The Oxford Handbook of South Korean Politics

South Korea is known for its economic development, democratic transition, vibrant civil society, and cultural powerhouse. The Oxford Handbook of South Korean Politics presents and analyzes contemporary South Korean politics, focusing on how and why it is a vibrant and dynamic democracy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 672 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

South Korea is a country that has achieved remarkable success in various areas, including economic development, democratic transition, consolidation, vibrant civil society, and emergence as a cultural powerhouse. The Oxford Handbook of South Korean Politics provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of contemporary South Korean politics, encompassing domestic political, economic, social cultural, and demographic developments. It seeks to place these developments within the context of trends observed in other developed countries.

The Handbook is organized into seven sections:

Introduction: This section provides an overview of South Korean politics, highlighting its key characteristics and historical background.

Core Concepts: This section explores the fundamental concepts and theories that shape South Korean politics, such as nationalism, democracy, social welfare, and regionalism.

Institutions, Parties, Elections, and Voters: This section examines the political institutions, parties, electoral processes, and voter behavior in South Korea. It explores the role of political parties, the electoral system, and the factors that influence voter turnout and political preferences.

Civil Society: This section explores the role of civil society organizations, social movements, and civic engagement in South Korean politics. It examines the impact of civil society on policy-making, social change, and democratic governance.

Culture and Media: This section examines the cultural and media landscape of South Korea, including its popular culture, media institutions, and the role of the media in shaping public opinion and political discourse.

Public Policy and Policy-Making: This section explores the policy-making processes and decision-making mechanisms in South Korea. It examines the role of the government, the legislature, and other actors in shaping public policy and implementing reforms.

International Arena: This section examines South Korea's international relations and its role in the global community. It explores South Korea's foreign policy, its relations with neighboring countries, and its participation in international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.

The overarching premise of the Handbook is that we need to move away from traditional understandings of South Korean politics that considered them to be static and unchanging. Instead, the Handbook emphasizes the vibrant and dynamic nature of contemporary South Korean democracy, in which multiple groups and ideas are represented. It seeks to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of South Korean politics, exploring the complex interplay between domestic and international factors that shape the country's political landscape.

In conclusion, the Oxford Handbook of South Korean Politics is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and policymakers interested in understanding contemporary South Korean politics. It offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the country's political, economic, social cultural, and demographic developments, placing them within the context of trends observed in other developed countries. By challenging traditional understandings of South Korean politics and highlighting the vibrant and dynamic nature of contemporary South Korean democracy, the Handbook contributes to our understanding of the complex and multifaceted world of politics.

Weight: 1298g
Dimension: 252 x 180 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192894045