Korean Politics: The Quest for Democratization and Economic Development / Edition 1

by John Kie-Chiang Oh

Overview

Extraordinary political and economic changes have rocked the Republic of Korea over the past fifty years. John Oh, a Korean-born political scientist, has written a clear and insightful account of government and politics throughout this turbulent period. His chronological and thematic study analyzes both the conflicts between authoritarian forces and populist/democratic elements and the nation's determined efforts to achieve economic growth.

In relating Korea's transformation to a democratic society and an industrial state, Oh explains how the country's politics and economy are interrelated. He covers the launching of the first democratic republic, the emergence of military regimes, and the growth of the middle class and the civil society. He also reveals the causes of collusion between political and economic groups which led to corruption, structural anomalies, and economic crises.

Korean Politics is the first English-language book to draw on original Korean-language sources including testimonies from the trials of former presidents in its analysis of their military-dominated governments. The book concludes with succinct discussions on the first peaceful transfer of power to an opposition leader, Kim Dae-jung. Timely and authoritative, it is an ideal classroom text and an indispensable reference on contemporary Korea.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780801484582
Publisher:	Cornell University Press
Publication date:	02/15/1999
Series:	Cornell Paperbacks Series
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.75(d)
Lexile:	1580L (what's this?)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Ohn Kie-Chiang is Banigan Professor of Politics Emeritus at Catholic University of America and author of Korea: Democracy on Trial, also from Cornell.

Editorial Reviews

A sound and solidly researched volume.... Information which has up to now been available primarily in periodicals and daily newspapers is woven neatly into a narrative which is thankfully jargon-free.

International Affairs

Oh draws on an impressive range of Korean-language material to tell the story of what really went on behind the formal scenes of South Korean politics.... He provides an exciting and stimulating account of the way successive South Korean leaders have ran the country for the benefit of themselves, their small supporting group and wider business interests. The style is engaging and clear, encouraging the reader on, and even those who have little background in South Korean politics will find the story clear and easy to follow, making the book a good introduction for the newcomer, and required reading for those who think they understand the South Korean political scene.

Asian Affairs

Do we need two perspectives—that is economical and political—in understanding the interplay of democracy and economic growth in South Korean Politics?... I believe that Korean Politics is a valuable contribution through which these theoretical issues may be further pursued.

Review of Korean Studies

A lucid and sometimes dramatic story and analysis of overcoming aristocratic power, colonial rule, and military despotism in Korea from the 19th century to the present, with a balanced consideration of the successes and costs of recent explosive economic growth.... Recommended for academic libraries and for public libraries with substantial international affairs collections.

-- "Library Journal"

A sound and solidly researched volume.... Information which has up to now been available primarily in periodicals and daily newspapers is woven neatly into a narrative which is thankfully jargon-free.

-- "International Affairs"

Ambitious and well-written.... This book... covers a broad scope, from traditional society to the recent economic crisis of 1997 and the presidential election of 1998... Highly recommended for Korea specialists and may be of interest to the general reader because of its rich information about South Korea.

-- "Journal of Asian Studies"

Do we need two perspectives--that is economical and political--in understanding the interplay of democracy and economic growth in South Korean Politics?... I believe that Korean Politics is a valuable contribution through which these theoretical issues may be further pursued.

-- "Review of Korean Studies"

Oh draws on an impressive range of Korean-language material to tell the story of what really went on behind the formal scenes of South Korean politics.... He provides an exciting and stimulating account of the way successive South Korean leaders have ran the country for the benefit of themselves, their small supporting group and wider business interests. The style is engaging and clear, encouraging the reader on, and even those who have little background in South Korean politics will find the story clear and easy to follow, making the book a good introduction for the newcomer, and required reading for those who think they understand the South Korean political scene.

-- "Asian Affairs"

From the Publisher

"Ambitious and well-written.... This book... covers a broad scope, from traditional society to the recent economic crisis of 1997 and the presidential election of 1998... Highly recommended for Korea specialists and may be of interest to the general reader because of its rich information about South Korea."

Journal of Asian Studies

Oh, author of Korea: Democracy on Trial (1968), a standard monograph, here provides a lucid and sometimes dramatic story and analysis of overcoming aristocratic power, colonial rule, and military despotism in Korea from the 19th century to the present, with a balanced consideration of the successes and costs of recent explosive economic growth. Oh credits the eventual democratic achievements to Korea's tradition of popular involvement in "righteous uprisings," the constitutional structure and expectations left by the American occupation, the creation of an educated middle class during the boom of the 1970s and 1980s, and the perseverence of many individuals. Political and economic theory is tucked into the narrative, with useful references to the literature. Korean democratization, while still provisional, is especially worth wider appreciation because of the debate over authoritarianism and economic development in Asia, from Singapore to China. Recommended for academic libraries and for public libraries with substantial international affairs collections.--Charles Hayford, Univ. of Iowa

Library Journal