The 1990s have witnessed the ascendance of a new orthodoxy which asserts that democracy and development are mutually reinforcing. However, many new democracies are illiberal, non-participatory, and characterized by enormous inequalities. This important new study examines the extent to which it is possible to strive towards a new form of developmental state that can promote broad-based and equitable development in the context of legitimized, inclusive democracy.

What does the East Asian welfare model actually offer, and does it really exist? In this study of the subject, the authors explore the experiences of six societies in East Asia and examine the realities behind the political rhetoric. The role of the state within welfare systems is compared via case studies of pensions, health insurance, housing and personal social services.

For many politicians and observers in the West, East Asia has provided a broad range of positive images of the state's intervention in society. Neoliberals grew excited by popular welfare systems that cost little in expenditure and bureaucracy. Social-democrats thought they had found a model for social cohesion and equality. In fact the reality in East Asia is rather different from these stereotypes.
In this book six specialists of six different societies in East Asia (Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Singapore and Hong Kong) examine the role of the state in their welfare systems. There...

Presents ten tales featuring Lord Bau, a wise judge who was a champion of righteousness and protector of the weak against the powerful.