Welcome to Julie's Website

Dear Visitors,

Thank you for visiting my site. If the site is too technical and inhuman (I know, I know!), I offer my apology in advance.

I think the best way to compensate for the inhuman nature of this Web site is to say something ABOUT ME. I am a dreamer. I'm originally from a small but over-populated island called Taiwan, but have decided that the world is not just an island: I need to explore the world.

The way I “explore the world” might not be as exciting as other more ambitious people. I do not often travel into unknown jungles and deserts yearning to uncover lost civilizations (although I have done a little of that), having concluded that to do so would have been near-suicidal and a once-and-for-all experience). Rather, I explore the world through my profession. It's an economical way for someone like me with a limited budget! It has worked pretty well for me so far.

So, what is my “profession”? I'm a young political scientist specializing mainly (but not exclusively) in ethnic politics, transnational advocacy networks and interest group politics. There remain many things for me to learn, which is why I'm constantly looking to expand my academic CV. I know that might appear odd to non-academics, but constantly expanding and to pointing others to their CVs is the norm in our business.

I once read that academics are some of the most displaced people on earth. It might not be true for all, but it is in my case. I wouldn't say I am displaced, but I surely lead a nomadic life, wandering from continent to continent every few months. I travel to collect data, conduct interviews, present my work, and as you have already heard, to add one more piece of information to my CV.

As I move around and “explore the world,” I have come to understand how modernization has standardized many elements of our lives. I have trouble distinguishing whether I'm in a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur, Atlanta, Hamburg, or Taipei. I have trouble telling whether I am visiting a “traditional” corner of Lisbon, Antalya, or Tainan (my hometown). (Okay, I see some differences, but the lines are rapidly blurring.)

I guess I'm not the kind of adventurer or dreamer with fire in my eyes when I “explore the world.” Novelty in landscape and scenery isn't always what I am looking for - otherwise the standardization brought about by modern life would disappoint me. I am always grateful when a trip allows me to encounter friends new and old who would challenge and enrich my understanding of human nature, life, and our world.

This Web site is primarily designed as a venue for me to communicate “professionally” with colleagues and students. This short bio will likely never undo the technical nature of this Web site, but I hope it has at least helped you understand the non-conformist nature of its creator.

Julie

(You can pronounce it the French way or the English way, but certainly not the German or the Spanish way. I insist!)