As democracies worldwide confront a systemic malaise defined by populism, polarization, and the encroachment of autocratic 'sharp power', Ming-sho Ho presents an analysis of Taiwan as a democratic beacon of resilience. Exploring the agentic sources of social change, Ho bridges the divide between social movements and political parties, revealing how the strategic convergence of activists and politicians creates the essential momentum for transformative institutional reform. Through analysis of marriage equality, nuclear energy phase-out, working hour reduction, indigenous land, and death penalty abolition, Ho applies a political sociology perspective in his examination of the mechanisms of democratic reforms. From the initial spark of mobilization to the complex negotiations required to manage political backlash, Ho illustrates how domestic reforms enfranchise citizens and foster inclusivity, proving that democracies can successfully reinvent themselves amidst the global counter currents of populism and polarization. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.