Isabelle Cheng's research focuses on marriage and labour migration in East Asia with reference to sovereignty, nation-building, reproduction and political participation. Her other research interest is the Cold War in East Asia in the context of Chiang Kai-sheks’ war plans for retaking China where she examines the politicisation of citizens’ life and death and the ‘soundscape’ constructed by the voices of women broadcasters and radio hosts for propaganda. She is currently the Secretary-General of European Association of Taiwan Studies.