Transforming Korean Politics: Democracy, Reform, and Culture / Edition 1

by Young Whan Kihl

Overview

Over the past fifteen years, South Korea has transformed itself from an authoritarian government into a new democracy with a vibrant capitalist economy. Modernization, democratization, and globalization have played important roles in this transformation, and have greatly influenced the programs and policies of Korea's Sixth Republic. Covering developments through the 2003 elections, this book shows how the South Korean government and society have been shaped not only by the dynamics of these forces, but also by their interaction with the cultural norms of a post-Confucian society. The author provides a conceptual framework and baseline for examining political developments in Korea, and offers an analysis of the factors that are transforming Korean institutions, society, and politics. He discusses the forces shaping Korea's political economy and the performance of successive ROK governments, and also highlights the challenges faced by the newly elected administration of Roh Moo Huan, the North Korean issue, and more.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780765614278
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/31/2004
Pages:	422
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.30(d)

Table of Contents

1: Introduction; 1: Historical Context; 2: Taking Culture Seriously; 3: Democratization by Launching the Sixth Republic of Korea (ROK); 4: “Reform Halfway Down?”; 2: Policy Patterns and Processes; 5: Responses to Globalization; 6: Global Political Economy and the Korean State; 7: Foreign Policy and Democracy; 3: Future Prospects; 8: New Democracy for Korean Society and Politics; 9: Transforming Korean Politics?; Transforming Electoral Politics Through Presidential Impeachment; Postscript