY The Art of Address
• Western 4 pillars of the democratic inaugural
  address
• Unification of the audience
• Reaffirmation of traditional values
• Enunciation of a political philosophy
• Enactment of the presidential role.
• Eastern Fundamentals of Daoism and Sun-tzus Art
  of War
• There is one completely unified world
• Universal harmony is the ultimate goal
• Actions are effortless when acting harmoniously
  (wu-wei)
• Speaker-warriors should follow the Principle of
  Parsimony
• Three aspects of any tactical behavior
• 1.Knowledge
• 2.Strategy
• 3.Responsiveness
• EASTERN WESTERN

Kuomintang
Democratic Progressive Party
CONCLUSIONS In order to be rhetorically
successful from a Daoist perspective Daoist
principles should guide the initial development
of ones ideas. For example, the principles in
Art of War might have led Chen to find ways to
harmonize with his stubborn adversary.
Conversely, it seems that there are Daoist
elements in Mas general cross-Strait philosophy,
so it seamlessly translates to a Daoist
rhetorical style. The findings of this study
are open-ended realities for individuals to
utilize. Actors must use logical and intuitive
thought to decide which option will render the
most beneficial result. Daoism is a body of ideas
about the universe. The conception and
application of the ideas are at the discretion of
the individual mind.
Republic of China
Peoples Republic of China
CROSS-STRAIT RELATIONS The Chinese Civil War
split China along the Taiwan Strait. The
Nationalists (KMT) retreated to Taiwan and the
Communists (CCP) took over the mainland. Today,
Taiwan practices a foreign policy of pragmatic
diplomacy, but China still asserts that Taiwan is
simply a province of China (one China policy).
The question of Taiwans statehood is the
dominate debate between China and Taiwan. How
to deal with this question is the number one
issue in Taiwanese politics. The public strongly
expresses a preference for the status quo and
this position heavily constrains the policies of
their leaders.
THANKS AND RECOGNITION Deepest thanks to Dr.
Hinck and Dr. Owens for all their help. Special
thanks to the McNair Scholars Program and their
wonderful staff for all of the guidance on this
project, my academic career, and my life. As
Daoism informs us, the many make the one.
Thanks to all.