The Political Dimensions of the Asian Crisis

The Political Dimensions of the Asian Crisis covers new ground by focusing on the politics of what has generally been taken to be an economic crisis. Rising above a strictly academic interpretation, politicians, journalists and NGO professionals lend their voices in this first critical and insider scrutiny of the political aspects of the Asian crisis.

This book re-examines the setbacks of the Asian economic miracle and argues that, in addition to economic and financial factors, there were also political causes. Corruption, electoral irregularities, a dependent judiciary, unfree media and an underdeveloped civil society characterize less-than-democratic polities. It is argued that these features, which are shared by most of the crisis economics, constituted political causes which contributed significantly to the crash and the ensuing “contagion,” and have also prolonged the crisis. Due to the interlinkage of politics and the economy, transparency and accountability are not only fundamental requirements for a consolidated democracy, but they also form the essence for the competitive functioning of national economies.

The prospects for democracy are assessed by asking a series of pertinent questions. Will the separation of business from politics be the key to resolving the corruption in countries such as Indonesia and South Korea? Or will fundamental constitutional reform also be required to ensure further democratization and political stability, as with Thailand’s new constitution? Or will the push for reform by civil society actors be crucial for Malaysia’s development? Will Indonesia disintegrate and ASEAN follow suit? What are the regional and international implications? Is democratic reform crucial for the region’s sustainable recovery? How have efforts fared to date?

The verdict: democracy has made some gains in the region. Far from posing a hurdle to economic development, democratization and economic progress can go hand in hand.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Preface by Sam Rainsy

Introduction

by Uwe Johannen, James Gomez and Jirgen Rudolph

Part I : The Political Causes of the Asian Crisis

by Jirgen Rudolph

Part II : Framing the Political Dimension of the Asian Crisis Conference Summary

The Asian Crisis : Political Responses to the Problem

by Raul Daza

Asia : Down But Not Out

by Bhichai Rattakul

Part III : The Political Underpinnings of the Asian Crisis

South Korean Politics and Economy : An Agenda for Action

by Yang Sang Chul

Beyond Economics : The Politics of the Crisis

by Hussin Mutalib

A Slow March Towards Political Pluralism

by Barry Wain

Summary of Discussion : Plenary Session 1

Part IV : Political Democratic Reforms

Taiwan : Not a Full-fledged Democracy Yet

by Wu Nai-jen

Thailand After the Crisis : The Challenges of Globalisation

by Abhisit Vejjama

A Changing Korea : Political Responses to the Crisis

by Kim Sang Woo

Reconstituting Political Participants in Thailand

by Anek Loothamatas

Political Reform in Indonesia : Taking the Democatic Path

by Ryaas Raysid

Summary of Discussion : Plennary Session Two

Part V : Global and Regional Implications of the Asian Crisis - A change for the Philippines

by Felicito Payumo

The Long Hard Road Towards Political Reform in Asia

Michael Vatkiokits

The Asian Crisis : An Opportunity for Political Reform

Martin Lee

Summary of Discussion : Plenary Session 3

Part VI : A Political Evaluation of the Asian Crisis : Prospects for Democracy

James Gomez

Published and distributed in Singapore in 2001.                                          By Select Publishing Pte, Ltd.                                                                        In association with Friedrich Naumann Foundation

ISBN 981-4022-10-1

To order, please go to the select books website: www.selectbooks.com.sg