Seeds of Mobilization: The Authoritarian Roots of South Korea's Democracy

South Korea is often seen as a success story of modernization theory, demonstrating how economic development leads to democracy. However, Seeds of Mobilization argues that the country's advance to democracy was not linear and that the political system became increasingly authoritarian under the regimes of Park Chung Hee and Chun Doo Hwan. The book shows that socioeconomic development acted as a "double-edged sword" that initially stabilized autocratic regimes before eventually destabilizing them over time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 13 February 2024
Publisher: The University of Michigan Press

South Korea is often held up as a shining example of the modernization theory, a testament to the belief that economic development inevitably leads to democracy. However, Seeds of Mobilization delves deeper into the history of South Korea to reveal that the country's journey to democracy was far from straightforward. While the national economy experienced remarkable growth under the regimes of Park Chung Hee (1961-79) and Chun Doo Hwan (1980-88), the political system gradually became more authoritarian. The foundation of modernization, characterized by industrial complexes and tertiary education, initially supported these authoritarian regimes. However, over time, these very structures played a crucial role in facilitating the anti-regime protests by various social movement groups, particularly workers and students.

Joan E. Cho, in her book, takes a long-view approach to democratization, examining the decades preceding and following South Korea's transition. By utilizing original subnational protest event datasets, government publications, oral interviews, and publications from labor and student movement organizations, Cho demonstrates that Koreas democratization was the result of a complex interplay of factors from both below and above. She further reveals that authoritarian development itself was a hidden root cause of democratic development in South Korea.

Seeds of Mobilization sheds light on the paradoxical nature of socioeconomic development, highlighting that it did not create a steady pressure toward democracy but rather acted as a "double-edged sword." Initially, it served to stabilize autocratic regimes, providing them with a sense of stability and legitimacy. However, over time, as socioeconomic conditions improved, the demands of the population grew, leading to increased frustration and opposition. This ultimately destabilized the authoritarian regimes, paving the way for democratic transitions.

The book also explores the role of external factors in shaping South Korea's democratic development. The United States, in particular, played a significant role in supporting the country's transition through economic aid and political intervention. However, the book argues that the success of South Korea's democratization was not solely due to external influence but also to the resilience and determination of the Korean people themselves.

In conclusion, Seeds of Mobilization offers a fresh perspective on the history of South Korea, challenging the notion that modernization theory always leads to democracy. By examining the complex interplay of factors from below and above, the book demonstrates that authoritarian development can be a hidden root cause of democratic development. South Korea's journey to democracy serves as a reminder that the road to democracy is not always linear and that the people must be willing to mobilize and demand change for a more inclusive and democratic society.

Weight: 446g
Dimension: 151 x 227 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780472056606