Stateness and Democracy in East Asia

Democratization and state building are essential political processes, but scholars disagree on which should be prioritized. This volume offers a regional analysis of successful and defective democratic consolidation, demonstrating that stateness is not a sufficient condition for democratic consolidation. Informal networks play a key role in shaping the outcome of democratic transitions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 291 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Democratization and state building are pivotal political processes that hold immense significance in shaping countries' institutional development. Despite the consensus among scholars that both processes are crucial, there remains a debate regarding which one should be given priority to ensure a positive trajectory. The existing literature on the state-democracy nexus primarily relies on quantitative cross-national data, while this volume takes a different approach by offering a theoretically grounded regional analysis based on in-depth qualitative case studies. The chapters in this volume explore various cases of democratic consolidation, defective democracy, and autocratic reversal in different regions.

The first case study examines the successful democratic consolidation in South Korea and Taiwan, highlighting the factors that contributed to their transition from authoritarian regimes to stable democracies. The authors argue that these countries were able to consolidate their democracies by addressing the root causes of authoritarianism, such as political exclusion, economic inequality, and social unrest. They also emphasize the importance of institutional design, rule of law, and political competition in promoting democratic stability.

The second case study examines the defective democracy in the Philippines, Indonesia, East Timor, and Thailand. The authors argue that these countries experienced democratic breakdowns due to various factors, including political instability, corruption, and military intervention. They highlight the need for political reform, economic development, and social inclusion to promote democratic consolidation. The authors also emphasize the role of informal networks and social movements in shaping democratic transitions and advocating for political change.

The third case study examines the autocratic reversal in Cambodia and Thailand. The authors argue that these countries experienced a transition from authoritarian regimes to democratic rule, but later experienced a return to autocracy. They identify the factors that contributed to these reversals, such as political instability, economic corruption, and military intervention. The authors also emphasize the importance of democratic institutions, rule of law, and political competition in sustaining democratic rule.

Through these case studies, the book challenges the dominant argument that state first, democracy later is the necessary path to democratic consolidation. The authors demonstrate that stateness is neither a sufficient nor a necessary condition for democratic consolidation. They show that democratization can become trapped in path-dependent processes, and the system-level organization of informal networks plays a critical role in shaping the outcome of democratic transitions.

The book's evidence provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of democratic consolidation and autocratic reversal. It highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of authoritarianism, promoting political reform, and building strong democratic institutions. It also emphasizes the role of informal networks and social movements in advocating for political change and promoting democratic stability.

In conclusion, democratization and state building are fundamental political processes that require careful consideration and prioritization. This volume offers a valuable contribution to the literature on the state-democracy nexus by providing a regional analysis based on in-depth qualitative case studies. The chapters examine successful democratic consolidation, defective democracy, and autocratic reversal in different regions, challenging the dominant argument that state first, democracy later is the necessary path to democratic consolidation. The book's evidence provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of democratic consolidation and autocratic reversal, highlighting the importance of addressing the root causes of authoritarianism, promoting political reform, and building strong democratic institutions.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108797382
Edition number: New ed