Taiwan: The Country That Doesn’t Exist — Or Does It?
The People’s Republic of China, which has existed since 1949, claims that Taiwan is “an inalienable part of China” but is it? Is Taiwan a country, a province, or something in between?
This lecture invites you to explore one of the most complex and contested questions in modern international relations. Led by Diddy Hitchins, Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Studies at UAA, the program will trace Taiwan’s history while
examining how international law, diplomacy, and global power dynamics continue to
shape the island’s ambiguous status.
Drawing on decades of academic expertise, researching and teaching about the North Pacific Region, Professor Hitchins will unpack this multifaceted issue in an accessible
and thought-provoking way, providing historical context alongside contemporary
analysis. Designed for a general audience, the lecture aims to equip attendees with the
knowledge needed to better understand—and critically evaluate—the competing
perspectives surrounding Taiwan’s political identity.
About Professor Diddy Hitchins
Diddy Hitchins is Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Studies at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), where she dedicated more than three decades to teaching, scholarship, and public service.
Joining the UAA faculty in 1976, she became one of Alaska’s most respected scholars in comparative politics and international relations, with particular expertise in parliamentary political systems, the North Pacific region, and U.S. foreign policy. Her academic interests span Canada, Russia – especially the Russian Far East, Japan, the Koreas, China, and the Circumpolar North, reflecting a lifelong commitment to helping students understand the global forces shaping Alaska and the world.
Before arriving in Alaska, Dr. Hitchins spent five years teaching and researching in the Politics Department at the University of Ghana, Legon, while finishing her PhD at the University of Essex, UK.
At UAA, she founded the Canadian Studies and International North Pacific Studies programs, served as chair of the Political Science Department for 12 years, led the Model UN of Alaska as Faculty Director, and served as President of the Faculty Senate.
Beyond the university, Dr. Hitchins served from 1985 until 2025 as the British Honorary Consul for Alaska. In recognition of her distinguished public service, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 2005 and was inducted into the Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame in 2013. Close to our hearts, she served as President of the Alaska World Affairs Council from 1979-1980 and chaired the Program Committee from 1976 until 1990.
Event Details
- Check-in will begin at 11:45 AM with seating available on a first-come first-serve basis. The program will begin at 12:00 PM.
- Lunch is available for purchase at the Beartooth Theaterpub.
- Those with online reservations do not need to present ticket confirmation at the door, we will have all confirmed attendees on a list at check-in.
- Online registration closes at 6:00 PM on September 10. Tickets will be available at the door on a first come first served basis.