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 focuses on two questions: How do transitional justice issues, resolved or unresolved, echo today in the political and societal spheres? And what does it take to overcome remaining divisions? The debate highlights Germany’s work on GDR injustices and Taiwan’s efforts to confront its authoritarian past, exploring how both societies translate historical responsibility into democratic practice.

This event is supported by the Federal Foundation for the Study of the Communist Dictatorship in East Germany (Bundesstiftung zur Aufarbeitung der SED-Diktatur).

General Information:

1. Date & time: Monday, 11 November 2025, 19:00–20:30
2. Venue: Taipei Representative Office in Germany, Markgrafenstraße 35, 10117 Berlin
3. Accessibility: The venue is barrier-free.
4. Language: English
5. This event takes place as part of the Berlin Freedom Week 2025.

Speakers:

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