Authoritarian Modernism in East Asia

Description

Following Barrington Moore Jr., this book raises doubts about modernization theory’s claim that an advanced economy with extensive social differentiation is incompatible with authoritarian rule. Authoritarian modernism in East Asia (Northeast and Southeast Asia) has been characterized by economically reformist but politically conservative leaders who have attempted to learn the “secrets” of authoritarian rule in modern society. They demobilize civil society while endeavoring to establish an “ethical” form of rule and claim reactionary culturalist legitimation. With China, East Asia is home to the most important country in the world today that is rapidly modernizing while attempting to remain authoritarian. Front Matter ....Pages i-xiii Introduction (Mark R. Thompson)....Pages 1-17 Discovering Authoritarian Modernism: Secrets of the State (Mark R. Thompson)....Pages 19-39 Becoming Authoritarian Modern: Escaping the Modernization Trap (Mark R. Thompson)....Pages 41-59 Learning Authoritarian Modernism: China’s “Singapore Model” (Mark R. Thompson)....Pages 61-75 Legitimizing Authoritarian Modernism: Reactionary Culturalism (Mark R. Thompson)....Pages 77-93 Conclusion (Mark R. Thompson)....Pages 95-104 Back Matter ....Pages 105-130