Explaining The Policy Change Of Taiwan’s Fourth Nuclear Power Plant In Punctuated Equilibrium Theory

This paper analyzes the application of Punctuated Equilibrium Theory(PET)in policy change,then finds out how the policy of Taiwan’s Fourth Nuclear Power Plant(TFNPP)changed from 1980 to 2014 in combining with Taiwan’s unique political and soial environment.Using the concepts of PET,the paper sorts out the different periods of TFNPP and studies the key events,political actions and social actions,which made impact on the policy change.In different periods,there were different political structure and social environment,as a result,both the policy image and its venue changed,which influenced the issue definition and the agenda setting.Then due to the positive and negative feedback,the policy got stablily propelling or punctuating.Through the research,the paper concludes the reasons why the policy got punctuation and equiliburium.With the positive image and stable venue,there would produce a monopoly and a policy equilibrium;contrarily,the policy may be interrupted.In addition,the paper finds out several features about TFNPP: this policy always discussed in the macro-politics;the concept of KMT and DPP dominated the policy process;social anti-nuclear movement should under the driven by key events to break out and militate.The paper verifies tha applicability of PET in Taiwan and supplements it,reinforcing the role of political parties and public emotions in the policy changes,which can explain policy change more comprehensively.