| Rapid economic growth and socioeconomic change in East Asia inspired political liberalization throughout the region. To what extent will political liberalization result in democratic consolidation? This research argues that Asian democracy is evolving into a distinctly different form than its counterpart in the West. Through a cultural constructionist approach, this work examines the relationships among culture, economic development, and politics in seven East Asian states. The theoretical framework consists of a synthesis of the developmental state literature, the theories of culture, and elite theory. Asian political and economic systems manifest a varied mix of traditionalism and modernity, both of which are necessary for cultural continuity.; Asian political elites quest for political stability and rapid economic growth required the use of modern and traditional symbols. A delicate balance of modernity and tradition lies at the heart of Asian modern political development. Gemeinschaft embodies traditionalism in modernity, while economic growth and consumerism represent modern tools of legitimation. Due to the elites' success at mobilizing modern and traditional symbols, they shaped democracy with an elitist bent. Evidence of democratic consolidation points to weak party systems and conservative dominance. Left-of-center parties remain systematically under-resourced and weak. This is not an accident, but a deliberate product of the interaction of rapid industrialization, culture, and the state. The patterns of democratic consolidation will be unlike that experienced in Western history. |
