{"id":1614,"date":"2025-02-14T16:10:11","date_gmt":"2025-02-14T08:10:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iweb20wp-b205.url.tku.edu.tw\/titx\/?page_id=1614"},"modified":"2026-08-26T12:13:41","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T04:13:41","slug":"history","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"\/titx\/?page_id=1614","title":{"rendered":"History"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

In order to promote academic research on international affairs and strategy in Taiwan, our university had begun training professionals in this field. On March 23 1982, with the support of General<\/strong> Chiang Wei-Kuo<\/strong> and Dr. Hsu Chih-Wei<\/strong>, former director of the Provincial Education Department, the “Graduate Institute of International Affairs and Strategic Studies”<\/em><\/strong> (GIIASS) was officially established.<\/p>\n

The inaugural director of our institute was General Pi Tsung-Kan<\/strong>, who had previously served as the 17th President of the National Defense University.\u00a0In March 1983, after\u00a0the\u00a0approval from the Ministry of Education, the institute was officially\u00a0renamed\u00a0\u201cInternational Affairs and Strategic Studies\u201d<\/em><\/strong>. It had\u00a0become\u00a0the first institution of higher education in Taiwan and Asia<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The following\u00a0directors\u00a0included\u00a0Zhang Shi-Chi<\/strong>\u00a0(former Director of Military Intelligence Bureau), Kung Ling-Cheng<\/strong>\u00a0(former Commander of the Marine Corps and Director-General of the National Police Agency), Lin Yu-Fang<\/strong> and Li Tzu-Yi<\/strong>.\u00a0The institute\u00a0had\u00a0been continuously\u00a0improving\u00a0faculty\u00a0as well as enhancing\u00a0curriculum.\u00a0Notably, Professor Niu Hsien-Chung<\/strong>, a pioneer in strategic studies in Taiwan,\u00a0who had\u00a0been\u00a0a long-term\u00a0professor of our institute\u00a0played a vital role\u00a0in teaching and translating numerous classic works in the field.<\/p>\n

In 1996, under the leadership of\u00a0Dr. Wong Ming-Hsien<\/strong> the institute entered its second phase of development. Amidst the 1995-1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis, efforts were made to strengthen research on national security, cross-strait strategic conditions, and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).\u00a0In 1999, in response to\u00a0government policy \u201cLifelong learning\u201d,\u00a0Dr. Wong introduced the “In-Service Master’s Program”<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0to provide personnel from the Ministry of National Defense (MND) and various sectors\u00a0to pursue further education of\u00a0International Affairs and Strategic\u00a0studies\u00a0as well as\u00a0enhancing their knowledge of international affairs and strategy.\u00a0This expanded the integration of Taiwan’s international affairs and strategic studies and fostered mutual learning between academia and practical application.<\/p>\n

In 2002,\u00a0Dr. Huang Chieh-Cheng<\/strong>,\u00a0a\u00a0distinguished\u00a0alumnus\u00a0of our institute from the inaugural graduating class,\u00a0marking the first instance of a graduate returning to serve at the alma mater, took\u00a0over the\u00a0position of\u00a0director of the institute. One year\u00a0later,\u00a0due to his exceptional performance, he was seconded to\u00a0become the\u00a0Deputy Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council. Therefore,\u00a0in August 2003, Dr. Wang Gao-Cheng<\/strong> succeeded him.<\/p>\n

In 2006, based on the outstanding performance of the master’s and in-service programs, the institute received approval from the Ministry of Education to establish a doctoral program to cultivate advanced professional academics in international affairs and strategy for the country.\u00a0Meanwhile, renowned domestic and international strategic scholars were recruited as adjunct faculty members, including an honorary professor Dr. Wei E<\/strong>, Dr. Chang Ching-Yu<\/strong>, a former President of National Chengchi University, and Dr. Hsu Chi-Wei<\/strong>, a former Director of the Provincial Education Department.\u00a0Additionally, Dr. Lin Chung-Pin<\/strong>, former Deputy Minister of the MND, joined the institute as a full-time faculty member. These developments marked the third phase of transformation and prosperity of the institute’s development.<\/p>\n

In August 2009, Dr. Wong Ming-Hsien<\/strong> once again assumed the position of director. To enhance the diversity of our student, in addition to expanding the admission of international students, starting from 2011, we also introduced the “Pre-Master’s Program”<\/strong><\/em>.\u00a0\u00a0In 2014, the “Master’s Program in National Security and Diplomatic Practices”<\/em><\/strong> was established. Simultaneously, our institute has not only been strengthening our annual collaboration with the National Defense University’s Institute for Strategic and International Affairs in conducting the “National Strategic Scenario War Game”,<\/em><\/strong> enhancing our relationships with defense institutions, and fully promoting the development of the “Tamkang School of Strategic Studies”<\/em><\/strong>.Our mission is to drive the institute towards becoming an “academic cornerstone” and a “national stronghold” in the realm of strategic studies.<\/p>\n

Since\u00a0August 2015, Dr. Li ,Da-Chung<\/em><\/strong> assumed the role of director. During his tenure, he successfully organized the celebration of the 35th anniversary of the institute. With the collaborative efforts of all the dedicated faculty and students,\u00a0remarkable achievements were made in teaching, research, and service.\u00a0Under his leadership, the institute achieved consecutive recognitions in the 6th and 7th School Development Awards of our university,\u00a0standing out prominently among all graduate institutes at the school. This accomplishment serves as a testament to Dr. Lee’s exemplary leadership, hands-on approach, and tireless efforts in fostering unity throughout the institute.<\/p>\n

In August 2019, Dr. Wong Ming-Hsien<\/strong> assumed the directorship of the Institute for the third time. At that time, the challenges posed by declining birth rates and student recruitment had become increasingly severe, while the university was also undertaking organizational restructuring and departmental integration. The Institute therefore entered a critical period of strategic transition.<\/p>\n

In addition to continuing its longstanding efforts in teaching, research, and service<\/strong>, the Institute further expanded its annual \u201cTamkang School of Strategic Studies Annual Conference\u201d<\/strong> and the \u201cNational Strategic Community Doctoral and Master\u2019s Thesis Presentation.\u201d<\/strong> It also pioneered collaboration with international think tanks. Each year, the Institute worked with the Taiwan Strategic Studies Association<\/strong> and, on a semiannual basis, co-hosted the \u201cCross-Strait Strategy Forum\u201d<\/strong> with the Shanghai Institute of Public Relations<\/strong> and the \u201cTaiwan-Japan Security Forum\u201d<\/strong> with Japan\u2019s Institute for International and Security Studies<\/strong>, thereby establishing and strengthening academic and institutional exchanges with overseas think tanks.<\/p>\n

In response to the 108 Curriculum Guidelines for the 12-Year Basic Education<\/strong>, announced by the Ministry of Education\u2019s K-12 Education Administration, under which National Defense Education<\/strong> was established as an independent subject, the Institute established a \u201cNational Defense Education Teacher Training Program\u201d<\/strong> as well as a \u201cPost-Baccalaureate Credit Program in National Defense Education.\u201d<\/strong> The Institute also organized the \u201cNational Defense Education Expo\u201d<\/strong> to further strengthen its capacity for policy research and academic development in the field of national defense education.<\/p>\n

During Dr. Wong\u2019s tenure, the Institute also celebrated its 40th anniversary<\/strong>. Under his leadership, full-time and adjunct faculty members, alumni, and current graduate students jointly organized the \u201cTamkang Strategy: Forty and Unperturbed\u201d 40th Anniversary Celebration and Faculty Appreciation & Welcome Dinner<\/strong>. More than 210 distinguished guests<\/strong>, including the President of Tamkang University, the President of the Alumni Association, faculty members, alumni, and current graduate students, were invited to participate. The event reflected the Institute\u2019s commitment to building upon its accumulated achievements and laying a strong foundation for continued development over the next decade.<\/p>\n

In August 2023, Dr. Li Da-Chung<\/strong> assumed the directorship of the Institute for the second time. Building upon the solid foundations established by his predecessors in teaching, research, and service, he has emphasized innovation and continuous advancement<\/strong>, with the goals of expanding the Institute\u2019s social and policy impact and strengthening connections with alumni.<\/p>\n

In August 2024, the Institute established a dual master\u2019s degree program<\/strong> in cooperation with the Department of International Studies & Modern Languages at the University of St. Thomas, USA<\/strong>. During his tenure, Dr. Li has also continued to promote faculty development mechanisms, encourage teaching innovation and international academic exchanges, and collaborate with the university\u2019s Office of Publishing<\/strong> to publish a series of scholarly monographs, thereby enhancing the Institute\u2019s academic influence.<\/p>\n

The Institute has also organized diplomatic and national security decision-making simulations and war games<\/strong> to strengthen students\u2019 practical decision-making and crisis-response capabilities. It has actively invited international scholars to Taiwan for lectures, academic exchanges, and collaborative research, expanding its international academic networks. At the same time, the Institute has actively engaged in media partnerships and public issues to enhance its visibility and social influence.<\/p>\n

In addition, the Institute has developed distinctive curricula featuring the unique characteristics of Tamkang\u2019s strategic studies<\/strong>, actively cultivating professional talent and creating competitive advantages in student recruitment. In 2025, the Institute received the university\u2019s 13th Department and Graduate Institute Development Award<\/strong>. Upholding its longstanding educational philosophy of integrating theory with practice<\/strong>, the Institute continues to cultivate professionals in international affairs and strategic studies and to fulfill its founding vision of becoming a \u201cNational Stronghold and Academic Center of Excellence.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\n

In summary, over the course of its 44-year history<\/strong>, the Institute has continuously developed and expanded its operations, educational programs, academic research, social services, and institutional development. Under the guidance of distinguished scholars with expertise in both the theory and practice of international affairs and strategic studies, the Institute has cultivated 1,170 doctoral and master\u2019s graduates<\/strong> for Taiwan and society.<\/p>\n

Its alumni have gone on to make significant contributions across a wide range of fields, including education, academic research, public administration, legislation, national security, media, and the private sector<\/strong>. Their professional achievements and contributions have played an important role in advancing the study and application of international relations, strategic studies, international strategy, and national defense policy in Taiwan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Through 45 years of sustained commitment to education, research, professional training, and public service, the Institute remains dedicated to its founding mission of cultivating outstanding professionals in international affairs and strategic studies and realizing its vision of becoming a \u201cNational Stronghold and Academic Center of Excellence.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

CURRENT FACULTY OF GRADUATE INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AND STRATEGIC STUDIES<\/p>\n


\nDegree Offered: Ph.D.\/MA.\/EMBA.<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n

Director:\u00a0 Li, Da-jung \uff08\u674e\u5927\u4e2d\uff09\u00a0<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n

<\/h5>\n

The Institute<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n

The Graduate Institute of International Affairs and Strategic Studies was founded in 1982. As the oldest graduate institute dedicated to strategic studies in Taiwan, the Institute is considered one of Taiwan\u2019s most prestigious institutions in this field. The Institute is distinctive among Taiwan\u2019s leading institutes of IR and Strategic Studies for its cross-disciplinary approach, powerful combination of theory and practice, and highly policy-oriented character. The Institute offers MA, Executive MA, and doctoral programs. In addition to IR and Strategic Studies, our main fields of study include Regional Security, National Security and Defense Affairs, as well as Chinese Military and cross-strait relations. The faculty members of the Institute are widely recognized experts in their fields and many have real-world experience in the public sector.<\/p>\n

    \n
  • The first graduate institute of Strategic Studies to be founded by a non-military organization in Taiwan – 1982.<\/li>\n
  • Established to form professionals and scholars in the fields of National Security, Diplomacy, Defense and Military Studies, Strategic Studies, and Mainland China affairs.<\/li>\n
  • Offering a broad spectrum of academic programs including Ph.D.\/MA.\/EMBA. From 1982 to 2026, the Institute has graduated 1,170 students, who have distinguished (and are distinguishing) themselves in areas such as academia, leadership, public service, diplomacy and the private sector.<\/li>\n
  • Counting many high-ranking government officials among its lecturers. Notably, GIIASS fellows frequently serve as consultants both for the public and private sectors, in particular for research projects of governmental bodies.<\/li>\n
  • Designing innovative and holistic courses in International Relations Theory, Strategy, National Security, Defense Policy, PLA studies, International Political Economy, Area Studies, and Globalization.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    \u2027In addition, the Institute is fostering the development of the \u201cTamkang Strategic School\u201d in order to enhance research capabilities and policy formulation within the private and public sectors not only in Taiwan, but also across the Taiwan Strait and internationally.<\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n

    Faculty<\/strong><\/b>\u00a0<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n

    Professors<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n

    Da-Jung Li (\u674e\u5927\u4e2d); Cheng-Hao Pao (\u5305\u6b63\u8c6a) ;<\/p>\n

    Associate Professors<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n

    Ying-Yu, Lin (\u6797\u7a4e\u4f51);<\/p>\n

    Assistant Professors<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n

    Chun-Wei, Ma (\u99ac\u6e96\u5a01); Ray Ou-Yang (\u6b50\u967d\u777f);\u00a0<\/strong><\/b>Hsiao-Chen Lin (\u6797\u7b71\u7504); Ying-Han Wu (\u5deb\u7a4e\u7ff0)<\/p>\n

    Professor Emeritus<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n

    Ming-Hsien Wong (\u7fc1\u660e\u8ce2)<\/p>\n

    Degree Requirements<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n

    Ph.D. Program<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n

    Successful completion of 18 credits of courses. Students must pass a qualifying examination and publish 2 articles in academic journals with an anonymous review system. Students are also required to submit a written doctoral dissertation completed under the supervision of a faculty member and pass an oral examination.<\/p>\n

    Master\u2019s Program<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n

    Successful completion of 24 credits of courses. Students are also required to submit a written master’s thesis completed under the supervision of a faculty member and pass an oral examination.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    In order to promote academic research on international affairs and strategy in Taiwan, our university had begun training professionals in this field. On March 23 1982, with the support of General Chiang Wei-Kuo and Dr. Hsu Chih-Wei, former director of the Provincial Education Department, the “Graduate Institute of International Affairs and Strategic Studies” (GIIASS) was […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"wp-custom-template-detail-4-page-en","meta":{"footnotes":""},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"\/titx\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1614"}],"collection":[{"href":"\/titx\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"\/titx\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"\/titx\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"\/titx\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1614"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"\/titx\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1614\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5310,"href":"\/titx\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1614\/revisions\/5310"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"\/titx\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1614"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}