Public governance in Asia and the limits of electoral democracy
By: edited by Brian Bridges, Lok Sang Ho
Publisher: Edward Elgar
Published: 2009
Place of publication: Cheltenham, UK; Northampton, MA
Language: eng
Number of pages: 297
ISBN-13: 9781848446281
Description: "This book documents the search for a workable model of democracy in Asia. It explores the various forms of Asian democracy practiced to date, and indicates where these models may have failed or succeeded. Underpinned by extensive case studies, valuable insights into governance and democracy in Asia - arguably one of the most fascinating and dynamic regions in the world - are provided." "The contributors chart the historical development of democracy (or democratic aspirations) within their respective countries/territories, and analyse both the positive and the negative influences on democratization. They assess whether the particular form of democracy (or lack of, as the case may be) that has developed brings benefit or harm to the people living in the countries and why. The extent to which policy-making has been able to produce benefits for the population, regardless of the degree of democratic development, is then addressed. Finally, the book evaluates whether lessons can be learned from Asia's experiences with democracy for other areas of the world." "Concluding that sound governance mechanisms, in particular the rule of law, is the key to effective democratic systems, this book will strongly appeal to those with an interest in democracy, comparative politics, political economy and Asian studies and will be a timely reference or text in courses related to these areas."--Jacket.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Introduction: Democracy and governance / Lok Sang Ho and Brian Bridges; title: Public governance and the ideal of government for the people / Lok Sang Ho; title: Beyond electoral democracy : promoting good governance in East Asia / Baohui Zhang; title: Political reform and democratization in China under the leadership of Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao / Yiu-chung Wong; title: Japan : political longevity and troubled governance / Brian Bridges; title: Governance in federal India : democracy and economic development / Eric M. Jepsen; title: A short history of Taiwan's democracy movement / Byron S.J. Weng; title: Democratization in Hong Kong / Joseph Y.S. Cheng; title: Democracy and governance in Singapore : the sustainability of Singapore's political system / Lay Hwee Yeo; title: A long and winding road : democratization in Korea / Brian Bridges; title: Democracy, governance, and regime cycling in Thailand / William Case; title: Challenging the transitologist approach : Myanmar's troubled democratization process / Paul Chi-yuen Chan and Simon Shen; title: From Marcos to Arroyo; title: what went wrong for democracy in the Philippines? / James A. Rice; title: Conclusions: Towards more effective and better governance / Brian Bridges and Lok Sang Ho.