This book analyzes the formal constitutional changes that have recently taken place in the Asia-Pacific region, embracing the countries of East and South East Asia and the Pacific Island states. In examining the different constitutional systems in the region, it asks several key questions: What constitutional arrangements operate in the region and how can their fundamental differences be explained? How do social, political and economic factors limit the effectiveness of the existing constitution? What lessons are gained for the practice of constitutionalism elsewhere?

This study analyzes the ways in which political elites use the idea of "tradition" to legitimize certain practices and institutions. Within this framework, case studies focus on constitutional development and the chiefly power in Fiji, the monarchy and the Pro-Democracy Movement in Tonga, and the political issues surrounding the move to universal suffrage in Western Samoa. The book provides a critical approach to the political implications of romanticizing non-Western cultural traditions, especially in terms of democratic development.

This book describes and critically analyses the formal constitutional changes that have recently taken place in the Asia-Pacific region, embracing the countries of East and South East Asia and Pacific Island states. In examining the variety amongst constitutional systems operating in the region, it asks several key questions: What constitutional arrangements operate in the region and how can their fundamental differences in structure and operation be explained? How do social, political and economic factors limit the effects of the constitution in place? What lessons exist for the practice of...

This book, edited by Samuel Kim, presents the first sustained analysis of Korea's globalization and its ramifications for all aspects of the Korean state and society. Combining a broader conceptual framework with illustrative case studies, the authors critically probe the promise and performance and the myths and realities of Korea's globalization drive. More broadly, they examine how Korea, as a newly industrialized and newly democratizing country, is coping with the twin challenges of democratic consolidation from below and within and globalization from above and without.

The financial crises across Asia in 1997-98 ignited fierce debate about domestic economic weaknesses and flaws in the international financial system. Some analysts blamed Asian governments for inadequate prudential supervision, widespread failures of corporate governance and even "crony capitalism." Others assailed the inherent instability of global financial markets and what they considered to be hasty and ill-conceived liberalization taken at the behest of western-dominated international financial institutions. In this volume a distinguished group of political scientists, economists, and...

Arguing for a strategy that promises to achieve greater regional stability, this overview of security relations in the Asia-Pacific finds that current approaches by policy-makers increase the likelihood of conflict. Instead, it proposes that a strategy of "convergent security" be adopted to build an enduring regional security framework. As a concise survey of key approaches to international relations, the volume considers relevant historical and contemporary empirical issues as well. The authoritative and broad-ranging survey is designed for a wide range of analysts and students of Asian...

Globalization has created challenges and opportunities which all countries have to grapple with. Yongnian Zheng explores how China's leaders have embraced global capitalism and market-oriented modernization by encouraging individual enterprise and the reform of economic institutions. While open to importing Western ideas in rebuilding the economic system, the same leaders have been reluctant to import Western concepts of democracy and the rule of law. Zheng argues that, ultimately, this selectivity will impede China's progress in becoming a modern nation state.

Arguing for a strategy that promises to achieve greater regional stability, this overview of security relations in the Asia-Pacific finds that current approaches by policy-makers increase the likelihood of conflict. Instead, it proposes that a strategy of "convergent security" be adopted to build an enduring regional security framework. As a concise survey of key approaches to international relations, the volume considers relevant historical and contemporary empirical issues as well. The authoritative and broad-ranging survey is designed for a wide range of analysts and students of Asian...

This book examines the recent rapid economic expansion in Thailand, and in Southeast Asia more generally. In a highly original argument, Unger considers the unique organization of Thai society, and the impact this has had on the country's institutions, and their political and economic outcomes. Unger takes an interdisciplinary approach, building on the literatures of social capital and embedded autonomy. The book's general, comparative discussion of social infrastructure is supplemented by case studies of specific sectors.