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Authoritarian Modernism in East Asia

Mark R Thompson author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Palgrave Macmillan

Published:29th Dec '18

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Authoritarian Modernism in East Asia cover

Following Barrington Moore Jr., this book raises doubts about modernization theory’s claim that an advanced economy with extensive social differentiation is incompatible with authoritarian rule. Authoritarian modernism in East Asia (Northeast and Southeast Asia) has been characterized by economically reformist but politically conservative leaders who have attempted to learn the “secrets” of authoritarian rule in modern society. They demobilize civil society while endeavoring to establish an “ethical” form of rule and claim reactionary culturalist legitimation. With China, East Asia is home to the most important country in the world today that is rapidly modernizing while attempting to remain authoritarian.

“This book does an excellent job of exploring the explanatory power of multiple theoretical frameworks such as modernism, democracy, and authoritarianism in East Asian political regimes. … This is a very informative and helpful addition to the existing scholarship on political economy and comparative politics in East Asia.” (Muhammad Hassan Bin Afzal, Democratization, November 11, 2019)
“The field has become increasingly crowded, but there is no doubt in my mind that Thompson’s latest book is one of the few that is a ‘must read.’ … we can be grateful to Thompson for this volume and look forward to seeing more of the same.” (Journal of Contemporary Asia, August 5, 2019)

ISBN: 9781137511669

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

130 pages

1st ed. 2019