Rising East Asia: The Quest for Governance, Prosperity, and Security

Rising East Asia by Chien-pin Li helps readers understand the dynamic changes to China, Japan, and Korea since the end of World War II. Although the three countries have experienced stellar economic growth, there have also been shifts in political dynamics, social order, and security landscapes. To help people understand the past and present of the region, and develop well-informed opinions about its future, Li offers a book for East Asian Politics courses that reflects interdisciplinary collaboration—one that brings the scholarly debate in comparative politics and international relations to bear on the rich information and knowledge accumulated from East Asian studies. Each section is organized around the pursuit of three policy goals:  economic prosperity, political governance, and national security. Whatever their position may be, the future of the region is likely to have major impacts on the rest of the world. 

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgments About the Author Introduction Themes: Policy Goals Explanatory Variables Organization and Approach Discussion Questions Chapter 1 China: the Foundations People and Geography The Historical Roots China in the Age of Imperialism China in the Republican Era Discussion Questions Chapter 2 Political Governance in China From the Soviet Model to Mao’s Radicalized Politics: 1949–1977 Initial Phase of the Post-Mao Reforms: 1978–1992 Political Governance in the Reform Era: 1992–Present Governing Institutions The State–Civil Society Relations Village Elections Discussion Questions Chapter 3 China’s Pursuit of Economic Prosperity Economic Development in the Pre-Reform Era: 1949–1977 The Reform Era: 1978–Present An Analysis of China’s Growth Discussion Questions Chapter 4 China’s Pursuit of National Security Security Goals and Strategies Security Institutions and Policy Making Internal Security External National Security Discussion Questions Chapter 5 Japan: the Foundations People and Geography The Historical Roots Building a Modern State Discussion Questions Chapter 6 Political Governance in Japan Occupation and Reconstruction: 1945–1952 Governance under the 1955 System: 1952–1993 The 1993 System: 1993–Present Governing Institutions The State-Civil Society Relations Discussion Questions Chapter 7 Japan’s Pursuit of Economic Prosperity From Ruins to Bubble: 1945–1989 The Post-Bubble Era: 1990–Present Discussion Questions Chapter 8 Japan’s Pursuit of National Security Security Goals and Strategies Security Institutions and Policy Making Japan-U.S. Security Relations Japan-China Security Relations Discussion Questions Chapter 9 Korea: the Foundations People and Geography The Historical Roots Colonial Korea: 1910–1945 Discussion Questions Chapter 10 Political Governance in South Korea The U.S. Military Government: 1945–1948 Governance under the Authoritarian Regime: 1948–1987 Governance in the Democratic Era: 1987–Present Governing Institutions Political Parties The State-Civil Society Relations Discussion Questions Chapter 11 South Korea’s Pursuit of Economic Prosperity Growth under the Authoritarian Regime: 1948–1987 Growth in the Democratic Era: 1987–Present Discussion Questions Chapter 12 South Korea’s Pursuit of National Security Security Goals and Strategies Security Institutions and Policy Making Inter-Korean Security Relations South Korea–U.S. Security Relations Discussion Questions Appendices China: Timeline of Major Events since 1945 Japan: Timeline of Major Events since 1945 Korea: Timeline of Major Events since 1945 Bibliography Index