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Transforming Korean Politics
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.
422 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2004
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November 10, 2013
This book is a mixture of modern history and political science and isn't a breeze to get through. The author, Young Whan Kihl, covers transition from an authoritarian government to the beginnings of a democracy in South Korea. This time period covers the Korean presidents Chun Doo-hwan, Roh Tae-woo, Kim Young-sam, Kim Dae-jung, and Roh Moo-hyun.
To me, I found the historical narratives within the book quite fascinating and not too difficult to follow. This was the information that I was looking for in this book and I was able to learn a lot. As for the political science section, I was able to follow along, but I found myself slowing down in the large amount of specific phrases and ideas related to the study of the political science.
The book definitely painted a picture of a section of modern Korean history I didn't know. This isn't a book for someone new to Korean history.
To me, I found the historical narratives within the book quite fascinating and not too difficult to follow. This was the information that I was looking for in this book and I was able to learn a lot. As for the political science section, I was able to follow along, but I found myself slowing down in the large amount of specific phrases and ideas related to the study of the political science.
The book definitely painted a picture of a section of modern Korean history I didn't know. This isn't a book for someone new to Korean history.
Displaying 1 of 1 review