The Island in the Storm takes the reader into the heart of disputed Taiwan - a country caught between the ambitions of superpowers, struggling for democratic values.

China stands on the threshold of possible invasion. The US is ready with promises of defence. The Island in the Storm not only explores the potentially catastrophic consequences of military confrontation in Asia, but also poses an existential question: What is the future of democracy?

Kristoffer Rønneberg dives into Taiwan’s complex history; from “Ilha Formosa”, as Portuguese navigators called the island, to the hyper-modern and well-developed democracy it has become today. The book draws parallels between Taiwan today and pre-war Europe, while reflecting on the West’s reactions to authoritarian regimes both historically and in the present.

With personal testimonies from residents - their hopes, fears and dreams - Rønneberg paints a vivid picture of a people determined to preserve their identity against external pressure. Taiwan is more than just an island; it is a testimony to the fact that democracy can flourish, even in the shadow of threatening and autocratic forces.